Honouring Your Needs as a Neurodiverse Person
Honouring your needs is a rare skill.
Honouring your needs can transform your life!
Most people aren’t taught how to truly listen to their bodies, and for those of us who are neurodiverse, this can be especially challenging. Many environments simply aren’t designed with our heightened senses, deep focus, and unique ways of processing the world in mind.
So, what happens? We push through. We try to fit in. And in the process, we often ignore the signs that something isn’t working for us.
When Your Body Says No
Have you ever walked away from a situation feeling completely drained, irritable, or on the edge of a headache? Maybe you get that sinking, cringey feeling whenever you think about a certain task or social interaction. Perhaps you get a pain in your tummy. Or even “prickles” on your skin.
That’s your body sending you a message.
But many of us have been taught to override those messages—to force ourselves into uncomfortable situations just to meet expectations that weren’t designed for us.
The Cost of Masking
One of the biggest energy drains for neurodiverse people is masking. Masking means consciously or unconsciously hiding traits that might make you stand out—forcing eye contact, mimicking social cues, or suppressing stimming (repetitive movements or sounds that help with self-regulation).
It’s exhausting. And over time, masking can lead to burnout.
But what if you didn’t have to fight against yourself?
Honouring Your Needs
Instead of trying to fit into an environment that wasn’t built for you, you can create a rhythm that truly supports your wellbeing.
Struggle with back-to-back meetings? Schedule buffer time to recharge between them.
Find noisy spaces overwhelming? Noise-cancelling headphones, a quiet workspace, or remote work options can make a huge difference.
Need movement to focus? Stimming—whether it’s tapping your fingers, bouncing your leg, or using a fidget toy—is a valid and helpful way to regulate your energy.
When you listen to your body’s signals, you can make choices that honour your needs, rather than forcing yourself into a mould that doesn’t fit.
It’s Okay to Be Different
Your differences aren’t flaws—they’re part of what makes you you. Instead of pushing yourself to exhaustion trying to meet expectations that don’t serve you, try experimenting with what actually feels good.
Give yourself permission to rest, to stim, to set boundaries, to be unapologetically yourself.
Because when you stop fighting against who you are, you make space for a life that truly supports you.
You Deserve Support
Honouring your needs isn’t always easy—especially in a world that often expects you to conform. But the more you listen to yourself, the more you create a life that feels right for you.
What’s one small way you can honour your needs today? I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to share in the comments or reflect on it for yourself. 💛
Would you like my help?
I offer Radiance Coaching to support my clients to shine because they are different!
