Understanding Sleep Anxiety in ADHD and Autism
Sleep is supposed to be the place you recover. But for many neurodivergent adults, bedtime becomes the moment the nervous system turns on. Not because…
Author: Johan Lammers, MSc
I founded sensoryoverload.info after being diagnosed with AuDHD in my early forties. Through this platform, I share what I continue to learn, in the hope that it helps neurodivergent adults feel less alone, better understand themselves, and find approaches that fit their lives. I draw on my MSc in Psychology, years of hyperfocused neurodiversity research, and my own ongoing experience of living with AuDHD.
I’d love to connect with others in the neurodivergent community on LinkedIn and/or X.
Phone Call Anxiety in Neurodivergent Adults: Why Calls Feel So Hard + Scripts That Help
For many neurodivergent adults, phone calls are not a small task. They’re a high-load situation. Even when the call is simple, the body reacts like…
Intolerance of Uncertainty in ADHD & Autism: Why “Not Knowing” Feels Unbearable
For some people, uncertainty is annoying. For others, uncertainty feels like a threat. Not in a dramatic way. In a nervous system way: 😬 tension…
Neurodivergent Anxiety Perfectionism: When “Doing It Right” Becomes a Safety Behavior
Perfectionism is often praised as a strength. It looks like:✅ high standards✅ responsibility✅ care✅ professionalism✅ “I just want to do a good job” But for…
Somatic Anxiety in Neurodivergent Adults: When Anxiety Is Mostly Physical
Anxiety is often described as a pattern of worry, fear, or racing thoughts. However, anxiety does not always begin in the mind. In many cases,…
Checking Behaviors in Neurodivergent Anxiety: Why You Check and How to Stop the Loop
Checking is one of the sneakiest anxiety behaviors because it looks responsible. You’re not avoiding.You’re not panicking.You’re just… checking. 📅 calendar📱 messages🔔 notifications🧾 emails🔒 locks🩺…
Texting Anxiety in Neurodivergent Adults: RSD, Overthinking, and Reply Paralysis
Texting is supposed to be easy. But for many neurodivergent adults, texting can feel like a threat environment. Not because you dislike the person.Not because…
Anxiety Avoidance Cycle: Why Avoidance Feels Like Relief (and Makes Anxiety Bigger)
Avoidance is one of the main ways anxiety keeps itself going. When something feels stressful, uncertain, socially risky, or overwhelming, avoiding it often brings immediate…
Morning Anxiety in ADHD & Autism: Why Mornings Feel Like Threat (and What Helps)
Some people don’t feel most anxious at night. They feel it the moment they wake up. Before any email.Before any conversation.Before anything “bad” happens. Just:😬…
Exposure Ladders for Neurodivergent Anxiety: Micro-Steps That Don’t Backfire
Exposure is one of the most evidence-based ways to reduce anxiety. But many neurodivergent adults have had the experience of:😬 trying exposure🧱 getting overwhelmed🧊 shutting…