Metacognition and Neurodiversity

One of the most common complaints I get from my “Twice Exceptional” (2e) clients is worry about their interfering metacognition. Metacognition refers to the awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes. Metacognitive skills include self-awareness, cognitive regulation, and reflection. In neurodivergent (ND) individuals, metacognitive abilities can vary. Research suggests that it is less pronounced in ADHDers, however my observation is that those who are intellectually gifted in addition to having ADHD or autism often struggle with shutting down this somewhat overactive feature of their brain.

Make no mistake: there are benefits to having strong metacognitive skills. Without adequate self-awareness, cognitive regulation, and reflection, it is very difficult to learn from one’s mistakes and change behavior. For example, some ND individuals may struggle to recognize when they do not understand something. In addition, the ability to monitor and control one’s learning strategies can be affected. Reflective practices can differ; some neurodivergent individuals may excel in reflection, while others may find it difficult to develop insight about their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Metacognitive strengths and limitations in gifted ND adults:

Self-Awareness: Many gifted autistic and/or ADHD individuals have heightened self-awareness, allowing them to recognize both their strengths (in for example, problem-solving) and weaknesses (in for example, learning and attention).
Reflection: Gifted ND individuals often engage in reflective thinking, analyzing their thought processes and outcomes to improve future performance.
Cognitive Regulation: Irrespective of giftedness, ADHDers and Autistics often struggle with executive function (which includes cognitive regulation), impacting their ability to plan, monitor, and evaluate their own actions and behaviors, as well as their ability to adapt their thoughts and behaviors in response to changing circumstances.
Impulsivity: Also irrespective of giftedness, many ADHDers and some Autistic individuals experience impulsivity manifested as low self-control and poor decision-making.
Social Communication: In my experience, 2e adults tend to have a sixth sense about their own communication deficits, which can impact their willingness to discuss and share thoughts and feelings with others.

Now that I’ve laid that out, you can probably imagine how the combination of strengths with respect to reflection and self-awareness alongside limitations with respect to executive functioning, impulsivity, and social communication might cause a frustrating cloud of worry in 2e individuals! Consequently, they learn to employ creative strategies to compensate for their limitations, such as showcasing their analytical skills in both employment opportunities and social relationships and developing an OCPD*-like planning style (I have yet to meet a 2e adult who doesn’t love spreadsheets). Yet this OCPD-like style can show up in distressing ways as well, such as perfectionism, high standards for themselves and others, trouble relaxing, and isolation.

Professional support from an ADHD coach or therapist who specializes in ND can help boost the metacognitive skills that are lagging. In addition, strategies that reduce cognitive/behavioral dissonance and promote acceptance of one’s unique strengths and limitations, can reduce some distress. I like to use techniques like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which incorporates both mindfulness and values exploration, as well as Motivational Interviewing (MI), to increase alignment of one’s strengths with their behaviors.

*Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

This tip was originally published on therapiepsycholoog.com