Autism, ADHD + Giftedness: Variable Trait Presentation Lifetime Graph
4-Page Download // With Graph Template to Identify + Plot Your Dominant Neurocomplex Trait Presentation (Autistic, ADHD, Giftedness) Over Your Lifetime. BONUS: Discussion Q's for Therapy/Coaching
Whether you’re new here or have been around for a while, you’re going to want to take some time with this essay. I’ll be taking my current working hypothesis on Neurocomplexity Variable Trait Presentation (from ADHD and Autism to Giftedness, depending on how resourced one is at any given time) and adding a defining framework as well as an experiential graph to visualize this presentation through a lifetime.
Ready? Let’s dig deeper.
My current working hypothesis:
(for review) Neurocomplex wiring, when well-resourced, takes on a similar presentation (and subjective experience, for some1) of what education psychology refers to as “Giftedness”. When under-resourced and/or in a period of "burnout", neurocomplexity takes on a similar presentation and subjective experience of what the DSM refers to as Autism and ADHD.
Thus, a Neurocomplex individual may not meet criteria for Autism and/or ADHD until later in life after or during a period of extensive burnout that has impacted (temporarily or permanently) their nervous system functioning in areas of executive functioning, verbal capacities, sensory processing, and social abilities—exposing these traits of complexity in a new way.
This essay includes:
Framework. A framework for conceptualizing well-resourced vs. under-resourced (and everything in between) based on the well-researched Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
Neurocomplexity Variable Trait Presentation Graph. A visual graph to illustrate when in life Neurocomplexity may have taken on more of a “Gifted” flavor (well-resourced) and when it may have aligned more with Autism and/or ADHD (under-resourced/burnout periods).
Case Study. Of a Neurocomplex lifetime in terms of the highest level of needs met at each age range and how these resourcing levels may have influenced trait expression from Autistic/ADHD dominance to Gifted dominance.
Download. A 4-Page download that provides instructions and a template to create your own lifetime Neurocomplex Variable Trait Presentation Graph based on your experiences thus far. BONUS: Discussion questions for self-exploration or to share with your therapist or coach!