Why My Inner-Dialogue is Like A Dysfunctional Talk Show: Neurodivergent Struggles Exposed

Why My Inner-Dialogue is Like A Dysfunctional Talk Show: Neurodivergent Struggles Exposed

Hey there, fellow neurodivergent warriors! Welcome back to another episode of "Meltdown Mondays Club," where we say "nope" to neurotypical nonsense and embrace our wonderfully wired brains. I’m your host, the ever-cluttered mind behind the blog and your go-to guide for all things unexpectedly awesome. Grab your favorite stim toy or weighted blanket because today we're diving into one of our most intimate (and often chaotic) experiences – the inner-dialogue.

The Inner-Dialogue: It’s Complicated

Let’s get one thing straight: The inner-dialogue for most neurotypicals is like a somewhat organized boardroom meeting. For us, it’s more like a dysfunctional talk show where everyone’s shouting over each other and the host has stepped out for coffee. Or tequila. Maybe both.

Neurotypicals, Who?

First, let’s break down what a "normal" inner-dialogue looks like. Neurotypicals, bless their uncomplicated souls, have a running commentary in their heads that helps with planning, self-regulation, and other adulting activities. Now, picture my inner-dialogue. It’s a cat meme interspersed with snippets of my grocery list and a reminder that I forgot to turn off the stove (okay, who hasn't?).

Visual Thinkers vs. Verbal Thinkers

Some of us neurodivergent folk don't even think in words. Queue the visual thinkers! Our thoughts are a Picasso painting—bright, abstract, and incomprehensible to anyone else. Ever had someone ask you, "What are you thinking?" and you just blurt out, "Triangles and the smell of lavender"? No? Just me? Cool.

Aphantasia – Where’s My Mind Theater?

Oh, and let’s not forget about aphantasia – the complete inability to summon images in one’s mind. While some people can visualize entire novels, we’re stuck with the equivalent of a dial-up internet connection spinning that buffering circle. Picture that, oh wait, you can't. 

Autistic Inner-Dialogue: The Remix

Now, let’s get into the nitty gritty of autistic inner-dialogue. For many of us on the spectrum, our inner-dialogue is like trying to decode Morse code in a hurricane. Complexity? Check. Atypicality? Double check. Sure, we might not always use traditional verbal inner monologues, but our thoughts are richly detailed—sometimes overwhelmingly so. Social situations? Don't even get me started. Trying to interpret conventional social cues with our unique inner-dialogue is like trying to read The Matrix with a crayon.

Dyslexia: Spelling It Out

And my dyslexic homies, where are you at? Your inner-dialogue is special too! Those pesky letters might jumble up in your head, but you've got a superpower in pattern recognition and thinking outside the box. Sure, our verbal monologues might look like a rogue Twitter feed, but who needs conventional spelling when you have creativity in spades?

Mental Health and the Inner Warzone

It’s not all fun and games, though. The chaos in our minds can contribute to difficulties in self-regulation and executive function. Just think about trying to follow a recipe when your mental chef keeps switching it to next week's meal plan. Talking to people? Our inner-commentary is either a full-blown roast fest or completely MIA, leading to those charming social misunderstandings we all love.

Embrace Your Neuro-Magic

So what's the takeaway here? Our inner-dialogue, though non-traditional, is a part of our neurodivergent magic. It might be a dysfunctional talk show, but hey, it's OUR talk show! Own it, laugh about it, maybe write a blog post on it – oh wait, I just did!

Wear Your Neurodiversity Loud and Proud

For those days when your inner-dialogue is being extra spunky, we’ve got merch to match your mood. Check out our new line of neurodivergent gear that screams, "Yes, I’m chaotic, but I’m also brilliant!"