Neurodiversity Info Sesh

 Title: What is Neurodiversity?

Author: Caroline Miller

Argument: The author explains that there's a neurodiversity movement in which light is shed on the capabilities of those who are neurodivergent while aiding to those who feel they are neurodivergent but are not diagnosed.

Talking Points

(1) Judy Singer saw neurodiversity as a social justice movement, to promote equality of what she called “neurological minorities” — people whose brains work in atypical ways  The photo to the right shows some instances where those who are diagnosed may also be neurodiverse within the umbrella. There's plenty more but I was personally surprised at how wide of a range people affected by different inner workings. 

(2)  Stephanie Lee, PsyD, a clinical psychologist: “Instead of thinking of people with autism or ADHD as needing to be ‘fixed,’ we put a spotlight on things that they’re good at and help with things that they’re working on.” I appreciated this view on the situation and reminded me of Shifting the Paradigm reading where the argument is that schools should focus on student strengths rather than their deficit short comings wherever that could be. In this black and white photo you can see some different diagnoses where there is a strength or multiple that someone can possess despite not being "atypical". Society is always looking for a negative when all we need is a new direction to be successful.

(3) The ending informs the reader on what to do and except when a child thinks something could be "wrong with them". Getting a result from the evaluation where they may not be diagnosed could mean they fall somewhere else. I like that its stated, "Dr. Martin adds. 'That doesn’t minimize your experience, so let’s talk about what we can do to support you, or find other answers if necessary.’  The end result should be a plan that both parents and child can have confidence in." Although the Doctor could dismiss the family the route is to provide support in another way, whatever the child is going through. It still shows compassion despite the child looking to figure out why they aren't thinking like the majority of their peers.

Connections: With the neurodivergent movement uprising it can bring less of a stigma and allow those who are not neurotypical to freely be who they are and reduce the stress it takes for them to adapt to an environment. Masking happens where those who are neurodivergent are assimilating to school, work, and life to fit in. This could include being observant to others actions and mimicking them, processing information that is being told vaguely by agreeing, or not speaking at all in fear they aren't saying the right thing. This causes exhaustion and anxiety and requires time to recover. More information can be found in this link. In that they suggest to not mask who you are, "Unmasking is not failing at or giving up professionalism—it’s reclaiming your energy, creativity, and well-being." this can be refreshing for those who need the push to be themselves. For example, if you can imagine working retail as a cashier and have a line for hours where you are constantly smiling, gesturing, and completing transactions, the exhaustion takes a while to recuperate. You're not being your true self because its "not professional" but that is the life for neurodivergent individuals in almost every setting for hours a day.

Reflections: Although being coined in the 90's I feel I have never heard of the term until COVID. There has been an uptick on social media, for me, I've seen on TikTok where dozens of videos now include "neurodivergent" actions or feelings. I feel this can speak to a lot of people both children through adults who may not realize that they could fall in the category or that their processing isn't considered by society as a norm.