Crochet + Neurodiversity

[@mossdragon123]

Ah! No wonder crochet became my special interest so fast. It even replaced an old special interest from very young childhood. It's a perfect hobby for neurodivergents

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

It really is perfect isn’t it!?!?!? I’m so glad it’s worked out so well for you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@allyson5712]

Loved this video Shannon! For me crochet isn’t just a means to an end, I truly enjoy the process. It can definitely improve the quality of one’s life. Thank you for shining your light on the neurodivergents in this community. 😊💕

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words! Crochet has greatly improved my quality of life, for sure!!! So if I can pass it on and suggest it to someone else, I’m more than happy to 😃

[@showandtellmeg]

Yay for keeping hands occupied! I totally agree - crochet and knitting are fantastic smothers for anxiety and depression for me.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

They certainly are!!! 😃

[@stephenie44]

Crochet has been so amazing for burnout recovery- I am so so glad I did it.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I agree, crochet has helped me navigate through some very challenging times! ❤️

[@frostandpollen]

Yesss - also winding one’s yarn stash and stacking all the cute little cakes 🤓 all the dopamine!!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Right!?!?!?!? You’re making me want to get my winder out again 😃

[@RootwitchQueen]

I crochet in public ALL of the time! Im AuDHD and I stim by crocheting very frequently both in and out of the home because it helps me calm down. It's also my special interest so I'm in DEEP and have been for nearly 10 years. I am self-taught because I'm a lefty and my ex-best friend who taught me was a righty lol I also loved Melanie Ham (RIP ❤) and learnt how to crochet a daisy granny from her (my fave type of granny square). Sometimes i just go back and look at all of her videos. Also also, LOVE the Fleetwood Mac shirt omg! Fleetwood Mac is one of my all time fave groups 😭🙏🩷 I am OBSESSED. Music is another one of my special interests and they take the cake for me. I cry every time I hear Rhiannon 😂 I also love making my own crochet clothes because i can CHOOSE how I make my seams and what fabric I use and how heavy the fabric will be. UGH! It's AMAZING ❤ Thanks so much for this video. I'm crying 😭 I feel so seen 💕

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Hello New Soul Sister!!! ❤️❤️ Thank you so much for watching and commenting! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experiences, it encourages me. It sounds like we will get along great!!! 🫶🏻

[@therealnancysteele]

Great chat. Crochet calms me. Rarely a day goes by that I dont have a hook and yarn in my hands. Thanks for starting the conversation. Have a wonderful weekend!!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Hi Nancy, thank you! I’m glad crochet is so helpful for you too! 😃

[@RootwitchQueen]

I also find that a hook can make or break the crochet experience for me so get a good hook! Thats my ND tip of the day xD Now off to sit on the patio and sip my coffee whilst I crochet! Have a super awesome day, y'all! 💗☺️

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Have a fabulous day crocheting! I’m enjoying my coffee right now too! And I agree about the hook, if it’s slipping or splitting my yarn, I’m gunna loose it! 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️😂

[@Sleepystitcheskim]

Im awaiting formal diagnosis but i get very overwhelmed and have meltdowns. My boyfriend says "you need to do some crochet now" 😂

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That’s awesome that he gets it!!! Treat yourself with compassion and comfort yourself when you need too ❤️❤️❤️

[@denisehoffmann5006]

I have a spicy brain , diagnosed with ADHD when I was 33 . So many things finally made sense . I cut out tags on my clothes , made my mom crazy . I still cut them out😉 I would hyper focus on whatever craft I was into over the years . The chaos of clutter that followed me around the house 😒 I have always come back to crochet . Reading and crochet are my happy place. Reading allows me to be still and rest ( or my version of still anyway) Crochet keeps my hands busy which in turn keeps my mind calm. It used to drive my husband crazy that I needed my hands busy to pay attention to movies . That I would know still figure out the mystery or who done it long before it was revealed , all the while doing counted cross stitch 😬😁

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Hi Denise, thank you for sharing this!!! I think your POV is super relatable to the late diagnosed, undiagnosed and self diagnosed!! It’s so crazy when you learn about it, and then your whole life finally makes sense! I’m glad you got some answers and I’m glad crochet was there for you ❤️❤️❤️

[@Iamlynie1]

Great video. I crochet every single day. I love to invent my jumpers, scarves, neck warmers, etc. Wool has always fascinated me. I'm 68 and over the past couple of years been diagnosed as being Autistic with ADHD so now my wool makes sense ☺️❤️

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thank you, and thanks for watching and commenting! Yep, it’s a great special interest, isn’t it!?!? 😃

[@Iamlynie1]

@@ShannonTalksYarn oh yes 😍😍

[@milliemrrobinson1074]

I'm new to your channel, and I appreciate this info! It made me understand why I am so involved in learning how to crochet. I'm far from advanced, but my little bags and shawls and throws have kept me from becoming as anxious from PTSD and depression. I also have learned, late in life, I am super sensory, and the tags, scratchy materials, and some yarns make me crazy! So glad I'm not alone.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

You are DEFINITELY not alone!!! I didn’t realize for a long time how much sensory overstimulation was affecting me! I’m glad you found crochet! ❤️

[@Yarnover_PullThrough]

Now this is another great video! I learned as a child but picked it back up over a year ago and I have consistently done ever since. I have to do it if not I feel like I don’t know what to do with myself or my hands lol. My therapist told me that it is a wonderful thing to do in addition to journaling when I’m feeling anxious or depressed. It has helped me tremendously and as I tell my kids, it helps keep me sane. When I finish something, I actually feel proud of myself. The only downside and it really depends on a person’s perspective but I may have developed a yarn addiction which I am also proud of. But hey, it could be worse. It could be drugs right😂 no judgment here.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

lol you’re right, it could be much worse!! 😂 You just did a wonderful job also describing me ❤️❤️❤️ Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for the kind words!

