Caroline Goldsmith: Expert in Neurodiversity
Caroline Goldsmith, a psychologist with over 30 years of experience (15 professionally) in neurodiversity, discusses the concept of organised chaos as it relates to individuals with Aspergers, both male and female.
Understanding Organised Chaos
A common trait observed in people with Aspergers is their tendency to have messy rooms or living spaces. While many assume they should be fixated on keeping everything in perfect order, the reality is different:
- They often have a fixation with their version of order, meaning items are placed where only they know how to find them.
- This is referred to as organised chaos—what appears chaotic to others makes sense to the neurodiverse individual. If something is missing, it’s often because “someone moved it.”
Cleaning Habits in Neurodiverse Individuals
Neurodiverse individuals typically prefer blitz cleaning over daily tidying:
- Blitz cleaning involves suddenly clearing and meticulously organizing a space to perfection.
- Over time, the area reverts to its state of organised chaos.
Supporting Neurodiverse Living Arrangements
If you live with a neurodiverse person, it’s essential to approach their living habits with understanding:
- They may already struggle with inner self-criticism, so constant reminders about tidiness can be harmful.
- What seems messy to a neurotypical individual is often a functional system for the neurodiverse person.
It’s important to allow them their space and resist the urge to impose neurotypical cleaning standards.
Encouraging Acceptance
The best way to support a neurodiverse individual is to respect their need for autonomy and their unique way of organizing their environment. This acceptance fosters comfort and self-expression.
Contact Caroline Goldsmith
For discussions on diagnosis, intervention, or setting goals, contact Caroline Goldsmith at 087 387 6841.