Neurodiversity is a Fact

Are you neurodivergent? You very well may be and not even know it!

Neurodiversity is a biological fact regarding the variations of neurocognitive functioning in human beings.

Often, we perceive others through the lens of neurotypical (a brain that functions within the standards of the dominant paradigm) and neurodivergent (a brain that functions differently than the standards of the dominant paradigm)—even if we don’t know or use those terms. And then, we judge and sometimes pathologize these neurological differences. Yes, there is a lot of ableism around this.

Through my work and lived experiences, I’ve started to believe that neurotypical behavior is often a box that people have been conditioned into. If we could really embrace neurodiversity, so much would be revealed about the expansiveness (and uniqueness) of the human brain.

On the scientific level, they have determined that we have brain signatures, that are unique to us—our very own neural fingerprint, so to speak. So, technically, we are ALL different from each other. That’s neurodiversity!

Specific neurodivergencies can be innate. But they can also be something that occurs through an experience or conditioning. Examples include: autism, dyslexia, ADHD, trauma, mental health symptoms, long term meditation, use of psychedelics.

The neurodiversity paradigm and movement is quite new (the terminology was coined in 1998), therefore, there is still a lack of clarity and differing views in what is included and what it all means.

But, this is all to say, that human beings are diverse. Period. One of the largest reasons that people spin out into dysfunction is because we try to fit everyone into neat little boxes that serve certain systems—and that’s just not how humans are supposed to work.

Embrace neurodiversity. We will all be the healthier for it.