Neurodiversity And Mental Health: Supporting The Neurodiverse
As a result, self-esteem among neurodivergent individuals is statistically lower than among the general population, which can be further exacerbated by higher rates of comorbid mental health conditions among this population. Read on to find out more about neurodivergence, why it’s sometimes associated with self-esteem issues, and what neurodivergent people can do to boost their own levels.
Neurodiversity: A word used to explain the unique ways people’s brains work
The term “neurodivergent” was coined by Australian sociologist Judy Singer in 1998. It’s simply intended to describe people whose brains work differently than what is considered a “standard,” or normal brain—which can manifest as subtle differences or significant variations, since neurodivergence is a spectrum. Similarly, the word “neurodiversity” refers to the idea that people’s brains can work in a variety of ways. This can encompass those with autistic traits or who are on the autistic spectrum, those with neurodevelopmental differences, and those with learning differences or learning disabilities.
Singer pointed out that people with such brain differences are often unfairly marginalized. The only thing separating them from “neurotypical” people, she argued, is that neurodivergent individuals view, experience, and interact with the world in ways that are different from what is often considered to be “typical.” In other words, they can be considered neurological minorities. The neurodiversity paradigm suggests that those who are neurotypical may never be able to understand the experiences of those who are neurodivergent, such as those in the autism community and those with neurodevelopmental conditions.
Around 10–20% of the population is considered to be neurodivergent, and the term and the associated movement focuses on celebrating this diversity and making the world more available and welcoming to all.
The neurodiversity movement is a social justice movement, advocating for the rights and acceptance of all individuals—regardless of their neurology. It seeks to promote equality and challenge the idea that being “neurotypical” is the only way to be and instead embraces the diversity of brain functioning. Embracing neurodiversity and this movement can help to create an inclusive environment in which people whose brain works differently are valued and respected and where everyone—no matter what their “type” may be—can flourish and enjoy rewarding social relationships rather than experiencing social exclusion.
Autism Spectrum, ADHD, and common forms of neurodiversity
The term “neurodiversity” means there are many ways to be neurodivergent, and the level of neurodivergence often exists on a spectrum or scale. These human brain differences usually take the form of developmental disorders or other conditions. Some of the most common include:
Conditions involving neurodiversity, a word used to explain the unique ways people’s brains work
- Dyslexia, which manifests as difficulty reading as a result of problems identifying the sounds associated with letters and words
- Dyscalculia, which is similar to dyslexia, but for math and number-based information rather than letters and words
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which usually manifests as different ways of learning, interacting socially, paying attention, and moving, and may also be characterized by a narrow range of intense interests and repetitive behaviors
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can manifest as trouble paying attention, hyperactivity, or a combination of both
- Dyspraxia, a developmental disorder that affects movement and coordination
- Tourette syndrome (sometimes called Tourette’s syndrome), a nervous system condition characterized by physical and vocal tics, or sudden, involuntary, repeated movements
Some individuals may even have more than one condition or mental illness, such as having ADHD and also autism spectrum disorder, social anxiety, eating disorders, or personality disorders. Each of these can affect an individual in different ways in terms of mood, learning abilities, attention, communication, socializing, and mental health, and it can sometimes be challenging to get a formal diagnosis for these conditions, which may lead some to self-identify as autistic people.
The importance of embracing neurodiversity in mental health
For some autistic individuals and other neurodivergent people, the impact is minor and almost unnoticeable. For others, these conditions and disorders can cause great difficulties or hardships. Sometimes, these difficulties are largely based on stigma against people with autism, people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or other neurodiverse individuals, thus leading to them not being able to seek care or struggling with mental health issues. This underlines the importance of a neurodiversity movement, which you can explore on various social media platforms where many autistic adults and other neurodivergent individuals are spreading awareness. In addition, some businesses and colleges, such as Syracuse University, have started neurodiversity projects to better serve neurodivergent individuals and foster each individual’s ability to thrive. Harvard Business Review even published an article about the ways in which neurodiversity can be an advantage.
Self-esteem for those on the autism spectrum and beyond
According to a study done by Deloitte, work teams that include neurodivergent professionals can be 30% more productive than those without them. Depending on the type and level, these individuals have also been shown to be more creative and better at problem-solving and understanding patterns than neurotypical people tend to be. Finally, their way of experiencing the world can simply bring diversity and a unique perspective to the table, which can be valuable in any setting. In other words, neurodivergent people have a lot to contribute.
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- Study participants with autism reported “significantly lower” power and self-esteem than neurotypical individuals
- Higher self-esteem was predicted in an autistic person by more “positive self-appraisals,” including an emphasis on more perceived benefits and lower levels of helplessness
- Global self-esteem was “significantly and positively associated” with an individual’s perception of their own giftedness, emotional resilience, and power
Tips to help increase self-esteem for the neurodiverse
In addition, neurodivergent people themselves can try the following tips to help increase their own self-esteem, and the loved ones in their lives can support them in these practices.
Shift your perspective
One article describes neurodiversity as “a competitive advantage,” discussing how neurodivergence can result in “higher-than-average abilities” and special skills in areas like pattern recognition, memory, or math along with uniquely creative approaches to tasks and problems. Focusing on the ways in which your neurodivergence can be beneficial to you and/or others may help you build self-esteem.
