Not My Normal...

When the world began to open up again, and the prospect of returning to ‘normal’ loomed on the horizon, a mix of emotions took hold of me. As a neurodivergent mother of three, the thought of transitioning back to in-person work and the children returning to school filled me with anxiety. The sanctuary that our home had become during lockdown was about to be opened up again, and I wasn’t sure I was ready for it.

The return to the office was one of the most significant challenges. After months of controlling my environment to suit my sensory sensitivities, the idea of returning to the bright lights, the noise, and the unpredictable nature of office life was daunting. I worried about how I would cope with the pressure of small talk with colleagues and the patrons alike and the constant sensory overload and whether I could still perform at my best under these conditions.

Our carefully crafted routine was about to be upended. The predictability that had brought so much comfort and structure to our lives was being replaced with the chaos of early mornings, school runs, and the relentless pace of life outside our bubble. The loss of this routine wasn’t just a logistical issue; it felt like losing a part of our family’s identity that we had cultivated during lockdown.

The social aspect of returning to ‘normal’ was another source of stress. The thought of navigating office politics, school meetings, and social gatherings again was overwhelming. My social skills felt rusty, and the ease with which I could interact with others seemed to have diminished during our time away from the world.

The journey back to ‘normal’ was a process of re-adjustment, filled with ups and downs. Despite these challenges, the transition back also highlighted the resilience and adaptability of our family. We found new routines that incorporated the best parts of our lockdown life. We learned to communicate our needs more effectively, advocating for accommodations and understanding both at work and school. It reinforced the importance of flexibility, self-compassion, and the understanding that ‘normal’ can mean different things to different people. As a neurodivergent mother, I’ve learned that it’s okay to carve out a path that works for us, even if it looks different from everyone else’s.

As I navigate this new world, I hold onto the lessons learned during both the lockdown and the transition period. The importance of slowing down, prioritizing our mental health, and the value of a supportive community have never been clearer. My experience has taught me that while change can be daunting, it also brings opportunities for growth and new understanding.

Returning to 'normal' has reaffirmed my belief in the importance of embracing our neurodiversity and advocating for a world that recognizes and values different ways of thinking and being. It has shown me that while the path may not always be smooth, it is ours to walk with pride. My neurodivergence, and the unique perspective it offers, is not just a challenge to overcome but a strength to be embraced.

The support from online communities, fellow parents, and understanding colleagues has been invaluable. Sharing our experiences and strategies for navigating the post-lockdown world has created a sense of solidarity and understanding that was much needed. These connections remind me that while the journey of a neurodivergent parent can be isolating at times, we are not alone.

The transition has also reignited my passion for advocacy. It has highlighted the need for workplaces, schools, and society to be more inclusive and accommodating of neurodivergent individuals. Creating environments where people can thrive regardless of their neurological makeup is essential.

Key Takeaways:

1. Anxiety of Transitioning Back to Normal: The return to in-person work and school after lockdown was a source of significant anxiety, particularly due to the disruption of carefully cultivated routines and the sensory challenges associated with the office environment.

2. Challenges of Sensory Overload: The controlled home environment during lockdown allowed for sensory sensitivities to be managed effectively. The return to the office, with its bright lights, noise, and unpredictability, posed a considerable challenge.

3. Loss of Routine: The structured routine developed during lockdown was a source of comfort and stability for the family. The transition back to ‘normal’ disrupted this routine, creating additional stress.

4. Social Re-Adjustment: The prospect of re-engaging with office politics, school meetings, and social gatherings was daunting, exacerbating feelings of anxiety and social awkwardness.

5. Resilience and Adaptability: Despite the challenges, the family demonstrated resilience by finding new routines that incorporated positive elements from lockdown life. Effective communication and advocacy became key strategies in this adjustment.

6. Redefining 'Normal': The transition reinforced the understanding that 'normal' is subjective and that it's okay to create a path that works uniquely for oneself and one’s family.

7. Importance of Mental Health and Community: The experience underscored the importance of slowing down, prioritizing mental health, and seeking support from online communities, fellow parents, and understanding colleagues.

8. Advocacy for Inclusivity: The transition back to ‘normal’ reignited a passion for advocacy, emphasizing the need for workplaces, schools, and society to be more inclusive and accommodating of neurodivergent individuals.