Introduction

Neurodivergents often possess unique strengths and affinities that can lead to exceptional skills and passions. However, when these strengths are overused or passions turn into hyper-fixations, they can have a detrimental impact on one’s well-being and relationships.

The Double-Edged Sword of Strengths Overuse

For many autistics and ADHDers, innate strengths such as intense curiosity can become double-edged swords. When this curiosity is overused, it might border on intrusiveness. Such strengths overuse is particularly tricky to identify and manage because it stems from what are fundamentally positive traits.

The Compulsive Nature of Hyper-Fixation

One common strength that is overused by autistics and ADHDers is hyper-focus. Initially, focusing intensely on a specific interest can be highly beneficial, providing comfort, pleasure, and a sense of achievement. However, such hyper-fixation can eventually dominate one’s time, energy, and financial resources.

Dopamine Regulation and the Need for Stimulation

According to psychologist Tony Attwood, hyper-focus in autistics can lead to behavior similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), especially under stress. This compulsivity can make the interest seem irresistible, necessary for emotional restoration and relaxation. ADHDers often use hyper-focus to regulate dopamine, a crucial neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and attention that is chronically depleted in this population. Techniques like the “many mountains approach” involve constantly seeking new challenges to maintain a temporary dopamine boost. Similarly, the “many irons approach” involves multitasking and managing several projects at once to maintain a steady “drip feed” of dopamine.

Workaholism: When Passion Becomes Obsession

Workaholism among neurodivergents often manifests as a severe form of hyper-fixation. Characterized by an overwhelming focus on work, it leads to long hours and a neglect of personal life, often driven by an internal compulsion rather than external demands. Such behavior not only disrupts personal health and relationships but also perpetuates a harmful cycle where self-worth becomes tied exclusively to productivity and achievements.

The Risks of Toxic Productivity

For some neurodivergents, work becomes a coping mechanism to deal with internalized ableism and a sense of inadequacy. This overemphasis on productivity can lead to toxic productivity, where one’s identity and self-worth become solely linked to work output. This state not only fosters an unhealthy relationship with work but also reinforces a contingent self-worth, deeply entwined with performance metrics.

The Dopamine Crash and Its Aftermath

The intense engagement in work or interests provides a steady dopamine supply, which can abruptly drop when the activity ceases. This “dopamine crash” can result in withdrawal-like symptoms, including anxiety and depression. Such episodes can significantly impact one’s mental health, leading to existential crises and a profound sense of emptiness.

Concluding Thoughts

Understanding and managing the effects of strengths overuse and hyper-fixation in neurodivergence are critical for maintaining a balanced and healthy life. It requires a conscious effort to monitor one’s activities and their impact, ensuring that passions and strengths are harnessed positively without leading to burnout.