As a Neurodivergent Knitter, This Article Speaks To Me.
I also have ADHD and dyscalculia, and I'm also a knitter. When you think of neurodivergent, you often think of ASD. ASD gets the spotlight, while disorders like ADHD and dyscalculia and dyslexia (dyscalculia's older sibling that gets the spotlight), are often in the back, and are not thought of neurodivergence. ADHD and dyscalculia are in neurodivergent category, so it gets the spotlight for once in this article. In other words, ADHD and dyscalculia were waiting for their moment.
With ADHD, I was diagnosed when I was 6 or 7, and I started with the typical medications. Ritalin and Adderall are overprescribed, I had better luck with Concerta as an adult.
Most people are familiar with dyslexia. Dyscalculia is the math version of dyslexia, it falls in that category. I was diagnosed when I was thirteen, but I didn't find out until I was 26.
Knitting and crocheting give me a creative outlet.
I have little tricks when it comes to pattern repeats. I use a row counter. I find that helpful, and it allows me to keep track. I use paperclips in fun colors and bright colors that I use as stich markers and progress keepers. I also use hair bands in bright and fun colors to also use as stitch markers. Plus, they're NOT too expensive, widely available, and they come in bulk, so a pack of 300 paperclips at Dollar Tree in bright colors for $1.25 vs. a pack of five stitch markers available at a craft store or LYS that will be $10 for five is a much better deal. I also use pony tail holders in bright and fun colors as point protectors.
I also try to keep my projects fun. I'm doing a pair of socks that I'm powering through using a dark yarn (not my best idea, but I digress) and I'm a doing a keyhole scarf that I'm doing in a bright purple that is keeping me engaged, is garter stitch, and I can take my time with it is keeping my attention.
If you're not neurodivergent and need a mindless project? There's still tons of them out there. You don't need to knit a Musselberg hat as a palate cleanser, lots of knitters do that. Just do what appeals to you. That's why I prefer to knit a keyhole scarf-enough to keep me engaged while also cleansing my palette.
In conclusion, if you're neurodivergent and knit or crochet, don't let it stop you from having a creative outlet.
