Neurodiversity - A Beginner’s Guide
What does Neurodiverse (ND) mean?
There are so many new terms that have popped up recently regarding differences in the way that individuals experience the world around them. These differences can show up in the way that people think, feel and act; they can originate from medical conditions, learning disabilities, mental health concerns, developmental disorders, and various other reasons. Neurodiversity is not an official term and is not used in diagnosis or legal paperwork; however, It is often self-assigned or used as a description of one’s own family members. This term has gained traction lately in many communities and in mental health support environments.
Who is Neurodiverse?
Neurodiverse, or ND, was originally used as a term exclusively for those with a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Disorder/ Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADD/ ADHD), or Learning Disorder. Many individuals prefer the ND label, especially adolescents. It has grown in popularity and the online ability to reach others and join communities.
The term “Neurodiversity” is used to explain the various ways that people's brains work. Being neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently from the average or “neurotypical” person (NT). These differences may be in social preferences, ways of learning, ways of communicating, ways of perceiving the environment, or ways that they express themselves. Because of this, a neurodivergent person has different struggles and unique strengths. Individuals that are neurodivergent can often benefit from education, therapy, and programs that help them develop their strengths, teach them to use their strengths to their benefit to live happy, healthy lives.
Is ND a disability?
It is often asked if being neurodiverse is a disability – this is not an easy question to answer. Currently, because there is no medical or legal definition of neurodiversity, it cannot be classified as a disability. The concept of neurodiversity exists to push the focus from what an individual cannot do, to what they can. The idea is that differences are not deficits, but can be strengths. In the last decade, there have been attempts to link the neurodiversity movement to the ADA (Americans with Disability Act), but that has not been accomplished at the time of this newsletter.
Is being ND a superpower?
The real answer is that it can be! When you are interested in a specific topic, you can become a subject matter expert. Neurodiverse team members may have strengths like greater attention to detail, analytical thinking, pattern recognition and memory. Adding those that have neurodiversity to your scholastic or work teams can bring amazing assets like creativity, competitive advantage, expanded social connections, and improved productivity or performance.
For the Future
It is important that there is neurodiversity representation in policy making, especially in education reforms and updates. The common rally cry for this has been the slogan “Nothing about us, without us.” To reach superpower status with your neurodiversity, it can be critical to learn how to amplify your internal strengths. This is facilitated through therapy and accommodations. If you or someone you love is neurodiverse or exploring the world of neurodiversity, reach out to Kelly at PFTG for support and guidance through therapy.
Resources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-neurodiversity-202111232645
Silberman, Steve. NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity (p. 473). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.