It might not be all of us, but with around 15–20% of the world’s population estimated to have brains that develop or work differently, the conversation around neurodiversity has never been more important.
From ADHD and autism to dyspraxia and dyslexia, neurodivergence affects a broad swathe of society’s minds – and learning to embrace, celebrate and advocate for inclusion and empowerment is up to all of us.
How do different brain functions and behavioural traits affect us, and why are the profound strengths that come with neurodiversity so often overlooked? How does the conversation around this critical topic need to change to benefit of everyone?
Today’s discussion opened us up to new perspectives, busted myths, practical advice and expert advocacy from our panel of neurodiversity experts.
Panellists: Dr Alice Siberry, Doddz, Christine McGuinness, Ellie Middleton, and Tumi Sotire.
Top Takeaways
A diagnoses, whether it’s formal or otherwise, is life changing. Neurodiversity is not about understanding other people, it’s about how we understand ourselves. Here are some of the key points raised from the event
- “Schools can become more inclusive through universal design – treating students differently because of their neurodivergence can be harmful. What can we do to make everyone included?” – Tumi Sotire
- “The biggest struggle at school for me was actually the social aspect. I loved my subjects and classes but I couldn’t do everything outside of that because it was so overwhelming.” – Ellie Middleton
- “Neurodiversity is becoming more understood. There is still a lot of work to do so we need to keep advocating for this to make the biggest change for future generations.” – Christine McGuinness
- “Traditionally, understanding of neurodiversity is focused on white middle class men, and although this is changing, there is more work that needs to be done. Race, gender, and class for example require more understanding. For example, the life experiences of a neurodiverse child in the north east is differed to the experiences of one in the south east.” – Tumi Sotire
- “Neurodiversity is positive, but it is not a golden ticket or a badge to wear. It is important to want to understand and accept yourself, but people need to know it is real and not just a new and trendy label.” – Christine McGuinness
Delve even further on the subject..
Related Books:
The Electricity in Every Living Thing – Katherine May
A life-affirming and perspective-shifting memoir of one woman’s walk in the wilds as she comes to terms with an Asperger’s diagnosis.
In August 2015, Katherine May set out to walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path. She wanted to understand why she had stopped coping with everyday life; why motherhood had been so overwhelming and isolating, and why the world felt full of inundation and expectations she can’t meet. Setting her feet down on the rugged and difficult path by the sea, the answer begins to unfold. It’s a chance encounter with a voice on the radio that sparks a realisation that she has Asperger’s Syndrome.
The Electricity of Every Living Thing tells the story of the year in which Katherine comes to terms with her diagnosis. It leads to a re-evaluation of her life so far – a kinder one, which finally allows her to be different rather than simply awkward, arrogant or unfeeling. The physical and psychological journeys become inextricably entwined, and as Katherine finds her way across the untameable coast, she also finds the way to herself.
Available here
Scattered Minds – Dr Gabor Mate
Scattered Minds explodes the myth of attention deficit disorder as genetically based – and offers real hope and advice for children and adults who live with the condition.
Gabor Maté is a revered physician who specialises in neurology, psychiatry and psychology – and himself has ADD. With wisdom gained through years of medical practice and research, Scattered Minds is a must-read for parents – and for anyone interested how experiences in infancy shape the biology and psychology of the human brain.
Scattered Minds:
– Demonstrates that ADD is not an inherited illness, but a reversible impairment and developmental delay
– Explains that in ADD, circuits in the brain whose job is emotional self-regulation and attention control fail to develop in infancy – and why
– Shows how ‘distractibility’ is the psychological product of life experience
– Allows parents to understand what makes their ADD children tick, and adults with ADD to gain insights into their emotions and behaviours
– Expresses optimism about neurological development even in adulthood
– Presents a programme of how to promote this development in both children and adults
Available here
Related Podcasts:
The Neurodiversity Podcast – Emily Kircher-Morris
The Neurodiversity Podcast talks with leaders in the fields of psychology, education, and beyond, about positively impacting neurodivergent people. Our goal is to reframe differences that were once considered disabilities or disorders, promote awareness of this unique population, and improve the lives of neurodivergent and high-ability people.
Available here
Beyond 6 Seconds – Carolyn Kiel
Tune into the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast to hear extraordinary stories from everyday people. Each episode features inspiring stories of life and creativity, triumph and struggle. I interview people who are starting their own businesses, giving back to their communities, and working with exciting new technologies to advance our world.
Available here
Further Help:
- Society for Neurodiversity
- ADHD Foundation
- Daisy Chain
- What is Neurodiversity?
- National Resources and Charities – NHS
- CALM’S Guide to Neurodiversity
Watch:
