DjinniWhispers
"From Awkward Laughs to Inked Paths: Writing Without Limits"
Djinni Whispers Blog
“From Awkward Laughs to Inked Paths: Writing Without Limits”
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- Do Disabled People Get Labeled As “Creeps” More Frequently Than Non-Disabled People?
- Exploring Neurodiversity in TV: Authentic Representations and Ongoing Challenges
- 10 Famous Authors with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Neurodivergence You Should Know About
- 10 Essential Tips for Thriving in the Summer Heat with Disabilities
- Understanding Neurodiversity: What Psychotherapists Need to Know
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Define It
Neurodiversity is a fairly new concept in the grand scheme of medicine and psychiatry. It’s only been around for about 20-25 years. It is an umbrella term to describe the overall group of neurotype differences which I have discussed before.
To me neurodiversity means recognizing that our brains are all different, much like how Android and Apple phones or Apple computers and Microsoft operating systems are each different from one another. They each have their own unique paths and operations to achieve the same ultimate goal. This analogy perfectly encapsulates the essence of neurodiversity – different approaches to thinking, learning, and interacting with the same world. I firmly believe neurodiversity is the next stage in human evolution, propelled by medical and social adaptations that bring new ways of thinking to the forefront.
A person connection
Neurodiversity is not just a concept for me; it is a deeply persona aspect of my everyday life. My entire household is neurodiverse, and we all face social challenges, especially my child. My greatest hope is for neurotypical society to embrace the new and different, so my son and those like him don’t endure the hardships and struggles I have faced. Unfortunately, he has already experienced enormous pain and suffering through bullying and exclusion by neurotypical peers. This personal connection fuels my passion for advocating for a more inclusive and understanding society.
Battling Misconceptions
One of the most aggravating misconceptions about neurodiversity, particularly autism, is the association with intelligence. The media, particularly Hollywood, has perpetuated this harmful and degrading bias. Just because someone communicates or socializes differently does not mean they lack intelligence. The deaf community has struggled with this forever, so I know we’re not alone in this. Intelligence and autism are mutually exclusive traits. Are there people with autism who also have intellectual disability? Yes. There are neurotypicals with it, too. This deeply entrenched bias needs to be dismantled to foster a more accurate and respectful understanding of my neurodiverse community at large.
Benefits of Neurodiversity
Neurodiverse individuals bring immense creativity and adaptability to the table. The DSM (Diagnostic Statistical Manual) calls us rigid and unyielding. I’m sorry, I think they have that the wrong way around. We have always had to adapt to a world not made for us. Neurotypicals, on the other hand, are violently fearful of change. As evidenced by literally every news broadcast, have you seen politics these days?
Steve Silberman, author and activist.
Neurodiversity is the future of innovation and progress
We’re always inventing, creating, and modifying the world around us, driving innovation and progress forward. Historically, many of the greatest inventors and thinkers, such as Einstein, Edison, Tesla, and Franklin, are believed to have been autistic or had ADHD. Our unique perspectives and need to constantly think are valuable assets to society and the world at large.
Challenges with Society
The primary challenge we face is society itself, particularly neurotypical society’s resistance to change. They often view us as part of the “uncanny valley” because we’re different. Insulting, right? Yet neurotypicals are the ones with coded language and indirect communication, considering our directness rude. They fear and reject change, putting the onus on us, neurodiverse people, to adapt to their rigid norms rather than embracing and accepting our differences. We’re seen as inconvenient and a hassle.
Personal Experiences with Bullying
Bullying is a pervasive issue that weighs heavily on my mind every day lately. Neurotypicals often bully and abuse anyone who deviates from their own perceived norms, driven by a herd mentality to force conformity. The dissidents will be attacked, ridiculed, and harmed until they change rather than society seeing a difference and embracing it. Society continues to put the burden on us to change and adapt even though they are the ones unyielding and unwilling to accept us. This dynamic needs to change for all of humanity to indeed be inclusive and respected in society. And yes, I am talking about intersectional inclusivity, but that is another topic for another day.
Advocacy and the Need for Change
To achieve actual equality for neurodiverse individuals, it must become socially unacceptable to bully and abuse us. We need to harness the often destructive power of society for good and use it to transform social ideas of “normal.” Mandating inclusion and fostering a culture where neurodiversity is celebrated, not feared, is crucial for prosperity. Social pressure is the most powerful tool to move society forward. By changing social norms at the root and changing attitudes from the start, we can create a world where neurodiverse individuals are embraced for their unique contributions and perspectives.
Conclusion
My view is that the goal of embracing neurodiversity is not just about accepting those little differences. Still, it’s about recognizing the incredible potential that comes with wholly diverse ways of thinking. The world society stands to benefit immensely from the creativity, adaptability, and innovation that neurodiverse mavericks bring to the table.
By challenging harmful misconceptions and stereotypes, advocating for change, and fostering inclusivity at home, work, public, and schools, we can create a future where everyone, regardless of how their brain works, is valued and respected. Let’s all work together to build a more inclusive world for ourselves, our children, and future generations’ benefit.
Call to Action
Join me in advocating for embracing those with neurodiversity. Speak out loudly against bullying and hate, educate others about the true nature of neurodiversity, and support policies that promote inclusion, not division. Only by neurodiverse and neurotypicals joining forces can we create a society that not only accepts but celebrates our differences, paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future.
- Do Disabled People Get Labeled As “Creeps” More Frequently Than Non-Disabled People?
- Exploring Neurodiversity in TV: Authentic Representations and Ongoing Challenges
- 10 Famous Authors with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Neurodivergence You Should Know About
- 10 Essential Tips for Thriving in the Summer Heat with Disabilities
- Understanding Neurodiversity: What Psychotherapists Need to Know
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