A recent article on the cross over between Autism and ADHD, known informally as AuDHD, peaked The Minded Teams attention. Libby Walanus, Minded Yoga Therapist, shared her thoughts on how yoga therapy can support those with the diagnosis.
The Guardian should be commended for their recent article’s respectful, encouraging, and nuanced view of people with a dual diagnosis of autism and ADHD (known informally as AuDHD). The article will feel relatable and validating to many of the high-masking, often high-achieving neurodivergent adults and young people who seek yoga therapy? for some of the same reasons that they sought diagnosis: self-understanding that can lead to self-compassion and self-acceptance.
Because concerns about ‘overdiagnosis’ persist, it is important to note that the 2013 DSM change allowing codiagnosis of autism and ADHD was made partly to prevent underdiagnosis of autism. Also, as the article states, AuDHDers (especially non-men) are frequently misdiagnosed with other conditions, such as bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. Mismanaging their symptoms medically or psychiatrically under incorrect diagnoses is likely to be more burdensome than any potential AuDHD misdiagnoses could be. Someone experiencing distress significant enough to qualify for diagnosis is someone in need of support rather than suspicion.
Besides the massive autism and ADHD symptom overlap mentioned in the article, AuDHD co-occurs frequently with trauma and eating disorders as well as other conditions, such as hypermobility, digestive problems, sleep disturbances, immune system issues, and mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. Well-trained yoga therapists and integrative yoga psychotherapists, such as those at The Minded Institute, can help clients create a more easeful life by weaving together professional recommendations and inner wisdom developed through yoga practices.
Whilst medical and psychiatric recognition and management of AuDHD are essential, yoga therapy can assist with underlying mind-body issues, such as the stress caused by the ‘push-pull’ between autistic and ADHD characteristics mentioned in the article. With or without a diagnosis, people with AuDHD traits can find support from yoga therapists trained to meet individuals ‘where they are’ and to address the whole person rather than a diagnosis. We are not ‘treating’ a condition, but rather cooperating with an individual to build awareness and skills toward overall wellbeing and personal empowerment.
