Being neurodiverse will mean different things to many people. For me it means I am severely dyslexic and dyspraxic. On the flip side, my verbal and observational skills are strong. As a result, I have taken a strengths-based approach throughout my life focusing on what I can do. A word that has never entered my mind is I cannot. My mantra is;
I can, I am, I will
The term neurodiversity is an umberella term for many different neurological differences. Everyone, be it a person who is thought to be atypical or someone considered neurodiverse, will encounter a point where getting non-medical support as a productive and life changing solution.
Neurodiversity is a viewpoint that considers brain differences as normal, rather than as deficits.
That’s the basic idea of neurodiversity — that differences don’t have to only be looked at as weaknesses. They’re not problems that need to be “fixed” or “cured.” They’re simply variations of the human brain.
The neurodiversity view is also personal. Being neurodivergent can help shape identity and how people see themselves and their value in the world. Neurodivergent people experience, interact with, and interpret the world in unique ways. These unique ways can also lead to creative problem-solving and new ideas— things that benefit everyone.
Being neurodiverse is not solely related to individuals on the ASD spectrum or ADHD/ADD. The term neurodiverse relates to anyone who sometimes or all the time finds the normal, conventional ways of thinking or doing things not quite gelling for them. As your coach I view these diversities as your strength.
Want to learn more? Click on the links below.
The links below may not necessarily align with your thoughts and views. What they do give you is an understanding that the word neurodiversity covers many differnt things and means many different things to each individual. Neurodiversity is not a ‘one size fits all’.
Neurodiversity and What It Means to Be Neurodiverse (verywellmind.com)
Digest #153: Neurodiversity in Education — The Learning Scientists
Neurodiversity in education (autism.org.uk)