2/01 DNA × ATLAS: Where Neurodivergence and Chronic Illness Meet

This week, the Duke Neurodiversity Advocates (DNA) are partnering with ATLAS (Adolescents Transitioning to Leadership and Success) — a Duke Psychiatry program that supports teens and young adults with chronic health conditions as they navigate independence, healthcare, and self-advocacy.

Many of the topics we discuss in DNA — executive dysfunction, fatigue, sensory overload, burnout — are also part of the daily reality for young people in ATLAS.This meeting will explore that overlap: how chronic illness and neurodivergence often intersect, and how shared strategies can make both worlds a little easier to navigate.

We’ll talk about:

• How chronic illness and neurodivergence affect each other (fatigue, focus, emotional regulation)

• What self-advocacy looks like when your needs aren’t visible

• Building communication skills for both medical and academic settings

• The importance of community care — and how ATLAS and DNA can support each other’s members

If you are interested in working as a mentor in the ATLAS program please stay after our meeting!