4.5 The Coping Process

The coping process refers to the various strategies individuals use to manage stress and adapt to challenging situations. It involves both cognitive and behavioural responses designed to reduce the impact of stressors and help maintain emotional balance. Coping strategies can include re-evaluating stressful situations (appraisal-focused), finding practical solutions to problems (problem-focused), managing emotions through various techniques (emotion-focused), or engaging in activities that provide distraction and relief (occupation-focused).

Neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism or ADHD, may experience and approach the coping process differently from neurotypical individuals due to differences in cognitive and emotional processing. For example, neurodivergent individuals might find cognitive reframing more challenging because they may struggle with shifting perspectives. Their problem-solving approaches might be different due to executive functioning differences. Emotional regulation might involve unique practices like stimming or intense focus on special interests, which can be misinterpreted by others.

Let us have a look at how a coping process may differ from a neurotypical person to a neurodivergent person. Have a look at the table below that showcases these differences.

Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Coping Processes

Reference: Harris, M., & Fallot, R. D. (Eds.). (2001). Using Trauma Theory to Design Service Systems. Jossey-Bass.