[@bastelbutze]

Nothing tickled my brain more than crochet, until I started knitting

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That’s awesome! 😃

[@YarnWarrior]

I take crochet with me anytime I'm going to be somewhere for awhile.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

It’s an absolute must!!! I agree 💯

[@lisapatterson9297]

The famous pumpkin pie garland!!! You got so many compliments on that and the whip cream !

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Yeeesss!!!

[@mariselytorres8039]

Lmao. My ADHD behind hyperfocusly crocheting as I’m listening to your vid. Will eventually burn out in a few more days.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

lol, I get it!!! 😃 And thanks for watching and commenting!!!

[@angelacollins]

Melanie (rip) taught me how to crochet. Messy bun beanie! I miss her videos!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I miss her too!!!

[@aksez2u]

What a great video! I haven't been diagnosed as being neurodivergent, and I don't think I am, but I really relate to some ADHD symptoms and have a touch of anxiety. Crochet is a godsend for me when it comes to keeping my hands busy and occupying my thoughts with something pleasant but yet challenging! ❤

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thank you, I appreciate your support! I’m glad crochet has helped you as much as it’s helped me! 😃

[@ameliapond8384]

I've been trying to convince my aunt to learn crochet by saying, "It's stimming that makes things! What's not to love?"

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Exactly!!! 💯

[@sweetmomentsbyjessie]

I learned how to crochet through Melanie Ham…I sure miss her! Crochet helps calm and relax me…it has helped me through some stressful and hard times. ♥️😊

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

She had a great channel and seemed like a genuinely kind person! I miss her too. Yep, what would we do without crochet!?!?!

[@cocoscrochet6380]

Hi Shannon 🤗 thank you for reminding us of the wonderful reasons Crochet is so beneficial for us! 🥰🧶🤩

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Hello Litsa!!! Another reason I’m thankful for crochet is that’s how I got to meet you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@cocoscrochet6380]

@@ShannonTalksYarn Hi Shannon 🤗 Aww “Ditto” my friend! 🙏🏼🥰🧶🤩

[@normaramirez8127]

Great information as always I truly enjoy your videos 😊

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thank you Norma, I really appreciate your encouragement ❤️

[@lisapatterson9297]

I listen to KZbin videos on the way home 🏡 😌 ❤🙌

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That’s a great idea! 🦌

[@joannunemaker6332]

Have a good weekend. I enjoyed this video. 😊❤

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Thank you, and you have a good weekend too! 😃

[@nikkihamilton8951]

I am nevordevergent and I love stem with my yarn, finger out next project with which yarns for a ex: I love granny square all in one yarn so far but I trying the 3d flowers with granny square all in one yarn, pray for me on this journey on this pattern

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I just saw the 3D granny square, it’s so pretty! But it does look a little intimidating lol!! I’ll definitely be praying for you!! 😃

[@andhalped]

are you saying not everyone feels their blood boil and go crazy from wearing clothes with a noticeable tag or a weird seam in the wrong place? :') picking the "right" texture yarn, stitch, density and fit is definitely my favorite part of crochet/knitting

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

lol there must be!!! 😂 that’s too funny!

[@belantww]

Dear Melanie Ham. The world lost a wonderful teacher when she passed away. 😞

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

That is so true! 💔

[@leilonnihamilton8356]

Don't know those terms. Forgive my ignorance. What are you talking about? Please explain. I'm so confused 🤔. Everyone else seems to know what you are talking about. Wish I did 😮.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

No problem! Neurodivergence refers to people with ADHD and also people on the autism spectrum. Some people have a formal diagnosis while some have credible reasons to suspect they’re neurodivergent. Some things (although there are many) that are common are hyperfocus which is being extremely motivated and focused on a particular task/activity. People stim in many number of ways but it’s often a simple repetitive action to help comfort or focus attention. If you’re curious about more, check out the channel Woodshed Theory. Claire is a late diagnosed woman on the autism spectrum and she is an amazing crocheter as well! So she’s got really good content on both! And don’t feel odd that you didn’t know! There’s not tons of info out there and there’s a lot of misinformation out there. I didn’t know anything about any of this until a few years ago! 😃

[@leilonnihamilton8356]

@@ShannonTalksYarn thanks for explaining the terms. I don't feel so bad for asking now. If you don't understand, always ask. If you don't ask, you don't learn. So thanks for sharing this. 👍

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

@leilonnihamilton8356 exactly!

[@barbiec4312]

I don’t think you should crochet while driving. Keep your hands on the wheel! 😊

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I don’t, I promise, I’m the passenger! 😃

[@cerwelt]

Are you neurodivergent? Just curious. Wondering because of this video.

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

I haven’t pursued a formal diagnosis, but I’ve found a lot of online support and information which has helped me understand a lot more!

[@deca717]

I’ve never been formally diagnosed with ADHD, but my daughter who’s working on her PhD in Psychology says she sees so many signs. 🤣🥲I will admit that I’m a process crocheter/knitter and always have multiple projects going at once, and I sort of bounce between them. Then it’s shocked Pikachu face when I actually finish something!

[@ShannonTalksYarn]

Hahaha I know exactly how you feel! 😮 It can be hard to find a physician who diagnoses adults unfortunately. But if you see the clues, and make accommodations for yourself, then you’re on the right track!!