When we speak about human behaviour or ways of being, we have traditionally described someone as having normal or abnormal behaviour. Recently, mental health experts have begun to look at things in a broader, more inclusive scope.
What Does Neurodivergent Mean?
Neurodivergent is a term used to describe someone who behaves in a specific way or processes information in a specific way that differs from cultural norms. It is an essential shift in the mental health community because it allows clinicians to discuss diagnoses, such as autism, in a way that doesn’t portray the diagnoses as an illness or problem to be dealt with. In addition to autism, other diagnoses may be considered a form of neurodivergence, such as ADHD, any learning disability, dyslexia, and Tourette’s syndrome.
Benefits of Neurodiversity
Much of the world has embraced cultural diversity. We have been taught that diversity is our greatest strength. People finally realize that this concept goes beyond just cultural diversity and should extend to the diversity of thought and being. Neurodiversity can benefit society because different ways of thinking and looking at the world bring different perspectives and insights.
Temple Grandin is a perfect example. Temple is autistic, and her unique perspective and way of thinking allowed her to revolutionize the practices for the humane handling of livestock.
Instead of stigmatizing children diagnosed with a “mental handicap,” we must encourage them to embrace their differences and share their unique insights and perspectives with the world.
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