What is Neurodiversity - Actually?

Neurodiversity has so quickly become a buzz word, and of course with growth like that, some of the meaning and intent had been overshadowed. Let's pull the word apart so that you can begin to understand why neurodiversity is an important topic to be talking about.

'Neuro' means brain.

'Diverse' means difference.

Neurodiversity is a way of thinking about the natural variation that occurs in human brains. For so long, our Western society has characterized people who have brain differences as 'bad.' People with brain differences have been labelled as disabled, have been made to try to fit in to the mold of 'normal,' and have been made to feel as though they are less than neurotypical people.

Think back to science class. Is diversity really a bad thing?

No! Diversity is absolutely necessary within nature. Without diversity for example, crops becomes too susceptible to illness and disease. We need diversity within nature so that, even if a disease hurts or kills some of the plants in a crop, the others are able to withstand and continue growing. Diversity makes the entire population of plants stronger when they're considered as a whole. It's not a bad thing that the plants are different from one another, it just means that they have different strengths and needs.

The same is true for neurodiversity. A different brain is not a bad brain. We wouldn't want everyone's brain to be exactly the same, because problems might come up that we aren't able to solve, and then we're all hooped because we all think and behave in exactly the same ways.

When we approach the world from the stance of neurodiversity, we expect brains to be different. Again, different does not mean bad. We anticipate that anyone's brain will have specific strengths and specific needs, and we don't try to make anyone fit into some mystical, subjective 'typical' box. What works for one person may not work for another, even if they've been given the same diagnosis.

A diagnosis is a helpful way for the education and healthcare system to categorize symptoms and treatments. Often, a diagnosis is necessary in order for systems to start supporting people who are struggling. A diagnosis is a helpful descriptor, but a diagnosis will never give anyone the full picture of any one individual. The only thing that can give us a full picture is by getting to know the person behind the diagnosis. What are their unique strengths? What do they need in order to be successful? How can we change up the environment so that it works better with their brain?

So, happy Neurodiversity Week! Let's remember that all brains are beautiful - differences and all.