In my practice at QC Psych Testing, PLLC, I often encounter the core conflict faced by neurodivergent individuals: the constant pressure to behave, think, and communicate as if they were neurotypical. We’ve talked a lot about the immense energy spent on masking—the effort to suppress natural Autistic traits or ADHD-driven behaviors just to fit in.

This brings up a crucial question about how we design our schools, workplaces, and social settings. The answer lies in a simple, foundational principle: Treating neurotypical people as if they are neurodivergent doesn't hurt them, but treating neurodivergent people as if they are neurotypical actively harms them.

In adolescence, these symptoms can be easily mistaken for other issues. A girl who is struggling academically might be labeled as "lazy" or "not trying hard enough." Her social struggles might be dismissed as shyness or social awkwardness. The internal turmoil of constantly feeling overwhelmed, disorganized, and misunderstood is often mistaken for anxiety, depression, or a personality trait rather than a neurodevelopmental condition. Complicating things even further, girls often tend to respond more strongly to social pressures to conform, leading to perfectionistic tendencies that also mask ADHD symptoms.

Burnout is a serious signal from your brain and body that something needs to change. For adults with ADHD, that signal is often louder and requires a more nuanced, compassionate approach to recovery.