Ever wondered why some people think and learn differently? I know I sure have as I find it interesting in the way people think and do things. I know its most likely like that with other people also….um crime documentary documentaries anyone? I have always thought of myself as different my entire life but it took until I was 40 to really start putting the pieces together. It was then I found social media influencers talking about ADHD and oh my goodness it clicked!
I realized I shared many of the same characteristics. After some digging I ran across terms like neurodiversity and added another piece to the puzzle.
You may be asking well what is neurodiversity? Neurodiversity is the natural variation in cognitive functioning and brain neurobiological differences among individuals. Neurodiversity impacts human brain function and cognitive abilities, and include conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others.
So the point is people CAN be different, its ok and actually quite normal. How boring would life be if we were all the same ewww right? And with some types of neurodiversity it can be like a superpower. For example people with ADHD often think outside the box, spot patterns others miss, and juggle multiple thoughts at warp speed. They're natural problem-solvers, bursting with creativity and innovative solutions. Their curiosity leads them on epic quests for knowledge and adventure (umm hello hyperfocus). Sure, it can be a wild ride, but this supercharged way of thinking can turn the ordinary into extraordinary.
But what is the significance in understanding Neurodiversity?
Understanding neurodiversity is important in creating a more inclusive society. It challenges outdated attitudes, promotes inclusivity, and helps create better environments for everyone—at home, school, work and anywhere really. This is refered to as being neurodiversity affirming.
There is a neurodiversity movement that began in the late 1990s and promotes acceptance and inclusion of neurodivergent individuals, advocating for accommodations and celebrating their unique strengths and perspectives The term “neurodiversity” is credited to sociologist Judy Singer, who came up with it in her 1998 honors thesis. The movement challenged the traditional views of neurological differences, advocating for the acceptance and inclusion of people with neurodiversity as natural variations of the human brain rather than disorders to be cured.
The goal of the neurodiversity movement is to recognizes that these conditions and others are not inherently deficits but rather alternative ways of processing information and interacting with the world. The movement also advocates for embracing and celebrating these neurological differences as valuable forms of human diversity, rather than viewing them solely from a medical perspective as something that needs to be “fixed.” Recognizing these strengths and contributions of neurodiverse individuals can lead to more innovative and inclusive communities. How cool would it be to be labeled as someone with a superpower instead of a deficit or disability. I am all for that!
How can someone Recognize and Respect Neurodiversity in Daily Life?
By Valuing Diversity in the Workplace, Education, Healthcare and Everywhere We Go
1. Education
- Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Schools can develop tailored education plans that address the specific needs and strengths of neurodiverse students. This has been in place for awhile and I have seen first hand while working in special needs classrooms over 20 years ago. You might be thinking but didn't you say above you recently found out you were neurodivergent? That is correct even after a few years of working in special ed, I didn't put it together until I was 40. That is a story for another day.
- Inclusive Teaching Methods: Incorporating diverse teaching strategies, such as multisensory instruction and project-based learning, can benefit all students, not just those who are neurodiverse.
- Educating the educators: Increase awareness and professional development.
- Neurodiversity in education
2. Workplace
- Accommodations and Flexibility: Employers can implement accommodations such as flexible work hours, quiet workspaces, and clear communication methods to support neurodiverse employees. Also allowing fidget devices and things like headphones to cope with the environment is also very helpful. Allowing all or some time to work at home is also supportive and assists productivity
- Using Strengths: Companies can benefit from the unique skills and perspectives of neurodiverse individuals, leading to increased innovation and problem-solving capabilities. I have yet to experience this at any job I have had and have always been treated like a burden. I've even had bosses outright tell someone not to ask me something because I am useless. Plot twist I am not useless, I just think/do things differently.
- Awareness and Open Communication: Training, education, being approachable, and encouraging disclosure of neurodiversity. In my experience jobs (looking at you corporate gigs) really need to step up how they handle neurodiverse people and quit throwing us in a box with all the others (neurotypicals). Neurotypical individuals manage daily life much better than us neurodivergents. Not saying life of a neurotypical is always great and no one struggles but it sure seems that way. Unless they are hiding it well or something.
- Neurodiversity in the workplace
3. Healthcare
- Holistic Approaches: Healthcare providers can adopt holistic approaches that consider the overall well-being of neurodiverse individuals, rather than focusing solely on lessening symptoms that are currently occurring. By focusing on the patient's overall well-being, including their mental, emotional, and social health, rather than just treating specific symptoms or illnesses allows the patient to access better care and feel more supported.
- Patient-Centered Care: Involving neurodiverse individuals in decisions about their care and respecting their preferences and experiences is crucial.
- Personalized care: such as longer appointment times, flexible appointment times, and sensory friendly waiting areas. I had a doctor for 20 years that I am pretty sure found me annoying and too much, much like most people view me as. I finally found a new doctor after moving that is not that and actually cares for me as a person. She even said once that she hates medicating neurodiverse people just so they can fit into a corporate box. I knew I struck gold in the healthcare department after that comment.
- Neurodiversity in healthcare
4. Families and Caregivers
- Education and Awareness:
- Educate yourself about neurodiversity and specific conditions to better understand and support your loved ones. This is a big one and one I had wished my family would have done for me or at least tried some kind of mental support.
- Positive Reinforcement:
- Focus on strengths and provide positive reinforcement to encourage self-esteem and confidence. This is also something I didn't experience much of being raised in the 80's/90's where spanking and yelling were all the rage. When I got older I got an allowance and special privileges so I guess that was positive.
- Accessing Services:
- Seek out services and supports such as therapy, counseling, and educational programs that cater to neurodiverse individuals. I was put in therapy around 10 yrs old but my mom came with me so not much was accomplished as I wasn't free to state how I felt and work on it. Now I am dealing with a lifetime of issues at 42. But better late than never right?
Coping Strategies
- Inclusion involves creating environments where neurodiverse individuals feel welcome and valued. This requires accommodating different needs and preferences, such as providing sensory-friendly spaces or flexible communication methods.
- Acceptance goes beyond tolerance; it means actively embracing and supporting neurodiverse individuals in all areas of life, including education, employment, and social interactions.
The Future of Neurodiversity
- The neurodiversity movement continues to gain momentum, advocating for broader societal changes that promote inclusion and acceptance.
- Research into neurodiversity is expanding, leading to a better understanding of neurological differences and how to support them effectively.
- As awareness grows, it is hoped that neurodiverse individuals will experience greater acceptance, opportunities, and quality of life.
- Acceptance goes beyond tolerance; it means actively embracing and supporting neurodiverse individuals in all areas of life, including education, employment, and social interactions.
Just as biodiversity is crucial for a healthy ecosystem, neurodiversity is essential for a thriving human society. Different neurological makeups can offer unique perspectives, talents, and problem-solving approaches. Think of neurodiversity as a rainbow—each color represents a unique way of thinking, processing information, and interacting with the world. Just like how every color is essential to complete the rainbow, every type of brain is valuable for the richness it brings to society. Neurodiversity challenges us to shift our view from seeing these conditions as deficits to recognizing them as part of the vast diversity of human experience.
