Accepting Neurodiversity

Neurodivergent folks have a lot on their plates in this world that was built for the neuro-majority. Chances are, either you or someone you know is neurodivergent. Neurodivergent people likely comprise 15-20% of the world’s population. Labels such as dyslexia, ADHD, and autism are part of the umbrella of neurodivergence. Neurodivergent people have brains that think differently than neurotypical people (the majority). They have many different strengths and challenges that are different than for those with more typical brains. The neuro-majority has to take the time to understand these differences in order to get to the point of accepting neurodiversity.

There is great value in supporting and celebrating neurodiversity in society, like there is for other types of diversity. People with different ways of thinking can open others’ eyes to new ideas and ways of being. They can solve problems using novel perspectives. The question is, how do we not only spread awareness of neurodiversity, but build acceptance?

Valuing the strengths of the neurodivergent population requires us all to be more flexible in our expectations of neurodivergent people. We must seek ways to accommodate the unique needs of neurodivergent folks in our families, social circles, schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Universal design is a modern concept that involves designing public spaces that are accessible for all people – with different abilities, needs, and neurotypes.

You probably won’t meet a neurodivergent person without anxiety due to them being othered and without needed accommodations so much of their lives. Neurotypical brains are misunderstood in part due to a long history of behavioral approaches with the aim of forcing neurodivergent people to seem more typical to others around them. The majority of research has historically been centered only on white male cis-gender children.

Moving Toward Greater Understanding

With the modern neurodiversity movement, society is moving toward an era of greater understanding and acceptance. Research on neurodiversity is opening up to other genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, and people of other backgrounds. Current research shows that neurodivergent brains do not prune neural pathways (remove unused connections in the brain) the way the typical brain does. Therefore they have the ability to think about countless things at once and get into powerful flow states (a.k.a. hyperfocus). Neurodivergent people can see details, connections, creative pathways, and solutions, that others don’t see.

Contrary to historical beliefs, neurodivergent people tend to feel very deeply, both positive and negative emotions. Their nervous systems can be so sensitive that they have intense sensory experiences. On the opposite end of the spectrum, their nervous systems can respond to sensory overwhelm with the protective mechanism known as freezing.

Since their nervous systems are often amped up, learning how to feel neutral and calm can be a helpful goal for neurodivergent folks. One important way that many neurodivergent folks regulate their nervous systems is to fidget, or “stim”. These movements can be big or small, and can include rocking, swaying, bouncing a leg, pacing, etc. Movement also helps neurodivergent people to process information and integrate it so that it makes sense to them. Fidgeting or stimming can often be a joyous experience.

As a neurodivergent person myself, I believe that neurodivergent people can lead more fulfilling and meaningful lives through accepting neurodiversity. We benefit from embracing different ways of being and moving through the world. I believe this is especially true when we support neurodivergent people in reaching a place of neutrality or even joy more of the time.

How Can You Help?

Encourage neurodivergent people to spend time with other neurodivergent folks in order to build a sense of belonging. Advocate for universal design and accommodations where you see people who have unmet needs in various arenas of your life. Stay open to ways of communicating and living in the world that are different from what’s considered the norm. A supportive way to view neurodivergence is like it’s a different culture. Allow yourself to get curious about neurodivergent culture’s values, ways of communicating, relating, working, and learning. Be aware that your level of openness influences others’ willingness to accept differences.

Just as diversity is the spice of life, accepting neurodiversity involves embracing those who are “neuro-spicy” (a term used in neurodiversity culture). Society as a whole can benefit greatly from opening minds to the creativity, innovation, and hyperfocus that neurodivergent folks bring to the table. Neurodivergent people could teach the neuro-majority a new appreciation for sensory delights if they were given the chance. And maybe you could even learn to find joy in small moments and unexpected places simply by spending quality time with someone who thinks differently than you.