Doodling Benefits for Neurodivergents

 Doodling Benefits for Neurodivergents (and how I let my brain and pens loose on my living room blinds)

Recently I've been working on filling my home with lots of dopamine inducing essence. Bright colours, collections on show, space for our hobbies like Dungeons and Dragons, reading and gaming. 

After decorating, I realised my blinds in the living room were all wrong but they were fitted to our odd dimensions and my budget was nil. 

So, I smooshed paint I had left over from Leo's room, a pale yellow, got a couple of acrylic black pens and said yes to an outlandish silly idea.

I doodled the blinds into a big scratchy happy fantasy map.

Doodles are so brilliant as an outlet even without a creative project to like this.

Doodling is more than just scribbles on a page; it's a powerful tool that can bring joy, calmness, and a sense of accomplishment to neurodivergent individuals. Whether you're on the autism spectrum, have ADHD, or any other neurodiverse condition, here are some reasons why doodling can be a fantastic stim, habit or creative outlet:

Express Yourself Without Words: Neurodivergent individuals often face challenges when trying to communicate complex thoughts and emotions verbally. Doodling provides an alternative means of expression, allowing you to convey your feelings and ideas visually.

Reduce Anxiety and Stress: Doodling can be a soothing activity that helps reduce anxiety and stress. The rhythmic, repetitive motions of drawing can have a calming effect on the nervous system, making it an excellent coping mechanism during challenging moments.

Enhance Focus and Concentration: Neurodivergent individuals may struggle with maintaining focus. Engaging in doodling can actually help improve concentration. It serves as a way to channel excess energy and sensory input into a structured, creative outlet.

Boost Creativity: Doodling encourages free-flowing creativity. It doesn't have to follow any rules or guidelines, allowing your mind to explore and experiment with new ideas. This can lead to breakthroughs in problem-solving and innovation.

Promote Self-Acceptance: Doodling is a judgment-free zone. There are no right or wrong ways to doodle, and it's an excellent practice for embracing imperfections and learning to love yourself for who you are.

Therapeutic Benefits: Art therapy is a recognized form of therapy for neurodivergent individuals. Doodling is a low-pressure way to engage in art therapy, helping you explore your inner world and emotions.

 It's a way to celebrate your unique perspective and creativity while finding peace and joy in the process. So, grab your favorite pens, markers, or digital tools, and start doodling!