Untangling the Overlap: Trauma and Neurodivergence

At CARE Counseling, Inc., we often hear this question in our therapy sessions, and among our peers:

“Is it trauma, or is it neurodivergence?”

It’s a good question—and a complicated one. Trauma and neurodivergence (such as ADHD, autism, and sensory processing differences) can look strikingly similar in their outward presentation. Clients may experience emotional dysregulation, social difficulties, executive functioning struggles, or sensory sensitivities—but what lies beneath those symptoms may vary widely.

Let’s explore the similarities, differences, and how we can offer supportive care regardless of the root.

What Do We Mean by “Neurodivergence”?

“Neurodivergence” refers to natural variations in the human brain that affect how people think, feel, and experience the world. Neurodivergence exists on a spectrum. This includes:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Sensory Processing Differences

• Learning Disabilities

• Tic Disorders, and more

These are neurological differences, often present from birth or early childhood—not caused by trauma.

What Is Trauma?

Trauma is a psychological and physiological response to a distressing or overwhelming experience that exceeds a person’s capacity to cope. It can result from:

• Abuse, neglect, or loss

• Medical trauma

• Bullying or social exclusion

• Displacement or ongoing stress

Trauma can change how the brain processes emotion, memory, and safety—and can mimic or even mask other mental health conditions.

Similarities in Symptom Presentation

Though different in origin, trauma and neurodivergence often share external behaviors and internal experiences:

Shared Symptoms: Emotional dysregulation

Examples: Outbursts, shutdowns, difficulty managing emotions

Shared Symptoms: Executive functioning issues

Examples: Disorganization, time blindness, memory problems

Shared Symptoms: Social struggles

Examples: Misreading cues, discomfort in groups

Shared Symptoms: Sensory sensitivity

Examples: Overwhelm from sounds, lights, or textures

Shared Symptoms: Sleep disturbances

Examples: Insomnia, irregular patterns

Shared Symptoms: Dissociation or shutdown

Examples: Mental “fog,” zoning out, non-responsiveness

Shared Symptoms: Masking/camouflaging

Examples: Adapting behavior to avoid judgment or danger

Important note: Both trauma and neurodivergence can coexist and even influence one another. For example, a child with autism may be bullied for their differences and could develop PTSD. A neurodivergent adult raised in a shaming environment may develop complex trauma responses.

Key Differences to Consider

Factor

Trauma

Neurodivergence

Factor: Onset

Trauma: Often after a specific life event

NeurodivergencePresent from early development

Factor: Pattern

Trauma: May emerge in phases or after triggers

Neurodivergence: Tends to be consistent over time

Factor: Root cause

Trauma: External experience (e.g., abuse)

Neurodivergence: Internal wiring (brain development)

Factor: Response to safety

Trauma: May show hypervigilance or avoidance

Neurodivergence: May still feel “unsafe” even when secure

Factor: Sense of self

Trauma: May feel fragmented or lost

Neurodivergence: May feel “different” but not fragmented

Sometimes clients have internalized the message that their differences are “bad,” which can create shame. This trauma of nonacceptance is real—and part of the healing journey.

Misdiagnosis Is Common

Because of the overlap, people are sometimes misdiagnosed:

• A neurodivergent person may be labeled “traumatized” and sent to trauma therapy that doesn’t address their sensory or cognitive needs.
  
  

• A trauma survivor may be seen as autistic or ADHD when their symptoms stem from hypervigilance or dissociation.

Both paths are valid. What matters most is a comprehensive, compassionate assessment that honors both nervous system biology and lived experience.

At CARE Counseling, Inc., We See the Whole Person

Whether you’re navigating trauma, neurodivergence, or both, you deserve care that:

• Doesn’t pathologize your survival strategies

• Helps you understand your nervous system

• Offers tools without shame or pressure to “fix” who you are

• Validates your story, even when it’s complex

Our therapists are trained in trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming approaches that meet you where you are—with curiosity, not judgment.

Healing Is Possible. So Is Acceptance.

You are not your diagnosis. You are a full, feeling human being with a nervous system that has done its best to protect you.

At CARE Counseling, Inc., we’re here to help you untangle the confusion, explore your identity, and build a life that works for your brain, body, and spirit.

It’s not either/or. Sometimes it’s both/and. And you are not alone.