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Change of Approach
Guide for Neurodivergent indivuduals who is facing the side effects of stigma
DetaIiled information for neurodiverent who facing side effects on being mistreated through stigma or feels typecasted
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1. What happens when you become mentally and emotionally compromised
When you find yourself feeling mentally or emotionally compromised, it is essential to establish boundaries quickly. End the dialogue with the person involved and remove yourself from the situation.
If the issue arises during travel or at a specific location you have arranged to attend, you must respond assertively and reasonably. This may include following clear procedural steps to stop any hostility or mistreatment from escalating, while remaining calm and not displaying heightened emotion.
It is important to recognise that the situation could worsen, and you may be at risk of becoming the target of antagonistic behaviour. Even if the other person has caused you distress, you could still be unfairly blamed based purely on perception.
If you have not previously been encouraged to be assertive or to stand up for yourself, it is very important to learn and practise doing so calmly and without emotional escalation.
No matter how experienced you are, being assertive and standing up for yourself can sometimes lead to abuse, bullying, or attempts to frame you as the problem. Therefore, it is vital to be prepared (not only for possible consequences but also with clear procedures, including worst-case scenarios) to prevent escalation and to ensure your emotional response is not used against you.
You must create firm boundaries and personal limits to reduce the likelihood of facing the same negative situation again. You may encounter labels such as being perceived as awkward or difficult. However, protecting your mental stability is more important than allowing others to undermine your coping mechanisms.
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2. When you are experiencing emotional burnout or irrational thinking
The first step is to identify your usual mindset, including how you normally think and feel when you are well. Once you recognise that your thoughts or emotions have shifted, you should take immediate steps to calm yourself and regain balance. Consider whether particular circumstances are building up in your mind or whether specific triggers have caused this change.
Change and move away if possible
Making prompt decisions is essential. This may include physically removing yourself from environments that are triggering psychological distress. Remaining in such environments may increase the risk of misunderstandings, which could lead to further difficulties, particularly in public or open spaces.
It is also important to pause or change any routine you are currently engaged in, in order to prevent negative thoughts and feelings from intensifying.
Access supportive remedies
Once you recognise that you are mentally or psychologically compromised, respond promptly by using a suitable calming strategy. Avoid remedies that cause drowsiness or impair your awareness.
The aim should be to stabilise your mood and prevent anxious or frustrating thoughts from escalating.
3. Rebalance Activities and Interests
Passions and interests are valuable, but they are healthiest when they include social connection. Engaging with others through shared activities fosters belonging, understanding and mutual respect.
Try to diversify your interactions and participate in a range of environments. Reducing excessive isolation around particular interests can prevent misunderstandings or negative assumptions. When activities are balanced with social engagement, they are more likely to be viewed positively and less likely to contribute to social isolation.
Intentional connection builds credibility and strengthens your place within the community.
4. Expressions & recovery
An anxious mindset can build up through unexpressed thoughts and frustration. To avoid internalising these feelings, consider using a digital note-taking app or journal to carry out a personal reflection on how you feel. This reflection should conclude with constructive goals or practical steps forward.
Any goals you set must be safe, constructive, and not harmful to yourself or others.
It is also important not to direct your frustration towards individuals or services that are unrelated to the cause of your distress. Inappropriate behaviour may lead to disciplinary action or restricted access to certain services.
Recovery
Recovery requires intentional routines and supportive procedures to help you process what you have experienced and expressed. You should also take steps to reduce the likelihood of repeating patterns of irrational or distressing thoughts.
Conclusion
For further information, you may wish to explore the online project “Don’t Underestimate”, which provides guidance on how neurodivergent individuals experience mental health, particularly those with hidden or less visible differences.
Useful Links
Elements of Value
The information and visual art project when explore the five elements towards high aspirations for hidden differences
Don't Underestimate
The information project on how mental health affect hidden differences and the positive ways forward.
Value & dignity
The information project which explore the most important element of high aspirations towards hidden differences. Their dignity and human rights.
Neurodiversity is not a problem to manage, it is a reality to respect.
By replacing stigma with understanding, we create a fairer and stronger society for everyone.
EXPLORE FURTHER
More from the Stop the Stigma project
Important reminder
The information for this project is for guidance and please use with any guides with caution to prevent any negative risks.
Plus Value Awareness and the Project Director cannot be responsible for any errors who may occour
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