Episode 67: Dr. Megan Anna Neif

Welcome to episode #67 We’re thrilled to be joined by Dr. Megan Anna Neff today. Dr. Neff is a neurodivergent Psychologist and founder of Neurodivergent Insights where she creates education and wellness resources for neurodivergent adults. Dr. Neff is the author of Self-Care for Autistic People. Additionally, she has published in several peer-reviewed journals. Passionate about distilling complex research into visually accessible formats, she translates research into visual pixels which you can find on her website, Instagram, and digital workbooks. Beyond her visual endeavors, she co-hosts the "Divergent Conversations" podcast and spearheads a vibrant learning community tailored for neurodivergent adults.Welcome to the show Dr. Neff!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? 3 years ago (2021)Started exploring for oldest childWas surprising / Wasn’t covered in trainingAutism discovery came first, then ADHD.What challenges did you face? FeelingLike observer in lifeCan’t be contentStruggling to be present (because of dissociation from sensory overload).A lot of this is because of the sensory overloadSpecific sensory challengesThe rate of work: 15 patients per day.In a room with 5 people simultaneouslyMental dialogPreparing conversationsMetaphorsAutistic burnoutLong COVIDExplained 4-5 long depression episodesWhat changes have come post-diagnosis?Many of the challenges above, but lean into the underlying values that are driving itE.g. going to a bustling, overstimulating party can be manageable if connecting to the family aspect behind it.More accepting of how they can show up (e.g. if it’s a crowded area, accepting that they may be less present).What challenges do you still face now?Executive functioningOrganizationMissing detailsSchedulingSensoryRestructured workClosed private practiceMore space for flow statesAutistic burnout/managing energy levelsWhat neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now?Hyperfocus/monotropismSpecial interests - “Aspie” quiz showed interest What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Working on several booksSelf-care for autistic peopleAutistic burnoutND affirming therapyCross neurotype interactionsCreated 25+ workbooksOn Examples:RSDInteroceptionCreate graphics based on conceptsConverting them into video coursesCommunitySocial media postsHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Doesn’t relax wellChandra Rhymes? With kidsActively looking for habitsSelf-diagnosed workaholismProductivity tips What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours? Learning things her way - standard learning styles didn’t workLeaning into rhythmsDifferent buckets of work for different energy levelsBucket A: writing/creativityHigh energyFulfillingBucket B: adminLow energy/low brainpowerBackground shows to boost dopamineInterest-based nervous system - Dr DodsonAs opposed to the importance of based nervous systemPassion/meaning/play/novelty/urgency/challengeOperationalizing itLet herself chase her interestsStructured spontaneityWhat is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?“Normal” SchedulingE.g. content calendarHard to figure out what to do for the next 6 months - can’t predict what BREAKWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Morning ritualCup of coffee every daySit in sunlight15-30 minutesWhich projects to move on todayHow is your sleep? How do you switch off at night?Tactics for Free association/shamanic/cognitive shufflingFree assocShamanic ritualCognitive shuffling - intentionally shuffle thoughts (e.g. combining garden, find all the words starting with each letter of garden)It prevents rumination and mimics the early stages of sleep.Play solitaire in bedWhere can people connect with you or find your work?Website: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/Free resources on the blog: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blogNewsletter: https://newsletter.neurodivergentinsights.com/resource-vaultLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-anna-neff/Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Start paying attention to your rhythms - “Detective of your own experience”Work with them, not against themMore from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbearConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/