Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the diversity of human brain function and cognition. It is based on the idea that there is no one "normal" way for a brain to work and that differences in brain function are not necessarily deficits.
We are barely scratching the surface here....
There are many different conditions that fall under the umbrella of neurodiversity, including:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) + Asperger's Syndrome
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Dysgraphia
Dyspraxia
Tourette syndrome
Intellectual disability
Specific learning disorder
People who are neurodivergent may experience a wide range of strengths and challenges. For example, someone with ADHD may be very creative and have a great sense of humor, but they may also have difficulty paying attention and staying organized. Someone with ASD may be very good at math or music, but they may have difficulty understanding social cues.
According to Neurodiversity Association, these are the common traits:
Sensitive
Empathetic
Honest
Creative
Innovative
Good at solving problems
Mental health issues
Difficult early experiences
Difficulty fitting in
At-risk of manipulation
People-pleasing
Masking (concealing neurodiverse traits in order to fit in)
Differences in processing/understanding information
Notable folks in the spectrum are the following, but not limited to:
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Nikola Tesla Inventor | Tim Burton Movie Director | Bobby Fischer Chess Grand Master | Elon Musk Tech Entrepreneur |
Why does neurodiversity matter?
Neurodiversity matters because it helps us to understand that there is no one "right" way to think, learn, or behave. It also helps us to appreciate the unique strengths and contributions that neurodivergent people can make to the world.
For example, people with ADHD are often very creative and energetic. They may be able to see problems from a different perspective and come up with innovative solutions. People with ASD are often very good at pattern recognition and attention to detail. They may be able to excel in fields such as engineering, science, and mathematics. People with dyslexia are often very good at visual-spatial reasoning and problem-solving. They may be able to excel in fields such as art, architecture, and design.
The neurodiversity movement is working to create a world where all people, regardless of their neurotype, are accepted and included. This means providing accommodations and support to people with neurodiversity so that they can reach their full potential. It also means changing the way we think about neurodiversity so that we see it as a strength rather than a deficit.
Here are some of the gaps in research for neurodiversity:
Research on adults with neurodiversity: Most of the research on neurodiversity has focused on children and adolescents. There is a need for more research on how neurodiversity affects adults in terms of their work, relationships, and overall well-being.
Research on the strengths of neurodivergent people: Much of the research on neurodiversity has focused on the challenges that neurodivergent people face. There is a need for more research on the strengths and contributions that neurodivergent people can make to the world.
Research on neurodiversity in different cultures: Most of the research on neurodiversity has been conducted in Western countries. There is a need for more research on neurodiversity in different cultures to understand how it is experienced and understood in different contexts.
Research on interventions for neurodiversity: There are a few interventions that have been shown to be effective for some people with neurodiversity, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and social skills training. However, more research is needed to identify effective interventions for a wider range of neurodivergent people.
Research on the impact of neurodiversity on the healthcare system: People with neurodiversity are more likely to use healthcare services than people without neurodiversity. However, there is a lack of research on the impact of neurodiversity on the healthcare system. More research is needed to understand how neurodiversity affects the cost and quality of healthcare.
These are just some of the gaps in research for neurodiversity. More research is needed to understand neurodiversity in all its complexity and to develop effective interventions and supports for neurodivergent people.
We got so much work to do y'all. If you are working in any of these challenges; hit me up, let's Rock 'n' Roll!
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