NEURODIVERSE?
NEURODIVERGENT?
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Neurodiversity is an umbrella term to describe all the ways in which human brain function and behaviour traits vary from person to person - the entire human race is neurodiverse.
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Neurodivergence is a term to describe brain function and behaviour traits that are apart from 'the norm' - assuming 'the norm' exists...
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Neurodivergent conditions are diagnosable when a person's brain function and behaviour traits are visibly different from 'the norm' - therefore many individuals will remain undiagnosed (see 'triple invisibility' below).
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Diagnoses can often help a person understand themselves and seek further help and support.
Terminology
Explained
MISCONCEPTIONS
Neurodiversity Denotes Poor
MENTAL HEALTH
The term neurodiversity describes the natural variations in human neurology, and therefore does not denote poor mental health.
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Everyone, whether neurodivergent or 'neurotypical' thinks and processes information differently, just as everyone can experience good or bad mental health at different times in their lives.
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Due to the nature of their neurological differences, neurodivergent individuals may be at an increased risk of suffering from poor mental health.
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However, a mutual understanding and two-way adjustments have been proven to significantly help reduce the risk of this.
Neurodivergence Can Be CURED
The term 'neurodiversity' was coined by Australian psychologist Judy Singer, in 1997.
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The neurodiversity movement is a way for every individual to embrace their unique neurology.
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Neurodivergence simply describes people who sit further away from 'the norm' and may even have a diagnosed condition.
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Prior to this understanding, many people who had a diagnosis were seen as flawed and in need of a cure.
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This would have been extremely distressing considering neurodivergence cannot be cured, although symptoms can be treated.
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It is now widely accepted that awareness and support are the best ways to enable neurodivergent individuals to live happy and independent lives, and to thrive within society.
Neurodivergence Is Only
DISABLING
Neurodivergence manifests uniquely for everyone. Some individuals will feel permanently disabled by their difference, some will struggle intermittently, many will feel disabled only by environments and social constructs, and others will view their neurodivergence as a superstrength. It's important not to assume.
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Neurodivergence can co-occur alongside physical and learning disabilities, but the two are not mutually exclusive, and again, it's important to never make assumptions about a person's capabilities due to their label - let them decide.
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Consider that when neurodivergent people do struggle, it is very often due to a lack of awareness, considerations, and/or reasonable adjustments from those around them...
What Causes Neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence or neurological differentiations are often genetic, and when this is the case, are the result of physiological adaptations that occur before or around birth.
Neurodivergence can also be acquired after significant brain trauma.
Click on the slides to learn a little more about different words and phrases...
click to expand
Did You Know?
"How do I ask questions?"
Those who work with or support neurodivergent individuals often want to learn more - they want to engage and they want to ask questions, but they're afraid of 'getting it wrong'.
Well, let us reassure you - it's always better to ask a well intentioned but potentially awkward question, than to avoid discomfort and the risk of offending!
The former might be uncomfortable in the moment, but the latter will inevitably lead to greater discomfort and miscommunication down the line!!!
To those surrounding the individual
We can’t visibly see differences in neurology, although we can sometimes see the outcome in a person's behaviour... where differences are visible, assumptions are often made.
To the individual themselves
Introspection (the examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes) doesn't come easily to everyone, and many people lack adequate guidance, safety or support to internally reflect.
How much do you know about yourself and how long has it taken you to get to this point of understanding?
To policy makers
It therefore follows that neurodivergence would be largely invisible to policy makers. This is why it's so important for us all to make a concerted effort to raise awareness of neurodivergence and to imbed systemic change into organised sport.
Triple Invisibility: How to Ask
How to ask...
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
1) ENVIRONMENT
Before you ask them a question, ask yourself;
Is this environment appropriate? Consider sensory distractions.
Is this the right time? Is this person in the right 'headspace'?
If not, could we have this conversation at another time?
Perhaps the individual would like an advocate...
2) TONE
When communicating, ask yourself;
How am I coming across? Approachable? Intimidating?
3) DELIVERY
Before, during, after, ask yourself;
Are my questions direct or explicit enough?
Is there mutual understanding?
Would clarifying questions help? For example;
- am I understanding you correctly?
- would you like me to reframe my question?
TOP TIPS
"Start with asking them how they identify
and what language they prefer to use, for example;
person first = "a person with Autism"
or identity first = "an Autistic person"
The general consensus is to use identity first language as it's more empowering, but it's always best to ask!"
"IF YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT SAYING THE WRONG THING - ADMIT IT!
It shows you care about the conversation and are prepared to learn!"