PERSONAL GROWTH
Neurodiversity: The Next Wave in Mental Health Activism?
Have you ever been made fun of because of your high sensitivity? SUMMARY Neurodiversity — the recognition that human brains vary in significant, non-pathological ways — is reshaping how we understand mental health, identity, and belonging.
Have you ever been made fun of because of your high sensitivity?
SUMMARY
Neurodiversity — the recognition that human brains vary in significant, non-pathological ways — is reshaping how we understand mental health, identity, and belonging. For many women, especially driven, ambitious women who’ve spent decades masking or compensating for how their minds work, the neurodiversity framework is less a trend and more a profound relief: a reframe from ‘what’s wrong with me’ to ‘this is how I’m wired.’
Definition: Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is the concept that neurological differences — including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, sensory processing differences, and others — represent natural human variation rather than disorders to be fixed. Coined by sociologist Judy Singer in the late 1990s, the term frames these differences through a social and identity lens rather than a purely medical one, arguing that the challenges neurodivergent people face often reflect environment and structural mismatch as much as internal deficits.
Or bullied for the way or speed with which you can read, write, or articulate your thoughts?
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?
RELATIONAL TRAUMA
Relational trauma refers to psychological injury that occurs within the context of important relationships, particularly those with primary caregivers during childhood. Unlike single-incident trauma, relational trauma involves repeated experiences of emotional neglect, inconsistency, manipulation, or abuse within bonds where safety and trust should have been foundational.
“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?
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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.
But chances are, you probably have someone (if not a lot of someones) in your life who are neurodiverse. And perhaps you are, too. And that can be such a beautiful thing!
How can neurodiversity be a positive thing?
The neurodiversity movement is helping clinicians, educators, parents, and those themselves who identify as neurodiverse understand that there are, in fact, tremendous gifts and even social and evolutionary advantages that come along with being neurodiverse.
Whether this is possessing higher-than-average capacities for pattern recognition, memory and mathematics that can come with autism, hyperfocus and tremendous creativity that can come with ADHD, or vast wells of empathy and emotional attunement that can accompany Sensory Processing Sensitivity, neurodiversity, like with so many other forms of diversity, lends its owners gifts and advantages much like any other trait on this planet if framed and viewed this way.
How being neurodiverse can still feel hard.
But, on the other hand, for all of the possible gifts and advantages of neurodiversity, our society is largely not built and accommodating for and to those who are neurodiverse.
From the setup and structure of the grade school classroom, to the dominant visual and auditory learning methodology of our nation’s education system, to highly stimulating open concept office spaces, to the pace, demands, and calendared structure of modern, urban professional life — those with neurodiverse brains can often feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, uncared for and just generally not supported in many systemic social structures we mostly exist in.
Not to mention, of course, the high degree of stigma that still erroneously surrounds many forms of neurodiversity, particularly those that are viewed as pathologized mental health issues or learning disabilities.
So how can we — either as someone who lives with, parents, or works with someone who experiences neurodiversity — support and lessen the stigma around neurodiversity?
Some ways in which we can support ourselves and each other if we/they experience “neurodiversity.”
There are so many ways to support yourself, your child, your spouse or a friend or family member if you/they are neurodiverse.
Of course, seeking out appropriate and comprehensive medical and mental health care should be a primary first step, but beyond that, there is a range of things we can do to support the acceptance of neurodiversity in our personal spheres and, perhaps, more largely.
This list contains just a few ideas:
- Expose ourselves to others’ stories. Hearing others speak up about their lives being neurodiverse can help normalize your (or your loved ones) experience and possibly make you feel less alone. I really encourage you to check out The Mighty for first-hand accounts of folks who live with a wide variety of neurodiverse (and health and ability diverse) experiences. Check out groups in your city/town or online. (Facebook groups abound for this!) Connect to likeminded others living with neurodiversity.
- Tell your story. If and when you feel ready to tell your story, consider telling friends, fellow parents, or colleagues who you view as safe and supportive about your experiences living with neurodiversity.
- Educate yourself. On the language, the reframe, the benefits of any particular neurodiverse elements, etc. By changing the way we view neurodiversity we can increase our understanding and compassion for ourselves and for others.
- If you’re in a position to, practice proactive corporate and small business neurodiverse recruitment, retention, and accommodation supports. Learn more about the movement to do more of this in corporate America.
- If you’re a parent or educator, ask for academic accommodations and supports that your child or student may need in order to accommodate their neurodiversity.
Before you close this tab.
These are just a few suggestions for how you can support yourself and others if you experience neurodiversity. Now I’d love to hear from you in the comments below:
Do you live with neurodiversity? What’s one tip you would give anyone else living with neurodiversity to help them have more acceptance/ease/support?
Leave a message in the comments below so that our community of blog readers can benefit from your wisdom.
Here’s to healing relational trauma and creating thriving lives on solid foundations.
Warmly,
Annie
Further reading
- The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When The World Overwhelms You by Elaine Aron, PhD*
- Scattered: How Attention Deficit Disorder Originates and What You Can Do About It by Gabor Mate, MD*
- The Tiger’s Journey of Nonconformity and Neurodivergence by Jenara Nerenberg
- Neurocosmopolitanism.com: Nick Walker’s notes on neurodiversity, autism, and cognitive liberty
Frequently Asked Questions
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post is for psychoeducational and informational purposes only and does not constitute therapy, clinical advice, or a therapist-client relationship. For full details, please read our Medical Disclaimer. If you are in crisis, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line).
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References
- Singer, J. (1999). Why can’t you be normal for once in your life? From a ‘problem with no name’ to the emergence of a new category of difference. Disability Studies Quarterly.
- Walker, N. (2014). Neurodiversity: Some Basic Terms & Definitions. Neurocosmopolitanism.
- Kapp, S. K., Gillespie-Lynch, K., Sherman, L. E., & Hutman, T. (2013). Deficit, difference, or both? Autism and neurodiversity. Developmental Psychology.
- American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
- Armstrong, T. (2010). Neurodiversity: Discovering the Extraordinary Gifts of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Brain Differences. Da Capo Lifelong Books.
- Aron, E. N. (1996). The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You. Broadway Books.
- Lever, A. G., & Geurts, H. M. (2016). Psychiatric co-occurring symptoms and disorders in young, middle-aged, and older adults with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
- Lai, M.-C., Lombardo, M. V., Auyeung, B., Chakrabarti, B., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2015). Sex/gender differences and autism: setting the scene for future research. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
- Perry, B. D. (2009). Examining child maltreatment through a neurodevelopmental lens: Clinical applications of the neurosequential model of therapeutics. Journal of Loss and Trauma.
- Milton, D. E. M. (2012). On the ontological status of autism: The ‘double empathy problem’. Disability & Society.
Trauma bonding is a psychological response where a person develops a strong emotional attachment to an abusive or manipulative person. It happens through cycles of abuse and intermittent reinforcement, where periods of kindness or affection alternate with harm. This unpredictable pattern can create a powerful, almost addictive attachment that makes it very difficult to leave.
Returning to a harmful relationship is often a sign of trauma bonding. The intermittent reinforcement of the relationship—the highs of the good times and the relief when the abuse stops—can be neurologically similar to addiction. Additionally, if the relationship mirrors early attachment patterns, it can feel familiar and even ‘safe’ in a paradoxical way.
Trauma bonding can feel intensely like love, but it’s driven by different mechanisms. Genuine love is characterized by consistent care, respect, and mutual well-being. Trauma bonding is driven by the neurological and psychological effects of intermittent reinforcement and fear. The intensity of the attachment doesn’t mean it’s healthy or that the relationship is good for you.
Breaking a trauma bond is a challenging process that typically requires professional support. It involves creating physical and emotional distance from the person, building a support network, processing the underlying trauma and attachment patterns, and developing a clearer understanding of the relationship dynamics. It’s important to be patient and compassionate with yourself in this process.
If you experienced inconsistent or unreliable caregiving in childhood, you may have developed an anxious attachment style that makes you more vulnerable to trauma bonding. The unpredictable cycle of a traumatic relationship can feel familiar, even comfortable, because it mirrors early relational patterns. Understanding this connection is a crucial part of healing.
Further Reading on Relational Trauma
Explore Annie’s clinical writing on relational trauma recovery.
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As a licensed psychotherapist (LMFT #95719), trauma-informed executive coach, and relational trauma specialist with over 15,000 clinical hours, she guides ambitious women — including Silicon Valley leaders, physicians, and entrepreneurs — in repairing the psychological foundations beneath their impressive lives. Annie is the founder and former CEO of Evergreen Counseling, a multimillion-dollar trauma-informed therapy center she built, scaled, and successfully exited. A regular contributor to Psychology Today, her expert commentary has appeared in Forbes, Business Insider, Inc., NBC, and The Information. She is currently writing her first book with W.W. Norton.
