Let’s Talk About Neurodivergence

What is Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence is a nonmedical term that is used to describe how human brains can work and interpret things differently than what is socially expected or deemed ‘typical’. The term was originally used by 1990’s sociologist Judy Singer. Fueled by her own experiences as someone with autism, Singer’s work followed the idea that each human brain has its own unique combination of strengths and abilities. Singer advocated for the idea that these differences should be embraced, and not seen as problematic.

Neurodivergent folks have a diverse range of ways that they think, learn, process, and behave. Typically these differences are captured in diagnoses like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, and Autism.

Benefits of the growing movement

The term neurodivergent has been popularized in recent years as more campaigns to reduce stigma around these experiences have strengthened. This has led to a growing awareness of stressors and common neurodivergent characteristics that individuals may not have otherwise recognized in themselves. For example, conversations around varying preferences and thresholds to certain stimulation and sensory based environments has led to a large increase in folks getting diagnosed with things like ADHD and Autism in adulthood. The movement behind raising awareness of neurodivergence in general has helped individuals who often struggled with acclimating to the neurotypical nature of the world. It has brought about communities of folks who are now able to find others with similar experiences. It has also called for more institutional awareness and changes among the education sector and professional workplace regarding how we embrace neurodiversity and all the strengths, abilities, and challenges that come with it.

While neurodivergent folks are often recognized through their diagnoses, this movement has also brought validity to life experiences for those who may not have an official diagnosis. In reference to Singer’s original point, we all have different ways we interact with the world. As a result, we all have different needs that should be met to allow us to do just that.

Critiques of the concept

As often comes with any movement or growth in terminology, there are also critical points to recognize.

Because the term ‘neurodivergent’ is something that people can identify with, it then becomes susceptible to identity politics and the lines that can be drawn as a result. Those who have official diagnoses are often put up against those who don’t, debates amongst those with varying diagnoses, the scale of severity and function amongst individual diagnoses, and of course, the intersectionality between neurological identities and all our other aspects of life (gender, race, socioeconomic status, etc).

There isn’t just one way to determine who qualifies as neurodivergent. As a result, many folks end up trying to discredit those who identify with it, or the concept as a result. This often can lead to resource nullification and make it more difficult to progress the movement’s original goals which is increase in acceptance and celebration of neurodiversity as a whole.

How does it affect how you identify?

Learning more about neurodivergence may lead to more questions about your experience and if you should get evaluated to learn more about certain symptoms. Exploring your life experiences with a therapist may help you better understand yourself without the need to get officially diagnosed, but diagnosis may open you up to more resources that can help you function in a healthier way.

Whether you decide to further explore your neurological processes or continue as usual, it’s important to note that the term ‘neurodivergent’ is not an official medical term or diagnosis. So, you can decide whether you wish to identify with it, or not. That being said, you can not impose the term on others as it is an individual decision. Respect one another’s journeys and uphold your boundaries toward your own.

Thanks for getting A Little Mental with me!

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