Neurodivergence…it’s personal. Exploring the stigma and explaining the jargon.
What is Neurodivergence/ Neurodiversity?
To put it simply, it is how our brains process information differently, it can also be a difference in communication and motor skills.
“The term ‘neurodiversity’ describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways, there is no one ‘right’ way.”
(https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-neurodiversity, 2001)
For me the reason why it is personal is that there is a definition yes, but to identify as neurodivergent and to understand what it means is a characteristic of who we are as individuals. I don’t identify as neurodivergent but I am aware that I process very differently to those around me and sometimes very similarly to others. The difference is that, it hasn’t created barriers for me, living in this neurotypical world. With awareness, lots of reflection and growth, I am able to process the times when I have struggled and can attribute it to either genetics (how I process) or my lived experience. More on brain development here….. How the Brain Develops | Psychology Today
It is still a relatively new term and as with most new terminology it carries with it some scepticism, fear and judgement. What is it? What do they have? Everyone has ADHD now….sound familiar?
It is not an affliction…. it is a difference and can be added to all the other differences between us humans.
But when it becomes personal is when a person identifies as neurodivergent, not neurotypical. Neurotypical being like ‘normal’ people. I mean what is normal? Perhaps it is when you feel you fit in to society as it has been constructed. This is open to discussion and may be based on you values and beliefs. There are no absolutes in mental health and for me, it’s all a matter of perspective. You may not argue with the science but a persons lived experience is the basis for how they see and fit into this world.
For me the distinction comes when in identifying as neurodivergent you may also have added mental health struggles. Statistically people who are diagnosed with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder or ADHD/ADD are more likely to also struggle with their mental health. You may ask why is this? One of the reasons may be that the world was created for neurotypical people. To then try and fit into this world as a neurodivergent person, you are faced with extra challenges, as well as the judgement and discrimination that comes with not being neurotypical.
‘Masking’ can impact mental health. Living as you think you should, or acting a way that isn’t true to yourself to fit in. Can lead to emotional/physical and mental burnout.
‘Othering’ To other people. This is an ‘us and them’ way of thinking and treating people. Oh they are neurodivergent…. no we all are really depending on perspective and how you feel.
‘Labelling’ People who identify as neurodivergent may welcome the diagnosis. With it comes a sense of relief and also the additional support given. The issue here is that to get additional support a diagnosis is needed, with an NHS assessment taking between 2 weeks and 27 months from start to finish and the requirement being, to present with a number of symptoms. Some people are happy to hold their diagnosis high and proud, while some may wish to avoid the labels attached to being neurodivergent.
‘Diagnosable Neurodivergence’ ADHD/ADD, Autism, or (ASD) Autism Spectrum Disorder, as Autistic people range in the traits that they have, how they present and their additional support needs. Asperger’s and pervasive developmental disorder now also come under the umbrella term ASD. Dyspraxia, Dyslexia. Other types of diagnosable neurodivergence include Tourettes, synesthesia, dyscalculia, downs syndrome, epilepsy. mental health conditons, such as bipolar disorder, OCD, perosonality disorders, anxiety and depression.
‘Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or SEND’ This is the abbreviated term you may have heard, particularly within the community, schools etc. This applies to the additional support that can be given, to adults, vulnerable adults and young people who have a diagnosis of either a neurodivergence or a physical disability. You may argue that it is the support that should be available to all people who need it, with or without a diagnosis.
You are the expert on yourself, and are the only one that knows what it is like to be you. If your neurodiversity is something you would like to explore more, get in touch. I can offer a safe space to explore what it is like, to be uniquely you. The book that changed my understanding of what it is to identify as neurodivergent was ‘Unmasked’ by Ellie Middleton. For anyone wanting to understand themselves more or educate themselves on what it is like for an autistic person, I highly recommend reading it.
I think that what I have learnt is a counsellor working with people who identify or are diagnosed as neurodivergent, is that to always try to lead with empathy. This is to see things or try to from another persons perspective. It is personal to the individual and with that we must not be scared to communicate, get things wrong and ask questions. It is our job as humans to take responsibility and be informed. Ask the question…. how do you see your neurodivergence? Some people may still feel stigmatised and marginalised, but it is up to us to be aware of the autonomy we all have to identify however we choose.