GHA
Well-Known Member
Across decades of observation, I’ve seen two very different neurodivergent lives unfold under the same roof. My son is high-functioning, with a strong professional track record and a life that, while not without challenges, is deeply fulfilling. He was diagnosed in Singapore and has only ever had two visits with a psychiatrist.
My daughter’s path is different. She is married to an extremely understanding neurotypical husband. She had a normal childhood timeline, good grooming, excellent eating etiquette, and high emotional intelligence. But she has always struggled with social skills, rigidity, sensory sensitivity to noise, and handling negative thoughts. I’ve been more protective of her than of my son. Over the years, she has seen psychiatrists and psychologists regularly, but without real benefit. Social media — especially TikTok — has added complexity; her content creation has become an obsession, with too much weight placed on validation through likes. She has meltdown. Very recently she had schizophrenic attacks.
So when I see comments that disagree with my posts, I can relate — because I know from my own family that neurodivergence exists on an enormous spectrum. Each journey is different, each mind has its own wiring. I still believe my daughter can make her life better, but for that, she needs to start opening up and sharing. Without that, it’s like navigating in the dark — even for those who care most.
My daughter’s path is different. She is married to an extremely understanding neurotypical husband. She had a normal childhood timeline, good grooming, excellent eating etiquette, and high emotional intelligence. But she has always struggled with social skills, rigidity, sensory sensitivity to noise, and handling negative thoughts. I’ve been more protective of her than of my son. Over the years, she has seen psychiatrists and psychologists regularly, but without real benefit. Social media — especially TikTok — has added complexity; her content creation has become an obsession, with too much weight placed on validation through likes. She has meltdown. Very recently she had schizophrenic attacks.
So when I see comments that disagree with my posts, I can relate — because I know from my own family that neurodivergence exists on an enormous spectrum. Each journey is different, each mind has its own wiring. I still believe my daughter can make her life better, but for that, she needs to start opening up and sharing. Without that, it’s like navigating in the dark — even for those who care most.