Find community and role models
See a therapist who has experience with neurodiversity and mental health expertise
Online therapy for neurodivergent disorder
Takeaway
What does it mean if you have a neurodiverse brain?
Having a neurodiverse brain can mean thinking and seeing the world differently than what has traditionally been considered “standard” or the norm. Neurodiversity is a spectrum. People who are neurodiverse may have subtle variations or significant differences in how their brains work.
According to the National Symposium on Neurodiversity, many people with autism view neurodiversity as “a variation in human wiring rather than a disease. " Activists advocate for celebrating and supporting different forms of self-expression and communication rather than trying to find a cure. (In contrast, the medical model of neurodiversity considers some conditions associated with neurodiversity to be treatable or curable.)
Another description comes from the Stanford Neurodiversity Project Neurodiversity, which states that neurodiversity “is a concept that regards individuals with differences in brain function and behavioral traits as part of normal variation in the human population.”
What are examples of neurodiversity?
Neurodivergence is not a diagnosis, but it is often associated with a number of conditions, including autism spectrum disorders, developmental coordination disorder, intellectual disabilities, attention-deficit disorders, Down syndrome, and dyslexia.
What is the difference between neurodiversity and autism?
Neurodivergence is a broader definition for people who think and see the world differently, while an autism diagnosis is one of the conditions that fit under this label.
Is ADHD a form of autism spectrum disorder?
No, ADHD is not a form of autism, but these conditions do have some symptoms and qualities that overlap. ADHD is the most common coexisting condition in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and some children with ADHD exhibit some signs of ASD.
Both of these conditions are considered neurodevelopmental disorders, which means that brain development has been affected in some way, leading to symptoms affecting movement, memory, language, and social communication.
Many children are diagnosed with ADHD when they begin school because their behavior is different from that of their classmates. With ASD, some symptoms may not be noticed until they are in school and their behavior contrasts that of their classmates, while others are noticeable before a child’s second birthday.
Children with ADHD may be restless or impulsive and have a difficult time focusing. In contrast, children with ASD may make repetitive movements, avoid eye contact, and may not be interested in engaging with others.
How do I know if I'm neurodivergent?
The only way to be certain about whether you are neurodivergent is to have your neurodiversity assessed by a professional. Psychologists, general practitioners, and some therapists are among the healthcare providers who can assess neurodiversity.
Is anxiety considered neurodivergent?
There is some debate about whether anxiety is considered neurodivergence.
Neurodivergence can mean behaving or thinking in a way that is outside of what is considered standard. While anxiety is not generally considered to fall under the umbrella of neurodivergence, it is often comorbid with conditions that are. For example, about 80% of children with ASD also have anxiety. If neurodiversity is a spectrum, one can make the argument that anxiety can fit this definition. However, anxiety disorders are generally not covered in this umbrella term.
Is neurodiversity considered a disability?
The Centers for Disease Control defines disability as a condition of the mind or body that makes it more difficult for someone to perform certain activities or interact with the world around them. Neurodiversity itself is not considered a disability, but some conditions that fall under the umbrella of neurodivergence are.
In a 2020 article in the British Medical Bulletin, neurodiversity specialist Nancy Doyle wrote, “Disability status is predicated not on diagnosis of condition, but on the assessment of functional impairment, the extent to which the individual is inhibited and excluded.”
For example, some people with certain medical conditions, like diabetes or a mental health condition, might be considered disabled, while others would not, based on how their condition affects their ability to function day to day.
She goes on to say that “any form of neurominority may qualify for protections requiring accommodation depending on what is currently normal and how that interacts with an individual’s cluster of functional difficulties.” In other words, anyone who is neurodiverse could legally be considered disabled and may need appropriate accommodation if their neurodivergence affects their functional abilities.
IDEA is the federal law that governs special education services for children in the United States. Under this law, children must have issues in one of several categories to qualify for special education services. One category is “a learning difference,” which could apply to a child with neurodivergence.
Because of this, neurodivergent students may qualify for reasonable accommodations in the classroom to help meet their cognitive or sensory needs. These accommodations can be anything from sitting in front of the class to incorporating more online interaction into coursework. Unfortunately, these accommodations end after high school and do not apply to neurodivergent college students or those in higher education.
Accommodations can also be made for adults in the workforce. Some have argued that neurodiversity is a competitive advantage in the workplace and should be embraced. Neurodiverse people may be highly skilled, and providing the accommodations they need, like noise-cancelling headphones or meetings in online spaces rather than in person, can allow them to do exceptional work and increase innovation and growth within organizations.
Can you be neurodivergent and not autistic?
Yes, someone can be neurodivergent without qualifying for an ASD diagnosis.
How does it feel to be neurotypical?
Every person is different, and no two people, neurotypical or not, feel the same way. Neurotypical people may not have the same challenges as neurodiverse people, but everyone faces their own difficulties.
What is a high functioning neurodivergent?
Generally, the term “high functioning,” when used in this context, means that the person has a diagnosis, thoughts, or behaviors that put them under the neurodiversity umbrella as well as average or above-average intelligence. In contrast, “low functioning” may describe someone with severe difficulties with communication or social skills and needs substantial support to function in their daily life.
Researchers have argued that these terms should not be used because they may not accurately reflect an individual’s ability to function independently.
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