Disarming the Battle in Your Brain
When autism craves routine and ADHD demands novelty, assigning names and personalities to these competing symptoms may offer clarity.
Q: I have ADHD and coexisting conditions. How do I make peace with conflicting symptoms and needs that constantly butt heads?
When ADHD exists alongside autism, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or other conditions, opposing symptoms often wrestle for dominance.
One of my autistic clients with ADHD described it as a battle inside his brain. His ADHD craves novelty to stay engaged, but his autism needs routine and structure to think clearly. Another client said her ADHD causes messes and impulsivity, while her OCD scrambles to clean them up. Both conditions invite intrusive thoughts and relentless analysis.
To help clients respond to these internal conflicts, I help them develop metaphors to describe the warring parts of themselves. This begins by imagining internal characters that represent the different drives or voices within their minds.
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One client imagines his mind as a spacecraft. At the controls is The Professor, representing his autism traits. This logical, emotionally neutral figure thrives on systems and predictability. Also on board is Captain Jack, modeled after the Pirates of the Caribbean character, representing ADHD – impulsive, fun-loving, distractible, and prone to chaos.
The Professor likes order. Captain Jack wants freedom. Their constant conflict once felt unbearable; now, the client sees it as a negotiation. By giving inner experiences distinct named personalities, clients externalize their struggles and reduce feelings of shame. Instead of being overwhelmed by contradictory thoughts and emotions, they begin to identify a cast of characters – each with its own point of view, clear motive, and pressing need. Thinking in metaphors offers enough distance to observe with compassion, curiosity, and even humor.
A client with OCD named her intrusive thought pattern The Spy, a stealthy infiltrator who sows doubt and anxiety. “What if you’re wrong or missed something?” By characterizing her OCD as a saboteur, she could begin to separate its voice from her own and respond with a strategy.
Not all parts of ourselves deserve equal airtime. ADHD and autism traits often need support and boundaries, but they also bring strengths – creativity, depth, and passion. The facets of our identity benefit from understanding, not erasure. OCD, by contrast, thrives on fear and distortion. It must be called out and silenced, not engaged in negotiation.
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Sometimes, a new character emerges: The Mediator. This figure might be modeled after a therapist, coach, teacher, or an idealized version of the client. The Mediator helps The Professor feel heard, helps Captain Jack stay grounded, and reminds everyone that The Spy is not trustworthy. The Mediator becomes the captain of the ship.
And that’s the goal of this metaphor method: to help individuals hear all the voices, but choose which ones to follow and which to send packing.
ADHD with Autism, Neurodivergent Traits: Next Steps
- Read: AuDHD Signs, Diagnosis & Interventions
- Q&A:Treating Comorbid Considerations Alongside ADHD
- Free Resource: 9 Conditions Linked to ADHD
Tamar Rosier, Ph.D., is the founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan.
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