Autistic and ADHD individuals are a valid minority group, with consistent research demonstrating higher prevalence of adverse childhood experiences and social trauma including bullying, discrimination, and exclusion (Spicer et al., 2024). These experiences are key contributing factors for higher rates of mental health challenges seen in Autistic and ADHD individuals (Lai et al., 2019; Frank et al., 2018). In aim of creating change, greater awareness and utilisation of protective factors for Autistic and ADHD individuals aligned with the Neurodiversity Affirming paradigm is needed, shifting the view to be centred on valuing the importance of individual differences and diversity (Walker, 2014). This presentation delivered by two Autistic and ADHD Psychologists focuses on the protective role of neurotype identification, positive identity, and connection to the neurodivergent community across the lifespan from pregnancy to adulthood. 

There will be a key emphasis on how the utilisation of protective factors can provide a buffering effect from social trauma and highlight the use of affirming trauma focused interventions, such as Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR). It will explore contemporary research including Double Empathy (Milton, 2012), self-compassion (Neff, 2003), early identification and identity (Barbaro et al., 2022), and peer connection (Crompton et al., 2020) as vital components in building attunement, understanding, and positive experiences within Autistic and ADHD families. The historical and current challenges faced by Autistic and ADHD individuals, including how previous interventions and societal attitudes have caused trauma will be included. Importantly it will cover how both social change and direct support can be provided to not only reduce trauma’s impact but reduce the occurrences in future generations.  This session aligns with trauma-informed practices by focusing on protective elements that support recovery and resilience in Autistic and ADHD families, reinforcing the need for systemic change at individual and societal levels.

Defiance, opposition, pathalogical demand avoidance, are symptoms rather than diagnoses. They are behaviours resulting from a mix of genetic, physiological and psychological protective mechanisms. Understanding how these mechanisms function and interact is essential to learning how to best support these individuals throughout their development and ongoing lives. 

Utilising the Internal Family Systems model I provide an understanding of the psychological protective process of defiance which is helping parents, educators and support services to support these individuals. Through understanding, external and self expectations can be restructured and appropriate supports can be provided for the individual and those caring for them.

Our self-concept is shaped from our early childhood, developmental, and relational experiences. But what if your existence or sense of ‘self’ was traumatically, genetically, and environmentally marked from the antenatal developmental period in addition to generationally? Kimberley has spoken about her lived experiences as the product of a rape at the UNCC in Bangkok Thailand as well as other platforms, highlighting the transformative power that can come from sharing and embracing stories of adversity. Importantly, her story is one that is shared through her Mother’s strength and resilience.

Embarking on a journey to explore the impact precognitive trauma; trauma experienced before 18 months of age including during conception and birth, has had on her worldview, Kimberley draws from her knowledge of trauma, attachment, and neuroscience to narrate the healing, purpose, and meaning she has begun to discover including the questions she still has in relation to the human condition. Her story includes the turning point from early exposure to domestic violence, developmental delays, regressive and problematic behaviours that occurred during her primary and secondary schooling as well as the impact this had on her mental wellness, to becoming a global youth ambassador for Humanitarian Affairs Asia. 

As an adult, Kimberley received diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder which added another layer of shame and understanding in her lifelong journey. Importantly, Kimberley reflects on how her lived experiences have benefited and challenged her as a mental health practitioner who often works with complex developmental and relational trauma. 

Kimberley dedicates this presentation to the strong mothers, parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals who serve as the role models, mentors, and attachment figures for vulnerable children and young people. That one adult who believes in you as a child when you cannot believe in yourself truly makes a difference.