Autistic Physicians and Physicians with ADHD: Get your Butterflies in Formation!

I had never heard this phrase until very recently. I immediately loved it and knew I had to share it with my people. The phrase “get your butterflies in formation” is a playful and creative way of saying let’s get regulated. The expression plays on the idea of having butterflies in your stomach when you are nervous or excited. Of course, we all know that there are no literal butterflies but if you can get them into formation, it means you can control them. You have complete control over your emotions. It also implies that it’s fine that the butterflies are there. The expression isn’t “kill the butterflies” or even “get rid of the butterflies.” The butterflies are there; that’s fine. Let’s get them to follow directions.

Emotional Regulation in Healthcare :
If you are an autistic doctor or a physician with ADHD, your day can be very fast-paced and emotionally charged. Emotional regulation, while important, can be a challenge to come by. For both autistic physicians and those with ADHD, the phrase serves as a gentle reminder to reach for your “go-tos” for regulation. If you need help finding some “go-tos,” set up a free what-now call with me here.

Cognitive Organization for Sound Decision-Making :
Decision-making becomes more challenging when our thoughts and feelings are erratic and unstructured ( like butterflies flying randomly in the wind). “Get your butterflies in formation” is an invitation to slow down and organize your thoughts. I really enjoy doing this by taking a walk in nature. Even 5-10 minutes can do wonders. If you can’t get outside, perhaps you have a walking track of indoor loop you can use for this. Another approach would be writing your thoughts down. This can be on physician paper ( my favorite) or electronically. Writing everything out and then reading it back to yourself can be a really powerful tool to help organize your thoughts.

Routine and Predictability as Stability Anchors:

Autistic physicians often find comfort in routine, while physicians with ADHD benefit from structured environments. The phrase highlights the importance of establishing routines. For physicians with ADHD, predictability helps to remove decision fatigue and ruminating about choices. Autistic doctors often find comfort in consistency. A predictable framework not only aids in personal focus but also contributes to a sense of reliability and consistency in medical practice. Find my previous blog post on visual schedules here.

Stress Management:

The phrase “Get your butterflies in formation” reminds you to manage stress effectively. Stress management is important for everyone, irrespective of occupation or neurodevelopmental differences. Adopting intentional strategies that can navigate the challenges we all face is important. As I said above, getting out in nature is a really good way to manage stress. Even standing barefoot on grass has been shown to promote groundedness and decrease stress. For physicians with ADHD, exercise and vigorous movement have been documented to help with focus for the rest of the day. If you tend to be sensory-seeking, what coping strategies do you have? Is it a weighted blanked you can have in your office? Do you prefer to sit on an exercise ball, or do you need a sensory stimulus like a fidget to help you regulate yourself? All of these can be very helpful.

Finally : 

In the dynamic realm of medicine, “Get your butterflies in formation” encapsulates a mindset that is crucial for the well-being of all physicians. By embracing emotional regulation, cognitive organization, routine, and stress management, neurodiverse healthcare professionals can foster an environment of trust, reliability, and composed professionalism. This phrase, far from whimsical, carries profound implications for physicians seeking to navigate the complexities of their noble profession with grace and assurance.