Deep Dive: Neurodiversity

What it means and why you need to learn more about it.

What if things are not as they seem?

• “Why does he read so long?”

  • ↳ A colleague who takes time to read. (10% of adults have dyslexia)

• “She’s freaking out. A new process is changing the steps.”

  • ↳ A colleague who always follows rules and is unable to cope with changes. (1% of adults are on the autistic spectrum)

• “He again delivered a half-finished report full of mistakes.”

  • ↳ A colleague who often makes mistakes and never finishes anything. (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder has 4-5% of the adults.)

Sure, not everyone is on a spectrum or is neurodivergent. But at the same time, some are not diagnosed. Who knows?

Understanding neurodiversity can teach you more about everyone, in general, because we all are different.

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Contents:

1. Understanding neurodiversity

2. Benefits of neurodiversity

3. Challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals

4. Neurodiversity in education

5. Neurodiversity in the workplace

6. Advocacy and awareness

7. Research and innovation

8. Creating inclusive communities

Wrap up

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1. Understanding Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity embraces differences. We all have our own way of how our brains work. No two brains are the same.

Don’t think neurodiversity only collates disabilities. It focuses on building understanding among people and their experience of the world.

The diversity in the name has its purpose.

There are endless variations of cognitive functioning in people. Closely related are two terms that are handy to remember.

• Neurodivergent refers to a person whose brain functions differently from the typical brain.

• Neurotypical refers to a person who thinks and processes information in typical ways within their respective culture.

In the past, many mental disorders had a sticker of ‘illness’ or ‘weirdness’. Nowadays, the narrative has been developing toward understanding. It shifts away from a pathological point of view. You may work with a neurodivergent person and you don’t know that. Neurodiversity is not the same thing as disability.

Some examples of neurodiversity:

• Autism (Autistic spectrum disorder)

• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Dyscalculia (learning difficulty affecting understanding numbers and calculations)

• Dysgraphia (impaired letter writing by hand)

• Dyslexia (learning difficulty affecting reading and spelling)

• Dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder)

• Cognitive functioning difficulties or executive dysfunction

• Misophonia (decreased tolerance to specific sounds)

• Slow processing speed

• Stammering

• Or Tourette’s syndrome (repetitive sudden twitches, movements, or sounds)

Here's the key: these aren't just disorders or problems to be fixed. They're simply different ways of thinking and learning. Each comes with its own set of strengths and ways of looking at the world.

But here's the key: these aren't just disorders or problems to be fixed. They're simply different ways of thinking and learning. Each condition comes with its own set of strengths and ways of looking at the world.

Is your way the correct way? And what if it is not the only way? Remember that during your discussions with all different kinds of people.

2. Benefits of neurodiversity

For example, someone with autism might have incredible attention to detail and excel at tasks requiring pattern recognition. Meanwhile, someone with ADHD might be bursting with creativity and great at thinking outside the box.

When we start accepting neurodiversity positively, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

Like with everything, instead of focusing only on challenges, appreciate and harness the unique talents that come with different cognitive processes.

A few benefits to consider:

1. Innovation and creativity: Neurodivergent individuals make you question. They

   often think in unique patterns and perspectives that can lead to innovative ideas and creative solutions.

2. Problem-solving: Many neurodivergent individuals excel in problem-solving due to their ability to approach challenges from unconventional angles. This can lead to more effective and efficient strategies.

3. Diverse skill sets: Neurodiversity brings a wide range of skills to the table, including strong attention to detail, exceptional memory, heightened focus, or specialized interests. These skills can be invaluable in various fields such as technology, engineering, and research.