TrauDHD Tales: From Trauma to Tummy Troubles and Beyond
🔍 Autism, ADHD & trauma's symphony of struggles: a look into the physical Challenges
People with autism have a central nervous system (CNS) that functions like a radio tuned to the wrong station. Sounds, lights, and touches come in as a symphony of chaos, causing overstimulation and stress. In contrast, ADHD seems to make the central nervous system function more like a hyperactive puppy, constantly distracted by everything and everyone around it. This is due to an imbalance in the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain. Oh, and trauma can also significantly impact the CNS in various ways, such as altering neural connections, increasing sensitivity to stress, and impairing emotional regulation. These changes can have lasting effects on an individual's mental health. These differences in central nervous system functioning can also lead to other physical problems.
Asthma & allergies
Stress can be a significant trigger for various physical problems, which should not be underestimated. For example, a stressful event like starting a new job can exacerbate existing health issues, such as triggering an asthma attack in a vulnerable individual. Allergies and eczema also seem to be more common in people with AuDHD. Another study found that children with autism who have more allergic comorbidities are also more likely to have ADHD. Stress can be a significant trigger, which should not be underestimated. My first and only asthma attack happened during a day out at a water park. A coughing fit and losing consciousness resulted in hospitalization, where the "toxic substances" in the water park were identified as the cause. But still, it was no coincidence that I was starting a new job as a copywriter at a large company two days later, making me incredibly nervous. I now suspect that this played a significant role as well. Who knows – maybe my central nervous system dislikes both water parks and copywriting. Should I stay away from both splashing slides and deadlines? If so, I have an (additional) problem.
Autoimmune diseases
On top of that, there’s growing evidence of a link between autism and autoimmune diseases. Studies have also shown that people with autoimmune diseases have an increased risk of ADHD. The most common autoimmune disease linked to these conditions is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). And get this, children of women with SLE have an increased risk of developing autism and ADHD.
It's worth noting that other autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis, have also been linked to an increased prevalence of autism and ADHD symptoms. Researchers believe that this connection may be due to shared genetic factors or immune system abnormalities that affect the brain's development and function. The interplay between the immune system and the central nervous system is an area of ongoing research, and understanding these connections may lead to more targeted treatments for both autoimmune diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD.
Gastrointestinal troubles
Regrettably, gastrointestinal troubles and AuDHD are quite the "gut-wrenching" pair (sorry!). Stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, reflux, and more are just a few of the physical discomforts associated with it. It's thought that imbalances in the gut-brain axis, which connects the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal system, might play a role in this connection. In fact, some studies have shown that people with autism and ADHD often have altered gut microbiomes, which could contribute to their gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, the stress and anxiety that often accompany AuDHD can further exacerbate these issues, creating a vicious cycle of discomfort and emotional distress. Managing stress, maintaining a balanced diet, and consulting with healthcare professionals can help alleviate some of these gut-related woes.
Are we almost done with the physical discomforts? Nope, not yet! We still need to chat about the conditions that come with persistent pain, fatigue, and a not-so-great quality of life. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), hypermobility syndromes like hEDS, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and fibromyalgia often tag along as part of the messy package deal called AuDHD.
👇 Meet Lauren, a resilient 34-year-old woman bravely navigating life with both autism and fibromyalgia. Discover her inspiring journey as she tackles daily challenges with grace and determination. 👇
Migraines
There's also a possible link between AuDHD and migraines, but that hasn't been fully researched yet. Studies have looked at the comorbidity between autism and migraines on one hand, and common factors in neurotransmitters, immune system, anatomy, and other stuff on the other hand. Plus, ADHD and migraines are connected too. People with ADHD are more likely to experience migraines, especially women, which might have something to do with hormonal fluctuations. And, you know what? Managing these migraines can be quite a challenge for those dealing with AuDHD, as it's just another thing they have to juggle in their already busy lives.
Sleep problems
And let's not forget those pesky sleep problems. For folks with AuDHD, these can be extra challenging. Our overactive minds often make us struggle with insomnia and circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders, where our biological clock doesn't match up with our desired sleep pattern. Both sleep disorders can lead to trouble falling asleep and waking up at the times we want. And of course, 'cause why not, we're also more sensitive to changes like switching to daylight saving time or standard time and dealing with jet lag.
Hormonal issues
Lastly, there are hints that hormonal issues might have something to do with the beloved duo called ADHD and autism. During puberty, hormones can mess with the effectiveness of ADHD meds like Ritalin. There's also a link between hormonal disorders and vitamin deficiencies in people with AuDHD. And as if the hormonal storm wasn't enough, it seems that women with AuDHD might suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) more often than the rest of the world. During the menstrual cycle, hormones can worsen AuDHD symptoms like emotional instability, impulsivity, forgetfulness, and, well, more emotional instability. As a person with AuDHD, menstruating often feels like an unbearable ordeal. It's like my emotions take on a life of their own, and I have no control over them. Crying over the smallest things is more the rule than the exception, and the slightest stress can make me burst into a rage. It's like my emotions are all blown up to the extreme, like balloons about to pop. The worst part is that it's not just the days of my period that are tough, but also the days leading up to it. PMS hits mercilessly, and I feel so irritable and moody that I sometimes don't know what to do with myself. Even the simplest tasks can be too much, and I often feel so tired and drained that I'd rather just stay in bed.
I find it hard to make people understand what it's like to menstruate as a woman with AuDHD. It's not just a bit of cramping and bleeding, you know. I see it as an emotional rollercoaster that can catch me off guard at the most unexpected moments. It's like my brain goes haywire, and there's nothing I can do about it. And as if this wasn't enough reason to complain, ADHD symptoms can get worse during perimenopause and menopause due to a drop in estrogen levels. But hey, who doesn't love an extra challenge?