Perhaps you’ve been called scatter-brained or mocked for having ADHD or some other learning disorder?
Have you ever felt (or been made to feel) “other” for the way your brain just seems to be wired?
Do you feel like you have a really different way of thinking and processing? And sometimes (often) feel misunderstood because of this?
If you found yourself nodding along to any of these comments, it could be that you’re part of a large group on this planet who are neurodiverse.
And, if you’ve ever been shamed, blamed, or made to feel “other” for being neurodiverse, you’re not alone.
BUT, far from it being a bad thing, neurodiversity is a beautiful, powerful way of being in the world. Despite what dominant social messages may otherwise have you believe.
Moreover, the neurodiversity movement is growing. And, in my opinion as a therapist, it may be the next big wave of mental health care activism. As well as a big step forward in general social compassion.
So in today’s article, I want to introduce you to the concept of neurodiversity and the neurodiversity movement, share some examples of neurodiversity, help you understand why neurodiversity is a beautiful, powerful thing, and give you some suggestions to support yourself or a loved one if you/they experience neurodiversity.
What is neurodiversity?
“Neurodiversity is the diversity of human brains and minds – the infinite variation in neurocognitive functioning within our species.” – Nick Walker, Neurocosmopolitanism
While there are many definitions, neurodiversity (a term coined in the late 1990’s by Australian sociologist Judy Singer) at its root, views variances in the brain (and impacts of these variances) as natural and normal variations in the human genome, rather than assigning a pathological label to such variances.
The neurodiversity movement seeks to normalize these brain structure variances in much the same way that other movements have sought to normalize, celebrate, and make more inclusive racial diversity, sexual and gender expression diversity, body diversity, religious diversity, ableism diversity, and more.
The neurodiversity movement challenges established and pervasive social norms that see inherent brain structure variances not as something to be “fixed” or “cured”, but rather as authentic and valuable forms of biological expression that may need individualized supports and help instead.
What are some examples?
Examples of neurodiversity can include diagnoses such as ADHD/ADD, autism, bipolarity, and/or neurodiversity can also include personality traits relating to brain structure variances such as Sensory Processing Sensitivity, or learning capacity variances such as dyslexia or specific learning disorder.
Neurodiversity may often be invisible. Even to those who have it and who don’t quite fully understand it or aren’t aware of it yet. And those with neurodiversity may actively try to make it look invisible. Thanks to the pervasive social stigma largely surrounding many neurodiverse populations.
