Is Complex Trauma a Form of Neurodivergence?

Read by Kimberly Revis Callis

The relationship between complex trauma and neurodivergence is a growing area of research, with profound implications for how we understand and treat trauma.

What is Complex Trauma?

Complex trauma refers to the impact of prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic events, often in childhood. This can include experiences like abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence. Complex trauma can significantly affect a person’s development, leading to challenges with emotional regulation, relationships, and sense of self.

What is Acquired Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence refers to variations in brain function and behavior that differ from what is considered “typical.” While many forms of neurodivergence are innate (like autism or ADHD), acquired neurodivergence refers to changes in brain function that occur after birth due to experiences like trauma, injury, or illness.

The Link Between Complex Trauma and Acquired Neurodivergence

Emerging research suggests that complex trauma can lead to changes in the brain that resemble neurodevelopmental conditions. These changes can affect areas responsible for:

• Emotional regulation: Leading to difficulties managing emotions like anger, anxiety, or sadness.

• Sensory processing: Resulting in heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, or touch.

• Social cognition: Impacting the ability to understand and navigate social situations.

• Executive functioning: Causing challenges with attention, planning, and organization.

Why is this important?

Recognizing complex trauma as a form of acquired neurodivergence can help us:

• Reduce stigma: By understanding the neurological impact of trauma, we can move away from blaming individuals for their struggles.

• Improve treatment: Approaches used for neurodevelopmental conditions, such as sensory regulation strategies and social skills training, may be beneficial for individuals with complex trauma.

• Promote acceptance: Acknowledging the diversity of human experience, including the impact of trauma on the brain, fosters a more inclusive and compassionate society.

My book, Trauma Brain, explores the connection between complex PTSD and acquired neurodivergence, offering insights into how trauma shapes our brains and practical strategies for healing. Drawing on the latest research, it provides a framework for understanding the unique challenges and strengths that arise from complex trauma. If you’re seeking to understand your experiences and navigate the healing process, Trauma Brain can be a valuable resource on your journey.

Further Exploration

Here are some resources that delve deeper into this topic:

Articles:

• The Struggles and Strengths of Trauma Disorders (Psychology Today): https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-neurodivergence/202403/the-struggles-and-strengths-of-trauma-disorders

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (The Neurodivergent Collective): https://theneurodivergentcollective.com/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/

• CPTSD is Acquired Neurodivergence (Reddit): https://www.reddit.com/r/CPTSD/comments/yjzifi/cptsd_is_acquired_neurodivergence/

• Acquired Neurodiversity: An Overview (CareScribe): https://carescribe.io/blog/acquired-neurodiversity-an-overview/

• Trauma and Neurodiversity – Understanding the Struggle and Meeting the Needs (Khiron Clinics): https://khironclinics.com/blog/trauma-and-neurodiversity/

Books:

• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk

Organizations:

• The National Center for PTSD:

  https://www.ptsd.va.gov/

• The Autistic Self Advocacy Network:

  Home

• The Center for Neurodiversity and Employment: https://werth.institute.uconn.edu/neurodiversitycenter/