Skip Navigation
Neurodivergence @beehaw.org balerion @beehaw.org

ADHD/autism/etc. and justice sensitivity

ADHD and autism are both strongly correlated with justice sensitivity. If you need an explanation for what that is, here's a quote from this article:

Justice sensitivity is the tendency to notice and identify wrong-doing and injustice and have intense cognitive, emotional, and behavioral reactions to that injustice. People who are justice sensitive tend to notice injustice more often than others, they tend to ruminate longer and more intensely on that injustice, and they feel a stronger need to restore justice.

Do y'all experience this? If so, how does it manifest?

For me, I can't see injustice and do nothing. Failing to stand up for my beliefs makes me hate myself, and I'll usually do it even if I know it's a bad idea or I'm surrounded by people who disagree--if anything, I feel more compelled to do it then. Since some of my beliefs are wildly unpopular, this often winds up in me feeling ostracized, rejected, and depressed.

I don't know what to do about this. I can't just not stand up for what I believe in--it's clearly the right thing to do. But it's a deeply unpleasant experience I keep repeating. I'll choose standing up for my beliefs over not being hurt if I have to, but that doesn't make it fun.

3
3 comments

  • I have ADHD. I would say injustice sensitivity is a major part of my personality. My husband says that's what he loves most about me. Much like you, I find it to be isolating quite often, so I don't necessarily see it as a bonus. He sees it as me being "strong enough to stand up for what's right," I guess.

  • I get this too. When something unjust happens or even when I hear about it I get angry and feel the urge to speak up and do something about it.

    It doesn't have to happen to me for this to happen. Not even someone I know.

    Sometimes it's enough for there to be a rule or law of a system in place that could in theory lead to major injustices being inflicted on someone. I get angry about that too sometimes.

    Its especially bad if children, animals or otherwise defenseless beings are affected. If such a thing is reported on TV like animal cruelty I have to change channels. Otherwise I get sooooo angry and I don't want that.