Your Values vs. Your Nervous System | The Holiday Dilemma

Join Dr. Megan Anna Neff and Brett from Neurodivergent Insights as they discuss the conflict between neurodivergent needs and personal values, especially during the holiday season. This conversation expands on insights from Dr. Neff's newsletter, offering valuable perspectives for AuDHD individuals navigating holiday stress relief. Learn about nervous system regulation and how to find neurodivergent support during emotionally complex times.What do you do when your values and your neurodivergent needs collide — especially during the holidays? In today’s conversation, Dr. Megan Anna Neff (she/they), an autistic ADHDer and clinical psychologist, explores why holiday gatherings often create a painful disconnect for autistic and ADHD adults, even when we deeply value family, connection, and tradition.We talk about:Sensory overwhelm during holiday eventsThe pressure to “enjoy” family gatheringsWhy connection can feel out of reach in overstimulating environmentsHow autistic shutdowns and sensory barriers block access to our valuesHow to identify your core values (autonomy, stability, meaningful work, etc.)How to realign holiday expectations with your neurodivergent needsThe difference between cultural expectations vs. authentic connectionWhat “values-based decision making” looks like for autistic/ADHD adultsHow to create holidays that actually support your nervous systemThis episode expands on Dr. Neff’s original essay about experiencing their first Thanksgiving after their autism diagnosis, and the surprising insight that helped her understand why holidays had always felt so hard, which you can read here: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/navigating-clashing-values/🧰 Resources MentionedFree Values Sort Tool:https://www.think2perform.com/values/Use the same tool we referenced in this conversation to explore your own core values.***Sign up for the Neurodivergent Insights Newsletter here: https://newsletter.neurodivergentinsights.com/resource-vaultSelf-Care for Autistic People:https://www.amazon.com/dp/1507221932?tag=myndwebsite20-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1The Autistic Burnout Workbook:https://neurodivergentinsights.com/autistic-burnout-workbook/👍 If this conversation supported you…Please like, comment, and subscribe. It genuinely helps this channel reach more neurodivergent adults who need affirming, research-grounded resources.🧡 About Neurodivergent InsightsDr. Megan Anna Neff (she/they) is an Autistic-ADHD clinical psychologist who blends research, clinical insight, and lived experience to make sense of adult neurodivergence. She creates clear, compassionate, neurodivergent-affirming education for autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD adults, and for the clinicians who support them. Dr. Neff is also the author of Self Care for Autistic People and The Autistic Burnout Workbook. They are also the creator of NeurodivergentInsights.comEach video offers practical tools, grounded explanations, and honest conversations about sensory health, burnout, masking, identity, and everyday neurodivergent life, living with ADHD and Autism.