A different way of understanding Neurodiversity
Read me in 1.10 mins
The neuro-typical/neuro-diverse binary doesn’t sit well with me. Partly because I’m pedantic: diversity can’t possibly be a binary! Diversity implies a range and spectrum of neuro-expressions. There’s so much more going on than normal and not normal.
My new way of understanding neurodiversity is that it’s like biodiversity: necessary for a healthy ecosystem.
We’re different in the way that cedar, birch and ponderosa pine are all different kinds of trees. When you cut down cedar and birch and turn them into lumber, they have a lot of value. But ponderosa isn’t as easy to use. If you walk through a clear-cut around where I live, you’ll see lone ponderosas left behind to sway and break in the wind. But as trees, each of these species contributes to their ecosystem. Each is valuable. I think the neuro-binary way of thinking comes from a worldview that values the minds that are most profitable to exploit. And that’s not how I want to think of myself or anyone else.
Making our spaces neuro-inclusive
If we want to create spaces that are truly inclusive and healthy for all neuro-types then we need to drop the exploitation mindset that most of us were taught and adopt an ecosystem mindset instead.
That means being flexible and curious. What strengths do we each have? How are they different? How can we use our strengths to support each other or bridge gaps? If we think of our strengths as something to contribute to our environment and community instead of something to extract, we all become richer.
Beyond the medical model
I’m not trying to take anything away from folks who finally feel seen and represented by the medical descriptions of neurodiversity. My hope is that we can develop descriptions and understanding of neurodiversity through a sociological lens and not just a pathological one.
Just because this world is difficult for us to navigate doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with us. Exploitation isn’t good for anyone, neurodiverse or neurotypical.
xo Annalee
PS: Don’t go it alone. You can have a coach who loves your brain.