Neurodiversity 101
For anyone new to neurodiversity and wanting to learn more
It truly is a journey
I’m genuinely proud to be different… (now).
It wasn’t always that way.
For most of my life I fought so hard to try to fit in, to be “normal”, to be accepted.
No matter how hard I tried, I could never “pass” for neurotypical (NT), but for 36 years, I didn’t know that’s what I was trying to be.
I just knew I was different, and because of severe, relentless bullying throughout my entire childhood, I learned there was something inherently wrong with me.
I tried to “fix” myself by attempting to camouflage and behave like the “normal” kids, but that made things even worse. Not only to people see right through the façade and have a negative reaction to inauthenticity (or being “fake”), all that pretending and hiding takes a massive toll on one’s mental health.
It gets better
I was diagnosed with ADHD at age 36, several months after my son was diagnosed at age six. The more I learned about ADHD and divergent neurotypes, the more I realized there was more going on, and the more I identified with other neurodivergent (ND) experiences.
Two years later, after extensive research and my most intense period of hyperfocus ever, I realized I’m probably Autistic as well. I self-identified at age 38 and have been warmly welcomed and encouraged by the Autistic community.
I finally found somewhere I “fit in” by not fitting in, somewhere I’m accepted for exactly who I am, and my weirdness is appreciated and celebrated rather than mocked.
Of course, no community is perfect (there are problematic people everywhere), but the Autistic community has given me the sense of belonging I sought my entire life.
This is why I celebrate Autistic pride month. This is (part of) why the “autism awareness” campaigns are harmful.
When we focus energy and resources on “treating” autism, on early interventions and behavioural modification, what we’re really doing is harming Autistic children and their families.
While the focus is only on our differences — calling them ‘deficits’, and trying to “fix” them — this prevents our loved ones from fully accepting and embracing Autistic people for who we are, and discourages us from finding our neurokin (our fellow Autistics, our community).
Nothing about Autism is more harmful than being treated like you’re a lesser person because of it. Being treated like you’re broken and inadequate, especially by those you love, harms Autistics way more than any “symptom” ever could.
We’re AuSome just the way we are.
April is Autistic Pride Month!
Moving far beyond “awareness”, we celebrate our AuSomeness.
Autism “awareness” campaigns tell parents to “watch out” for the warning signs their child could be Autistic. They spread hurtful messages about how hard it is to live with an Autistic person.
Instead, we can embrace and celebrate differences, and acknowledge the strengths that come with having a divergent mind.
When you realize you’re neurodivergent
Advice for navigating the journey if you’re newly identified Autistic or ADHD.
Whether you think you might be Neurodivergent (ND), or you’ve just realized — been identified, self-diagnosed, or formally diagnosed — you’re ND, there is a wealth of information online. Some of it is awful and some of it is wonderful, as things on the Internet tend to go.
What is neurodiversity?
Exploring and explaining the meaning of the word neurodiversity and the significance of the socio-political neurodiversity movement.
Neurodivergent Culture and Communication
Affinity between the Autistic and Deaf communities
We have a lot more in common than people might think.
I am Deaf and Autistic, and I have noticed quite a few commonalities between the two communities.
Autistic communication differences
Sometimes the established ways of doing things are in need of upgrades.
**Please note: These are common characteristics of Autistic communication, which does *not* mean they apply to all Autistics.
Communication differences are not deficits
Thinking about neurodivergent people as a cultural group, rather than as disabled by our neurotypes.
When we accept we have different communication modes, then each do our best to meet the other person halfway, we learn about each other & how to best facilitate effective communication.
Nothing about Autism is more harmful than being treated like you’re a lesser person because of it. Being treated like you’re broken and inadequate, especially by those you love, harms Autistics way more than any “symptom” ever could.
We’re AuSome just the way we are.
© Jillian Enright, Neurodiversity MB
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