40 Affirmations for Neurodivergent Women

I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, and before even that, I suspected autism (and still do). Realizing that I’m neurodivergent has been the key that has unlocked many of the mysteries in my life, namely, why I felt so different from others my entire life.

But having that key hasn’t solved all my problems, unfortunately. There are still so many times that I wish connecting with others was easy, or that I didn’t have so many misgivings about people and social situations.

I still feel different, and I’m still working on how to navigate this on a regular basis. But for the time being, affirmations have helped.

In order to help validate my experience and give myself grace, I wrote up 40 positive affirmations for neurodivergent women, or even women who suspect they’re neurodivergent! If you are self-diagnosed ADHD or autistic, that is 100% valid!

Neurodivergent woman hyperfocused on her computer at home

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What it means to be neurodivergent

The neurodivergent experience is going to look different to each individual. But there are a lot of commonalities between the experiences of people with ADHD, autism, OCD, and similar mental conditions.

1. Masking

Masking is the act of hiding or suppressing natural, instinctive behaviors in order to avoid judgment and blend in with the neurotypical crowd. It typically causes exhaustion and even burnout after extended periods of masking.

2. Executive Functioning Challenges

Executive function is the ability to switch between tasks. Neurodivergent people, especially those with ADHD, can have difficult beginning and completing tasks. They may also experience planning difficulties and challenges with time management.

3. Sensory Sensitivities

It is very common for people with neurodivergence of any type to experience lights, textures, sounds, smells or other sensory input is over-stimulating. They might also fail to perceive some sensory things.

Stimming can help with self-regulation and handling the over-stimulation.

4. Emotional Dysregulation

Intense emotional responses of NDs might include everything from frustration to joy! But emotions can be exhausting and it can be difficult to rebound from emotional setbacks.

ND people may have heard that they’re “too sensitive” or “overreacting” their whole lives.

5. Hyperfocus and Special Interests

NDs can get very intense about their special topics, to the point where they have difficulty shifting away from they are deeply engaged in or passionate about.

6. Feeling misunderstood by others

It’s common for NDs to wear many different labels throughout their lives, like lazy, stuck-up (people assumed I was stuck up all the time), too much, or weird. It’s also common that NTs (and even some NDs who are less open-minded) offer unhelpful advice.

Other Common Experiences

Burnout, perfectionism, shame, feeling like a burden, and internalized ableism are among the other things a neurodivergent person might experience.