“Human beings are wired to connect – and we have the most complex and interesting social behaviour out of all animals.” Dr Michael Platt (biological anthropologist)
We are wired in such a way that our well-being depends on our connections with others. Connection is essential to survival, and also to having a high performing brain and balanced mental health. Being connected and acknowledged by our social group is hugely important to our happiness and wellness as humans are social creatures.
Emotional and social connections can be problematic for neurodiverse people. Neurodiverse individuals often experience challenges with emotional and social connection, social difficulties, and social rejection. Some of this is a result of symptomatic behaviours (impulsivity, inattention, hyperactivity), and some of it is a result of perceptions and misunderstanding of those behaviours. Negative social and emotional connection experiences often cause emotional pain and are believed to contribute to co-morbid mood and anxiety disorders.
Join Dr Soracha Cashman, Cognitive Neuropsychologist, in this brief Neuro Insights module to learn a little more about connection and why it can be a challenge for those with EF difficulties…but one we can improve on.
Key takeaways:
- What is Empathy?
- How does Social Pain manifest in the brain?
- The Neurodiverse Self
- How can we build Social Intelligence?
- Self-awareness, compassion and the difference they can make to connections