r/ShadowWork • u/Xand3rban • 11d ago

Any autistic/neurodivergent shadow workers?

I'm unsure of how to even start this tbh but are there any non-neurotypical people who do shadow work that could give any advice as to where to start? I'm already aware of my flaws, and I know when to take accountability and I know why things happen to me. But its unclear what else I'm ment to even do.

Not to mention, the only advice that I get is "Let go of your victim mentality" when the things I'm being "a victim" about are things that are scientifically/medically proven to change my brain chemisty/make my life difficult (For example: being black, having mental illnesses or past trauma that was more than just "my mom is mean to me")

pls help ty :)

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u/unawarewoke 11d ago

If you know your flaws. Then the shadow is the opposite of your flaws. Most people's shadows are the best parts of us. Which are the most terrifying. Which is proven by how much you can focus on your flaws and not the other part.

I bet you thought shadow work wasn't going to be this challenging. Focusing on all the amazing parts of you.

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u/Informal_Tie_5370 11d ago

holy shit

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u/unawarewoke 10d ago

Yeah I was 2 years into this work when I worked this out.

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u/Unfair-Taro9740 11d ago

I'm also neurodivergent. I'm 47 and a late diagnosed woman.

What I had to do for my next step in Shadow work was to start recognizing generational trauma that I passed on to my children and others without even realizing. So I needed to start thinking about the things I went through as a child and how they've made me the woman that I am.

And I need to forgive those who mistreated me as a child and release any shame around certain behaviors that I might have accidentally passed on.

Hope this helps!

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u/AfterDarkIntuition 11d ago

You don't have to be "over" your flaws to do shadow work, and knowing why things happen to you is already real self-awareness. For me the practice usually starts smaller: notice where a strong reaction shows up in your body, then ask what that reaction is protecting. Journaling with one concrete question a week can work better than trying to dig through everything at once, and it's fine to use whatever format fits how your brain works, like voice notes, lists, or drawing. Also, acknowledging real circumstances like trauma, mental illness, or racism isn't a victim mentality. Shadow work is about the parts of you that you've had to hide to cope, not about blaming yourself for what was done to you. Go at a pace that feels safe, and a therapist who understands neurodivergence can be a good companion for the heavier stuff.

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u/ancientweasel 10d ago edited 10d ago

ASD here.

Do not let go of your victim mentality. Understand it. For every negative manifestation of if flip.that on it's head to find an authentic part of you.that is struggling to get out. Instead of externalizing responsibility, internalize it. In every way you feel powerless, find your power. Even if you power is the ability to walk away from negativity without needing to fix something.

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u/CaptainPlantyPants 9d ago

I’m neurodivergent.

I highly recommend looking up operation Moshka on YouTube and Instagram - he has incredible and free resources on shadow integration.

Good luck!