Neurodiversity and Mental Health
Neurodiversity is the idea that some people have brains that function differently from the norm or neurotypical. The term neurodivergence was born out of and first associated with the Autism community. The definition has since expanded to include other disorders and diagnoses. There is some debate today on what falls under the neurodivergence umbrella, but most professionals agree that any naturally occuring neurodevelopmental difference could be considered a neurodivergence. This includes ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Tourette's Syndrome, Down syndrome, processing disorders, and many others.
The neurodiversity movement focuses on celebrating these differences and advocating for people who experience them. There are many, many strengths to each of these neurodifferences. Much like any other form of diversity, when we include people who are different from us, we are able to learn more, do more, and be more. Neurodiverse people are able to bring new perspectives and skills that move all of us forward.
Unfortunately, neurodiversity has historically been treated as problematic. A prominent form of ableism is expecting neurodiverse people to fit in and conform to the typical way of learning, behaving, and thinking. When they don’t, can’t, or struggle to do this, they are viewed as lazy, stupid, or weird. Instead of providing education and socialization catered to these specific needs, neurodiverse individuals have been expected to do extra work to learn to do things the way their neurotypical peers do. However, neurotypical individuals are rarely taught how to interact with neurodivergent people. This pressure to fit it causes many mental health issues.
The pressure from society to work within the neurotypical frame and threat of mistreatment of those who don’t is very stress provoking. This can lead to self blame. It also creates a sense for some that they have weak or immoral characters. Particularly in a culture that values a “strong work ethic,” people who struggle to manage tasks in the way others do can be perceived as lazy or undisciplined. After a while, one might start to believe this about themselves. Depression is often a secondary mental health condition to being neurodivergent because of the ableist messages around being different.
Because of this expectation to be “normal,” many people find themselves “masking.” This is essentially pretending not to be neurodivergent. Masking is a constant editing process where one watches every word or move that they make in order to appear more normal and fit in. Masking becomes problematic for some because it is distracting to have to suppress innate and often helpful urges when they are trying to learn and interact with society. Masking also leads to burn out and anxiety. People who are neurodivergent have a higher likelihood of suffering from anxiety due to masking and the demands of functioning in a world that was not made for them.
The misunderstanding and mistreatment of people who are neurodiverse also can lead to trauma. Many suffer from trauma due to bullying and discrimination. This trauma can impact what someone believes about themselves and their ability to function. Repeated expectations to conform can create chronic stress for many. This stress has significant mental and physical health implications.
Despite these mental health concerns, neurodivergence offers many strengths. Brains that work in a different way offer perspectives that might not occur to neurotypical brains. Particular modes of thinking come more naturally to neurodiverse people. Someone who has dyslexia may be able to see the big picture, spot patterns, and have outstanding spatial awareness. Someone with Autism is likely to be detail oriented and exceptionally reliable. This is a very short list of the many, many strengths a neurodivergent person might possess and the ways including neurodivergent people can benefit us all.
People who are neurodivergent and experience any of these mental health concerns can benefit from working with a Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapist. A therapist who has a specific understanding of people who experience the world in this way can help individuals come to a better understanding of themselves. A therapist who works from this lens will value the unique qualities and perspectives of neurodiversity while treating any secondary mental health concerns. They can also support by advocating for these individuals and offering skills training including social skills and executive functioning. A Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapist will never treat neurodivergence as something to be cured but something to be celebrated.