What is Neurodiversity? Embracing the Human Mind

The term neurodiversity was first coined back in the 1990s. It has gained significant attention recently. You have likely even heard of this term yourself.

Serving as a framework for understanding all the different ways in which the brain functions, or human neurological variations, neurodiversity helps to recognize unique strengths and challenges that specific people face.

Understanding neurodiversity may also support you in navigating the world with more ease.

So, let’s delve into exploring what neurodiversity and neurodivergence mean, address the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, and discuss some strategies for navigating these challenges, including the role of a neurodiversity-affirming therapist.

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity represents the concept that there are differences in the way that each of us functions and interacts with the world around us. No two brains are structured in the same way, so no two people are the same.

These differences are natural variations and are a form of human diversity and encompass neurotypical people, neurodivergent brains, and everything in between.

Neurotypical individuals are those whose neurocognitive functioning is similar to the average or what is considered the “norm” by society. Whereas those who deviate from this “norm” are considered neurodivergent.

Based on the neurodiversity-affirming model, neurodivergent individuals are not seen as something to be fixed, and neurological conditions are not deficiencies or disorders to be cured. They are variations that can bring unique strengths and experiences to our society.

As noted by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), neurodiversity promotes a paradigm in which differences are celebrated rather than stigmatized (ASAN, n.d.).

What is Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence is an extension of the term neurodivergent. Both neurodivergence and neurodivergent were first coined in the early 2000s by autistic advocate Kassiane Asasumasu.

Kassaiane noticed that there were non-autistic individuals whose brain functioning tended to differ from the norm for neurocognitive functioning. These individuals whose brain function differs from what society defines as “typical” were included under the term neurodivergent.

What are the Different Neurodivergent Identities?

Neurodivergent is an umbrella term and includes a wide variety of conditions, where new conditions can be added over time.

Currently the neurodivergent umbrella includes:

Autism
ADHD
Dyslexia
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Anxiety
Dissociative Identity Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
And a host of other neurological, mental health, and medical variations.

According to research, there can be overlaps in these conditions. For example, some studies show that around 30-50% of individuals with autism also meet the criteria for ADHD (Lai et al., 2015).

What Challenges Do Neurodivergent Individuals Face?

The world is currently not structured in a way that is supportive to neurodivergent individuals. As a result, neurodivergent individuals may experience a variety of challenges when trying to navigate the world, including:

Social Interaction Challenges: Some neurodivergent individuals struggle to understand social cues. This can lead to difficulty with forming and maintaining relationships.
Sensory Overload: A heightened sensitivity to sensory inputs can lead to overwhelm in busy environments.
Executive Dysfunction: Neurodivergent individuals may face challenges with planning, organizing, and completing tasks.
Workplace Barriers: Neurodivergent individuals often face discrimination and lack of accommodations in work settings. This can impact career opportunities and job performance.
Mental Health Challenges: The stress of navigating a world that often does not accommodate neurodivergent people may cause an increase in anxiety, depression, and burnout symptoms.

Is There Overlap Between These Neurodivergent Conditions?

Yes, many of these neurodivergent conditions co-occur with one another. For instance, research suggests that individuals with autism are more likely to experience ADHD (Lai et al., 2015). Moreover, those with ADHD are more likely to exhibit traits of anxiety and depression (Lai et al., 2015).

The frequency of these co-occurrences increases the chances for misdiagnoses and complicates the diagnostic and treatment purposes. Therefore, medical and neurodivergent professionals require a nuanced understanding of how different neurodivergent identities can interact.

What Can You Do If You Are Neurodivergent?

School and Workplace: Asking for Accommodations

In educational and workplace settings, accommodations can be beneficial for neurodivergent individuals and can help them thrive.

If you need support in an educational or workplace setting, seek accommodations tailored to your needs. This could include quiet workspaces, flexible schedules, or modified task lists.

In school settings, familiarize yourself with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Engage with your teachers and administrators about specific needs and document these needs through formal plans, such as an individualized educational plan (IEP).

In the workplace, you can request accommodations. Employers are obligated by law to provide reasonable accommodations, which might include flexible work arrangements, task restructuring, or assistive technology.

Strategies for Facing Neurodivergent Challenges

The strategies that work for one person may not work for another. But here are some common strategies for individuals facing neurodivergent challenges:

Establish Routine: Creating a structured daily routine can be beneficial for managing executive dysfunction and building predictability in daily life.
Sensory-Friendly Preparation: Understand what sensory situations cause you to feel overwhelmed, and work to develop strategies to manage these sensory sensitivities. This could include using noise-canceling headphones or finding quiet spaces to retreat to when overwhelmed.
Use Technology: Utilize tools like organizational apps, timers, and reminders to enhance focus, planning, and organization.
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself the way you would treat a friend. Recognize that your journey is unique, and celebrate all the small wins that you accomplish.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy

If you are neurodivergent and you are facing challenges with trying to navigate a world that was not built for neurodivergent people, there is support available.

Neurodivergence is not something to fix or cure. Therefore, you are going to want to seek out a neurodiversity-affirming therapist.

Neurodiversity-affirming therapy is an approach to neurodivergence that recognizes neurodivergent experiences as valid and worthy of support. Rather than aiming to “fix” neurodivergent individuals, this therapy emphasizes empowerment, strengths, and self-advocacy.

Neurodiversity-affirming therapists aim to create supportive environments that accommodate individual needs and celebrate unique neurological profiles while challenging systemic ableism and societal expectations.

Book a Free Consultation With Bee Kind Counselling

Are you a neurodivergent individual who is in need of support?

Bee Kind Counselling is well positioned to support you with their team of mental health professionals.

You can book a free 15-minute consultation with a Canadian self-esteem therapist by emailing admin@beekindcounselling.com, calling 519-757-7842 ext. 1, or booking through the website below.