Unmasking PMS/PMDD in Neurodiverse Women

Up to 92% of women with autism and 46% of women with ADHD experience PMDD, according to early research. This is a staggering statistic that highlights the importance of understanding how PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) affects neurodiverse individuals. In a heartfelt and eye-opening webinar hosted by HealCycle, Dr. Gerald Nebeker and Angie Templeton shared their expertise on PMS/PMDD and its deep connection to the mind and body, particularly for individuals with autism and ADHD.

If you're a caregiver, advocate, or anyone who wants to create a more supportive environment for neurodiverse individuals, this webinar offers invaluable insights that could change the way you approach PMS, PMDD, and mental health in general.

A New Lens on PMDD for Neurodiverse Individuals

For many, PMDD is already a challenge. But for neurodiverse individuals, the experience can be even more complex and layered. Dr. Gerald Nebeker, a behavioral health expert with two doctorates, and Angie Templeton, a mental health professional with hands-on experience, explored how individuals with autism and ADHD might experience PMDD differently due to the unique ways their brains process emotional and social stimuli.

According to early research, up to 92% of women with autism and 46% of women with ADHD are affected by PMDD, which makes understanding the condition and its specific impact on neurodiverse women all the more crucial.

Dr. Nebeker emphasized how the mind-body connection is amplified in neurodiverse individuals. For someone with autism or ADHD, the hormonal fluctuations experienced during the menstrual cycle can intensify underlying emotional and psychological challenges, resulting in heightened symptoms of PMDD. This is why recognizing the role of hormones, emotions, and mental health is essential to creating a more empathetic and informed approach to care.

The Role of Trauma: A Critical Link

During the session, Dr. Nebeker also discussed a critical element that often goes unnoticed: childhood trauma and its long-lasting effects on mental health, especially for those with neurodiverse conditions. Childhood trauma, referred to as ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), is a vital piece of the puzzle when it comes to understanding the emotional and psychological struggles that neurodiverse individuals might face during their PMDD phases.

"Trauma is more recognized now than before," said Dr. Nebeker, adding that the ACES study, although criticized for its specific demographic, opened the door to discussing the consequences of early trauma. As Dr. Nebeker pointed out, it's now widely recognized that trauma-informed care is essential in counseling, especially when working with neurodiverse individuals who may not always have the words to express their emotional pain.

Trauma affects how individuals cope with stress, manage emotions, and form relationships. In the context of PMDD, early trauma can amplify the feelings of depression, anxiety, irritability, and anger that many neurodiverse individuals experience during this time. Understanding this connection is crucial for anyone working in mental health, as it allows professionals to offer a more holistic and compassionate approach to care.

Supporting Neurodiverse Individuals with PMDD

Angie Templeton shared practical advice for supporting neurodiverse individuals during their PMDD phases, drawing from her extensive experience working with autistic and ADHD patients. One of the key takeaways from her perspective was the importance of self-esteem.

Teenagers, especially those with autism or ADHD, can struggle with social cues, and when dealing with PMDD, this can become even more challenging. Angie shared a story about helping an individual develop a list of positive attributes, focusing on their strengths and the people who care about them. This approach allowed the person to look beyond the negative things others might say or think about them and helped to reinforce a more positive self-image.

"Building self-esteem and resilience is vital," Angie explained. By nurturing a sense of self-worth, neurodiverse individuals can better manage the emotional turbulence that often accompanies PMDD.

Another tip shared by Angie was the importance of helping individuals with autism understand social dynamics. Many on the autism spectrum may struggle to interpret social cues and might take offense to things that were not meant negatively. Conversely, some may not pick up on subtle cues that others would. This can lead to misunderstanding, frustration, and emotional overload. Helping neurodiverse individuals develop better social awareness and emotional regulation skills can make a significant difference during their PMDD phases.

Advocacy in Schools: Protecting Neurodiverse Individuals

While Angie focused on individual emotional well-being, Dr. Nebeker turned the conversation to the importance of creating a supportive environment for neurodiverse individuals, particularly in the school system.

"You may not always be able to change the person’s behavior, but you can change their environment," Dr. Nebeker stated. He emphasized the power of advocacy within schools to help neurodiverse individuals feel safe and supported. By creating safe spaces, facilitating peer support, and educating those around them, caregivers and advocates can mitigate the negative impact of bullying and social isolation that neurodiverse individuals often face.

Dr. Nebeker shared his own experience from the school system, where he worked to pair socially isolated children with more popular peers through social groups. This initiative helped students develop healthier social connections and reduced the negative impact of exclusion.

Sometimes, as Dr. Nebeker pointed out, individuals with autism or ADHD may not want a friend or social interaction, and that's okay too. In these cases, it's crucial to ensure they are still protected and not subjected to unnecessary harm. Advocacy can take many forms, but at its core, it’s about ensuring that neurodiverse individuals feel heard, understood, and supported in every environment they navigate.

Practical Tips and Takeaways

For caregivers and professionals working with neurodiverse individuals, here are some key takeaways from Dr. Nebeker and Angie’s discussion:

• Build self-esteem: Encourage neurodiverse individuals to focus on their strengths and the people who care about them. Developing a positive self-image is crucial for emotional resilience during PMDD.
  
  

• Practice social awareness: Help neurodiverse individuals understand social cues and emotional regulation techniques to navigate social interactions, especially during emotionally charged times like PMDD.
  
  

• Advocate within schools: Create safe spaces and support systems in educational environments to protect neurodiverse individuals from bullying or social isolation.
  
  

• Trauma-informed care: Recognize the effects of early childhood trauma on mental health and develop a trauma-informed approach when working with neurodiverse individuals.
  
  

• Support emotional regulation: Teach neurodiverse individuals how to manage their emotions during heightened PMDD symptoms, such as through relaxation techniques or physical activities.
  
  

Dr. Gerald Nebeker and Angie Templeton’s discussion sheds much-needed light on the complex experience of neurodiverse individuals with PMDD. By fostering understanding, compassion, and creating supportive environments, we can help neurodiverse individuals better manage their symptoms and lead fuller, healthier lives. As caregivers, mental health professionals, or advocates, it’s important that we continue to educate ourselves and create a world where neurodiversity is not just accepted, but truly supported.

Watch the full webinar below:

https://youtu.be/icD7-TN9-Oc?feature=shared