The Daydream Spectrum: The Role of Emotional Dysregulation, Internalized Stigma and Self-Esteem in Maladaptive Daydreaming Among Adults With ADHD, ASD, and Double Diagnosis.

This article investigates maladaptive daydreaming (MD)—characterized by excessive, vivid fantasy activity interfering with daily life—and its associations with emotional dysregulation, escapism, self-esteem, and internalized stigma in neurodivergent adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or both (referred to as "AuDHD"). In a sample of 293 adults with confirmed diagnoses, MD rates did not differ significantly across groups, but predictive factors varied: ADHD symptoms and self-suppression escapism were significant predictors of higher MD levels in single-diagnosis groups, while emotional regulation difficulties and internalized stigma also played important roles. The study highlights that internalized stigma and self-esteem are significantly linked to MD prevalence, suggesting that MD may function as an avoidant coping mechanism influenced by unique neurodivergent challenges. These findings contribute to understanding MD within neurodiversity and underscore the importance of addressing emotional regulation and stigma in clinical interventions.