Am I Neurodivergent? Understanding Neurodiversity And Its Value is Key

In our diverse and complex world, every individual possesses unique qualities and characteristics that contribute to the rich tapestry of humanity.

Understanding neurodiversity can be as simple as understanding differences are a human variation.These differences extend to the way our brains work, giving rise to what we refer to as neurodiversity.

Neurodiversity is a concept that emphasizes and celebrates the natural variations in the human brain, considering conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences as part of the normal spectrum of human diversity.

So what does being different truly mean and why is understanding neurodiversity vital for encouraging inclusivity, understanding, and acceptance?

Am I Neurodivergent? Great Minds Don’t All Think Alike

Neurodiversity affirming is a movement that challenges the more traditional (and outdated) view of looking at neurological differences as deficiencies or disorders that need to be fixed or normalized.

Instead of looking at neurodiversity as a problem or deficit, it asserts that these differences are simply human variations and can offer unique strengths, perspectives, and contributions to society.

Or more simply put, it means that brains are diverse in general, and there is no single “correct” way of how to think, learn, or even to behave.

Understanding neurodiversity is an acknowledgment that it encompasses a wide range of conditions and variations, including, but not limited to autism. It also includes other neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and giftedness.

RELATED: Do You Know Your Flavor of Autism Spectrum Disorders?

Key Principles of Neurodiversity Affirming and Answering, “Am I Neurodivergent?”

Different experts list different principles for understanding neurodiversity, but here are four key ones that I can really appreciate.

1. Acceptance and Respect:

The foundation of neurodiversity is accepting and respecting neurodivergent individuals just as they are, without trying to change or “cure” them.

This acceptance of the question of am I neurodivergent promotes a more inclusive society where everyone feels valued and understood.

2. Equality and Equity:

Neurodiversity advocates for equal rights and opportunities for individuals with neurological differences.

It emphasizes the need to create a level playing field and eliminate discrimination, and as a result allows neurodivergent individuals to thrive and reach their full potential.

3. Valuing Neurodivergent Traits:

Neurodiversity recognizes that neurodivergent individuals have unique strengths and talents that can benefit society.

These strengths may include exceptional attention to detail, pattern recognition, heightened creativity, analytical thinking, and divergent problem-solving abilities.

4. Neurodiversity as a Social Identity:

Neurodivergent-affirming individuals often identify with their neurological differences and consider them an integral part of their identity.

Neurodiversity acknowledges this aspect and encourages a sense of community and belonging for those who embrace their neurodivergent identities.

READ MORE: Top Autism Questions – What Being on the Spectrum Means

Benefits of Embracing Neurodiversity-Affirming Principles

Understanding neurodiversity isn't that hard. It can be as simple as accepting someone as they are.Neurodivergent individuals often possess extraordinary creativity and unconventional thinking.

By embracing and understanding neurodiversity, society gains access to a broader range of perspectives, leading to increased innovation, problem-solving, and fresh ideas in various fields.

While much work in the acceptance area still remains, the workforce is getting somewhat better.

Organizations that foster neurodiversity create a more inclusive work environment, benefiting from the diverse strengths and abilities of their employees.

Embracing different thinking styles enhances collaboration, productivity, and employee satisfaction.

Promoting and understanding autism through neurodiversity-affirming ways fosters empathy and understanding among neurotypical individuals, encouraging a culture of acceptance, tolerance, and kindness.

This leads to stronger connections, reduced stigmas and stereotypes, and increased support.

It also goes a long way in helping people to truthfully answer, “Am I Neurodivergent?” Acknowledging unique differences can help serve to navigate life more successfully. It can also foster a more diverse, and stronger, society overall.

RELATED: Think You Know Neurodivergence? Debunking These 25 Popular Myths About Autism

Neurodiversity Can Also Be Controversial

As good as the progress may seem, not everyone agrees with the notion that autism meaning “different” helps the cause for those who have a severe disorder.

In the case of individuals with severe autism, some critics say that being told they are just “different” can lessen the awareness and understanding that they cannot be independent and will always need support and a caregiver throughout life.

While people don’t like the terms of being “high functioning” or “low functioning” or having “high support needs” vs. “low support needs,” these terms can help in some instances to explain autism abilities and challenges.

The bottom line is that autism and other neurodiverse conditions fall on a very wide spectrum and every individual is unique and should be viewed in that way.

By embracing differences through the acceptance of neurodiversity-affirming ways, individuals with neurological differences can develop a positive self-image, embrace their strengths, and build resilience in the face of societal challenges.

It empowers neurodivergent individuals to advocate for their rights, celebrate their unique attributes, and live authentically after acknowledging the answer to am I neurodivergent?

Neurodiversity offers a transformative perspective that challenges accepted norms about neurological differences.

We can foster a more inclusive and compassionate society by recognizing and celebrating the wide spectrum of human minds.

READ MORE: Defining Autism Spectrum Disorder – What Does It Feel Like?

How Embracing Differences Leads To Understanding Neurodiversity and Its Powers

Embracing neurodiversity not only benefits individuals (like me) with neurological differences,  but also enriches our communities overall by promoting innovation, understanding, and the shared goal of creating a better world.

Understanding uniqueness is a concept that continues to challenge traditional notions of normalcy. Today’s society, especially among the younger generations, is increasingly celebrating the wide spectrum of human neurological differences. 

By imagining a world with diverse individuals who together form a better world, individuals will feel less of a need to mask their uniqueness and come out as they are. Understanding neurodiversity and supporting all that it entails places value on the strengths and perspectives of individuals with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, OCD, and more. The neurodiversity-affirming shift encourages society to view these differences as value-adds and flavors of uniqueness vs. everyone being the same. This is what adds so much richness to the human experience.

Acknowledging that there is no one-size-fits-all to cognitive learning and functioning helps to promote inclusivity for all types of minds. Not only is this beneficial, but is necessary, for creating a truly equitable and more beautiful world. 

While we are on the topic of understanding neurodiversity, I have created a newsletter, “Neurodiverse Universe,” as a way to learn, connect, and inspire.  I hope you’ll subscribe!

RELATED: Hope for the Future – Will It Transform the Autism World?

Other Common Autistic Behaviors

There are many behaviors associated with having autism. Keep in mind that everyone presents differently, which is why it is caused by a spectrum disorder. However, there are common autism behaviors. Learn more about them. 

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Connor McClure

I'm a young adult navigating life with autism. By sharing my experiences and views, I hope to create a better awareness, understanding, and compassion for those on the spectrum. Let's connect!
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