Let’s talk about neurodivergence, neurodiversity, and the common criticism that the neurodiversity movement sugarcoats the difficulties faced by those with neurodivergent conditions.
Before we can discuss this issue, let’s revisit exactly what neurodivergent means:
“Neurodivergent is simply a neurological makeup that is not society’s typical standard.”
It constitutes all different brains including some that have already been categorised (rightly or wrongly) into various ‘conditions’. These conditions usually occur through a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental interaction. This environmental interaction may have occurred to alter our ancestors’ genes, in the womb during pregnancy, or at some stage during our own lives. This is true for all conditions from ADHD to autism, through to bipolar and schizophrenia.
Some people, mistakenly, believe that only neurodevelopmental conditions make up neurodivergence; however, many other conditions such as anxiety and depression also diverge from the typical neurological state. They, too, stem from our genetic predisposition and are expressed through the impact of our environment. These conditions create different cognitive patterns that permit a different way of viewing and relating to the world.
Having existed in humanity for centuries, some of these conditions are increasing in prevalence with science undecided whether that incidence is because of increased awareness/diagnosis or through rapid environmental changes like diet. Like most things in life, it’s probably a combination of both.
“Regardless of the condition, everyone deserves our acceptance and help. ALL neurotypes deserve recognition as part of humanity, not just society’s standard of typical.”
Now, let’s address the issue at hand. Is the neurodiversity movement sugarcoating the difficulties that neurodivergents face?
There is a common misconception that the neurodiversity paradigm pushes the belief that neurodivergent conditions come with zero downsides and that we should all shout from the sky how perfect we are! That really would gloss over things and it’s simply not true.
“Neurodiversity is, basically, the assertion that our brains (however they may be) make up the diverse array of different neurotypes that exist in humanity and should be acknowledged as part of this natural diversity and not pathologised.”
Whether people wish to change their state of being is entirely their call. Some conditions, for example, seizures and mood disturbances, often need addressing and most people welcome medical research designed to lessen or eradicate them. It remains up to the individual affected whether they accept this help.
If, for example, someone with bipolar remains unmedicated because he/she hates the feeling associated with medication side-effects, that is his/her choice. If someone with ADHD can’t stand feeling restless & wishes to seek help through meditation or medication, that is his/her choice. If someone with autism is happy the way they are without change, again, that is his/her choice.
“At present, society is dictating to us it’s not acceptable to have brain states that oppose the typical state and that there is automatically something ‘wrong’ with us. Let us decide for ourselves what we do and don’t care for.”
Let’s take depression as another example. This condition has plagued me on and off across my lifespan and I can fully attest to how horrendous it is living with it. This is just my personal experience, though, and others may see things differently. A good friend of mine on the autism spectrum lives with constant depression. He doesn’t object to feeling melancholy, and when he’s able to, he uses this state of mind to feed his creative outlet in music. There is little chance he would have a career writing songs or a successful band if he didn’t have depression and, thus, he chooses to stay unmedicated. There are many examples of people throughout time who have used their depression, bipolar, autism, anxiety, etc. to fuel their creative obsessions. Others are differently affected and seek help. It is very much a personal decision. Again, let us decide for ourselves what we do and don’t like.
“Everyone is different, and we have no right telling each other whose brain state is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’.”
Some neurodivergent conditions include self-destructive behaviours and aggressiveness towards others. Perhaps, the only time society should interfere is if danger is present to either the life of a neurodivergent or other members of society. Like all philosophies, this is debatable.
Here at Planet Neurodivergent, we do not believe that we are completely problem-free and everything about our diagnoses is rosie. We know we have challenges to work through and we want to raise awareness about these challenges and help each other work through them through discussion.
“Likewise, we also want to focus on our strengths because unless we do this we are submitting ourselves, and future generations, to a future of doom and gloom. Identifying the cognitive strengths that come with our conditions allows us to regain a sense of control, dignity, hope, and respect. It permits us to no longer be victims of our biological circumstances”.
Focussing on our many strengths does not mean glossing over and ignoring the ‘frustrating bits’ of our conditions. Likewise, asking for accommodations in the school and workplace etc. does not mean we ignore that there are those with higher support needs who cannot work or study at all.
This brings us to the call to find common agreement:
Theoretical paradigms outline beliefs and social movements interpret and enact those beliefs based on common agreement. No one should tell another person how best to live with their neurodivergence and yet there are an ‘immovable few’ on either side of the disability vs neurodiversity argument who take concepts and attempt to do just that. Their interpretation of the various theories is rigid and inflexible not accounting for the fact that social science, like the overarching discipline of science itself, is expanded and built upon over time. We are supposed to throw original ideas and concepts around and watch them change, grow, and flourish. Perhaps, we’re supposed to take the concepts of neurodiversity and disability and build upon them gradually until we have a better, more inclusive world for everyone – no matter how each of us is affected.
“Is it time to put to bed the hardline arguments once and for all and reach some common ground? We’re all after the same result, aren’t we? Ours, our children’s, and future generations’ welfare, happiness, and acceptance.”
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