In the last article I drafted about neurodiversity in 2023, I began by saying that we are all different or diverse in many ways.
When thinking about neurodiversity, we often associate it with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia. It is often said, and I reiterated in my last article, that this list is not exhaustive. It is not exhaustive because the brain and its functioning can differ in many ways, though we often, at least I do, overlook this broader meaning.
Neurodivergence Goes Beyond Autism, ADHD and Dyslexia
Neurodivergent people may include individuals with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, as well as those whose brain functioning has been affected by trauma or other life events, for example fleeing war or persecution. Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brain functioning. Where a person’s brain functions differently from what is considered typical, whether due to developmental differences, acquired conditions, or life experiences, they may be described as neurodivergent. How broad this definition is! Of course, this is not my original idea, but it is something I learned during an anti-burnout webinar for nature activists I attended recently.
Therefore, the spectrum (ha!) of those who can be described as neurodivergent is really wide, and the best approach is probably to keep our minds open.
Why Openness and Respect Matter
It is perfectly normal not to know how an individual feels or how to behave sometimes, and this is where values and open albeit respectful communication play an important role. As always, respect, empathy, and kindness should come first. If you do not know what to say or do, just ask.
Acknowledging how a person feels by saying with empathy, for example, “I can see this is difficult for you, how can I help?”, can work wonders.
Kindness First During Neurodiversity Week and Beyond
If there is one thing that, in my view, should stay with you after reading this and celebrating Neurodiversity Week (if you celebrate it), it is that approaching people with respect and kindness is probably the best way to interact with anyone in daily situations, whether they are neurodivergent or neurotypical.
