Being Neurodivergent

What is neurodiversity?

You have probably heard people using the word “neurodivergent” before or calling themselves “neurodivergent”, but what is it and what is it like being neurodivergent?

Neurodiversity is a very broad term that describes people whose brains function differently than what society sees as 'normal'. Being neurodivergent is not bad or wrong and neurodiversity is definitely NOT an illness. Actually, it is quite the opposite. Every neurodivergent person is unique in their own way and their neurodiversity is what makes them special.

Similarly to 'normal' people, neurodivergent people have their own struggles. However, what is a struggle for the neurodivergent person might seem like a normal thing for the neurotypical one (a neurotypical person is the opposite of a neurodivergent one). For example, neurodivergent people might struggle understanding text or conversations, have difficulties keeping track of time, be sensitive to light, sound, or other senses, etc.

However, neurodiversity is not always about struggle, neurodivergent people having their own potentials and qualities. For example, some neurodivergent people can be really good at a specific subject, sport, or job area, presenting unique skills and developing those faster than other people. This can be a result of intense passion and hyperfocus towards their interests as well as the ability to learn specific things faster.

What does being neurodivergent feel like?

Being neurodivergent can be both pain and joy. The joy can come from different things affected by neurodiversity. For example, neurodivergent people can experience specific sensations (such as taste, touch or hear) more intense than others. When these sensations are pleasing, the feeling of joy and satisfaction can be huge. Neurodivergent people can also find pleasure in hobbies, resulting in things like high achievements in sports, good grades in a specific school subject, or satisfaction with their workplace.

Similar to joy, the pain of neurodiversity can be a result of different factors, the biggest one being the feeling of guilt. As mentioned previously, neurodivergent people struggle with things that seem normal to other people. Therefore, the feeling of guilt can form when neurodivergent people do not meet the standards of 'normality', as they can be judged or told off by others or, they can feel like they are not 'good enough'.

Neurodiversity is a spectrum, meaning that different people will have different experiences. If a person mentions that they are neurodivergent, don't judge them for it. If they say that they struggle with specific things (such as paying attention or understanding the context of a conversation), don't tell them off or make them feel like they are not good enough. Instead, try to understand why they do or say something (even if you don’t agree with them), and find a middle ground for both of you.

You may never know someone’s struggles, so BE KIND! 😊