Spotlight on: Demet Daynach

Do you have a lightbulb moment?

Such a tough question to answer. I always knew I was different and found those other different people. I never tried to work it out. Always innately sensing that in certain environments I made sense. On the stage, writing, learning about things that interested me, watching films, dreaming, immersed in nature and meditation. Then it all made sense.

In terms of the difference getting a diagnosis was key – now there was a word to describe me, and a society willing to conform to let me be, rather than judging an adult’s need to climb a tree, a movement of underdogs finally free, a workplace with reasonable adjustments willing to see, strengths in difference and beauty of diversity.

What are your strengths and challenges?

Wow! Here we go ???? My strengths are also my challenges, it depends on where I am, who I am with and whether the environment and people I am with supports that trait at that time. I guess not knowing the rules or applying the right filter is what can create the misconceptions, misunderstandings and crossing of boundaries in societal terms – where the difference becomes a problem…

I guess (each word is flipped)

I am bubbly, loving, caring, charming, passionate, multi interested, creative, sensitive, talkative, driven, emotional, Poetic daydreamer, productive, energetic, fearless, courageous, descion maker, introspective, activist, Teacher, stick to my guns, let ideas build, leader, independent, innovator, Ideas – all time, love a deadline, see patterns/rhythm in everything

I am overbearing, clingy, people pleaser, manipulative, obsessive, distracted, crazy, sensory overloaded, never shuts up, wired, emotionally dysregulated, time waster, workaholic, Problems being still, impulsive, risk taker, arrogant, worrier/anxious, antisocial/anti establishment, Preacher, stickler, procrastinator, control freak, difficult to get along with, rule breaker, racing mind, poor time management, always a song in my head

In societies terms:

I struggle with authority, with plans changing, with not being in control, being a perfectionist, obsessing over minute details, Rejection Sensitie Dysphoria, people not agreeing with me, sensory overload (Smell, Noise (loud, background, overlay speaking), Touch (mainly materials and allodynia), bright lights. Managing my emotions (much better since I started a spiritual practice 20 years ago), feeling disconnected from people, small groups, dealing with mundane things – shopping, cleaning and all the usual life stuff is very low on the list. High up is writing stories, acting, walking in nature, playing with my dog, dancing, making music, hanging out with my neurodiverse friends and family, coaching and teaching others to be their best selves. Racing mind, time management (it’s an illusion anyway ????) Loneliness (I choose to be alone as I am overwhelmed and exhausted by being born into a society whose values and mechanism for growth are so far removed from my own) I have always struggled to believe in myself as I felt no self (not cause of being enlightened ???? but being confused as the world never made sense)

Strength: bundles of energy, passion, drive, compassion, creative force, love, integrity, teacher, prolific writer, communicator (can talk to anyone), dreamer, psychic – can feel what people need, astrologer and wonderful friend of nature, animals and children, love challenges, rise above adversity, inspiring, productive.

What’s your proudest moment?

In relation to being Autistic and ADHD my proudest moment was presenting for neurobox at Carescribe Skills Sessions event on ADHD and Creativity. I was given the opportunity to share my knowledge and to inspire others. I also love a bit of stage life and performing my spoken word on lived experience of neurodiversity was powerful for me to have an audience and to be heard, to be validated and to be well received.

My other proud moment was seeing a play I wrote for a children’s theatre company about Neurodiversity performed to an audience of 300 plus. This was magical.