
Specializing in Neurodiversity
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Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity describes the natural variation of neurological differences in the human brain. Neurodivergence takes many forms, including high sensitivity, high intelligence and giftedness, Attention-Deficit-Disorders as ADHD and ADD and high-functioning Asperger's autism (AS).
High Sensitivity or Hypersensitivity
High sensitivity or hypersensitivity is a personality trait discovered in 1996 by the American psychotherapist, depth psychologist, and pioneering researcher Elaine N. Aron (1944). This trait, scientifically proven, accounts for 15 to 20 percent of the population.
At its core, highly sensitive people (HSPs) are characterized by a different, very fine, more intense perception and have a very sensitive nervous system. They perceive others, groups, and teams more consciously. They sense feelings, moods, energies, intuitions, and dynamics that go unnoticed by others. Their sensory impressions are more intense and complex. Highly sensitive people process information faster and more thoroughly.
The bright side of high sensitivity is the gifts and talents of sensitive intuition. The dark side of high sensitivity is the difficulties and challenges, as this can often lead to a nervous sensory overload. If not well integrated, this sensitive trait can lead to emotional wear and tear, exhaustion, disappointment, and failure, even in the workplace. Therefore, awareness of their traits is essential for highly sensitive people.
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High Intelligence & Giftedness
Giftedness is a person's intellectual ability that is far above average. The so-called intelligence quotient (IQ), which can be determined using an intelligence test, traditionally serves as a measure of cognitive abilities and a benchmark for giftedness. An IQ of 130 or higher is considered gifted. A good 2% of the population is considered gifted. That is, two or three out of 100 people. Most people achieve an average IQ score between 85 and 115 on the test (68% of the population). An IQ between 116 and 129 is considered above-average intelligence (14% of the population).
How giftedness manifests itself varies from person to person. Partial giftedness may be evident in specific areas, such as exceptional mathematical, linguistic, or technical skills. In addition, there are various other potential talents, for example, in musical, athletic, social, or artistic areas.
The advantages of high intelligence include quick comprehension. Highly gifted people question things critically, are often very curious, have a strong willingness to learn and thirst for knowledge, are highly motivated to engage with new topics, have the ability to quickly grasp complex connections, solve complex problems intuitively, and often develop creative, innovative solutions.
Disadvantages can include social difficulties (isolation or the feeling of being misunderstood), under-challenge (boredom and demotivation), over-challenge (striving for perfection), the feeling of being different, or emotional challenges. The individual effects of giftedness depend, among other things, on the personal environment, the type of giftedness, and how one deals with one's own abilities.
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ADHD & ADD
ADHD is the abbreviation for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is characterized by persistent inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Approximately 2.5% to 4.7% of adults are affected by ADHD. Medication support may be considered for ADHD. ADD, or attention deficit disorder, is the little brother of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or syndrome).
The main difference between ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and ADD (attention deficit syndrome) is the presence or absence of hyperactivity and impulsivity. In ADHD, all three symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity) are present, whereas in ADD, hyperactivity and impulsivity are absent or less pronounced. People with ADD are unfocused and inattentive, but do not suffer from hyperactive behavioral disorders.
The disadvantages of ADHD include concentration problems, impulsivity, hyperactivity (inner restlessness), social difficulties, such as building and maintaining relationships, understanding and adhering to social rules, self-esteem problems such as self-doubt, anxiety and depressive moods due to failure and negative experiences, learning difficulties, and difficulty organizing tasks.
The advantages of ADHD include creativity (a vivid imagination, original ideas), spontaneity (responding to new situations, adapting quickly to changes), high energy levels, persistence in tasks, hyperfocus, and a unique perspective on the world that can be enriching for others.
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High-Functioning Asperger's Autism (AS)
Asperger's syndrome, also called high-functioning autism, differs from other autism spectrum disorders in that there is no cognitive or language development delay. On the contrary, most people with Asperger's syndrome have normal general intelligence, with particularly high intelligence in some areas.
One to three out of 1,000 people in Germany have Asperger's autism. About half of all people with high-functioning autism are thought to have ADHD. People with Asperger's autism can develop exceptional abilities in certain areas such as mathematics, science, or art. They often have a unique perspective on the world. Disadvantages of high-functioning autism include psychomotor abnormalities and difficulties in social interactions, such as understanding nonverbal cues and building relationships. Increased perception and sensitivity to certain stimuli and sensory impressions, as well as special processing skills, are also common.
Praxis Wandelatelier is a member of:
Network for High Sensitivity: https://hochsensibilitaets-netzwerk.com
Portal for Giftedness and Highly Gifted People: https://www.können-macht-spass.de