Understanding Neurodiversity: Autism, OCD, and ADHD Challenges and Coping Strategies
Atlas Assistance Dogs recognizes that language is unique to the individual. While some individuals may prefer to use person-first language (e.g: person with a disability), others may prefer using identity first language (e.g: disabled person).
We also recognize that not all individuals who are diagnosed with the conditions we are discussing in this article will self-identify as neurodivergent or as disabled.
More and more individuals are receiving diagnoses of autism, OCD and ADHD, all of which fall under the umbrella of neurodiversity. In fact, research suggests that 15–20% of the world’s population may experience neurodivergence, including up to 10% with dyslexia, 6% with dyspraxia, 5% with ADHD, and 1–2% with autism. With an increasing number of Atlas Assistance Dogs’ clients identifying as neurodivergent, we strive to better understand Neurodiversity in order to better support our clients.
Neurodiversity is a term that describes the diverse ways in which brains can be wired and function. It includes (but is not limited to) conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). To explore these conditions, insights are drawn from two experts: Dr. August Stockwell and Michelle De Rosa, MA, LPC, NCC.
Key Concepts:
- Neurodiversity Model: Suggests that neurodivergent (ND) and neurotypical (NT) brain differences are natural variations. However, society is designed for NT individuals, causing ND people to face significant barriers or challenges.
- Sensory Processing: ND individuals often process sensory input differently. For example, a person with autism or ADHD might feel overwhelmed by the various stimuli in a coffee shop, leading to sensory overload or meltdowns.
- OCD Characteristics: Involves obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (recurrent behaviors), often co-occurring with other mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
- Overlap Among Conditions: Autism, ADHD, and OCD often co-occur because of their similar symptoms. For example, both autism and OCD can involve a desire for predictability and patterns.
Impact of Service Dogs:
Service dogs can significantly benefit ND individuals by performing tasks that mitigate symptoms.
They provide:
- Deep Pressure Stimulation: Helps in calming and grounding.
- Response Interruption and Reminders: Aids in managing daily activities and emotional regulation.
- Pattern Recognition: Service dogs can detect behaviors leading to meltdowns and alert their handlers to take preventive action.
- Sensory Regulation and Companionship: Enhances overall quality of life through consistent support and companionship.
A 2023 study highlighted the positive impact of service dogs on autistic children and their families, improving family stability and social functioning.
Download a PDF of the above Neurodiversity graphic.
Interview with Michelle, mental health professional and service dog handler:
In addition to being a mental health professional, Michelle is an Atlas client. Her previous service dog, a large German Shepherd named Samson, helped her with her physical disabilities, mental health conditions, and neurodiversity. She is currently in the process of training her second service dog, an adorable 14-month-old smooth Collie named Banjo. Michelle is diagnosed with PTSD, Panic Disorder, and OCD, three of several conditions with which her service dog helps her. She reveals that her service dog skyrocketed her independence by enabling her to feel more comfortable leaving her house. When she becomes overwhelmed and nonverbal, her service dog can help her safely find an exit, a chair, or her car.
Michelle reveals that many clinicians are hesitant to recommend a service dog to a person with OCD because they fear that the dog will become a part of their compulsions, avoidance, or rituals or lead the patient to discontinue treatment. However, one of the most unexpected benefits of having a service dog, Michelle explains, is how much the dog facilitates her OCD exposure-based treatment. A core element to exposure-based therapy is reducing avoidance behaviors. Michelle’s service dog helps her manage these avoidance behaviors by forcing her “to go out and move through the panic attacks [which] is super powerful for the brain.”
Interview with “Jane” an Atlas client:
Another Atlas client, whom we’ll call Jane, shares her story, testifying to the many ways a service dog can help overcome the challenges of trying to fit into a society that isn’t designed for neurodivergent individuals. As an adult, Jane was formally diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Though she has several types of neurodivergence, her service dog is trained to assist her primarily with symptoms related to autism.
Sensory overload is a major struggle for Jane. She becomes easily overwhelmed by bright lights and loud noises such as chatter, fireworks, and repetitive sounds. Jane also experiences significant food sensitivities. Her service dog is able to help prevent an autistic meltdown by providing tactile pressure, which shifts Jane’s sensory focus and helps regulate her. By standing on Jane’s foot, leaning against her body, or licking her ear, her service dog helps Jane ignore the overwhelming sounds and sights in her environment.
In Conclusion
An increasing number of individuals identifying as neurodivergent are seeking service dog training.
For more information about how a service dog can help you or a loved one, please visit www.atlasdog.org.
About Atlas Assistance Dogs
Atlas Assistance Dogs is a non-profit organization that fundamentally expands access to assistance dogs. We support people with disabilities to train and certify their own service dog using positive, ethical training methods. At Atlas, we believe anyone who would benefit from a qualified assistance dog should be able to have one.
We work with people with a wide range of disabilities who wish to train their own service dog as well as offer a comprehensive Academy for professional trainers wanting to become service dog trainers. For more information about Atlas’ Client Certification program or other training services, please visit www.atlasdog.org or contact info@atlasdog.org
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About the Authors
Author: Hailey Lambert
Hailey was Atlas’ 2024 summer intern. Hailey is from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She is a senior at Princeton University who is majoring in psychology and minoring in linguistics and cognitive science. Hailey is passionate about working with people with disabilities, and she enjoys dance, running, and spending time with her dog.
Editor: Shelly Phillips, Atlas Certified Trainer, Atlas Team Facilitator Lead
