Understanding Mental Health and Neurodivergence

1. The Impact of COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health worldwide. For individuals with neurodivergent conditions, such as autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, dyslexia, and others, this impact has been particularly profound. Studies have shown that these individuals experienced heightened levels of loneliness, anxiety, and depression during and following the pandemic. The disruption of routines, social isolation, and the general stress of the pandemic environment exacerbated pre-existing mental health challenges.

2. Vulnerability to Mental Health Issues: People who are neurodivergent are often more prone to experiencing mental health issues like anxiety and depression. This increased susceptibility is not solely due to neurodivergence itself, but also to a range of external factors.

3. Self-Understanding and Neurodivergence: Many of us who are neurodivergent may struggle with understanding the full impact of our neurodivergence. This lack of understanding can sometimes lead to self-blame and heightened stress, as we may attribute our challenges solely to personal failings rather than recognizing them as part of our neurodivergence.

4. Societal Biases and Misunderstanding: Society's limited understanding and acceptance of neurodivergence contribute significantly to the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. We often encounter biases and misconceptions, which can lead to feelings of alienation and misunderstanding. This societal attitude can intensify the mental health challenges we face.

5. Anticipatory Anxiety: The anxiety experienced by those of us who are neurodivergent is often characterized by a heightened state of worry about potential negative responses or misunderstandings from non-neurodivergent people. This anticipatory anxiety can be debilitating, affecting our ability to engage in everyday social interactions and activities.

6. The Need for Increased Awareness: It is essential for society to develop a better understanding and acceptance of neurodivergence. This involves not only recognizing the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, but also valuing their unique perspectives and contributions.

Neurodivergents: A Call to Action for Self-Empowerment and Minimizing Mental Health Challenges

1. Embrace the Journey of Self-Education: One of the most empowering actions we can take as neurodivergent individuals is to educate ourselves about our neurodivergence. Understanding the nuances of how our brains operate differently is not just enlightening; it’s a foundational step in navigating life more confidently and effectively.

2. Crafting Personalized Coping Strategies: With our unique neurodivergent experiences, it's essential to develop coping strategies that are specifically tailored to our individual needs. This could involve customizing learning methods, adapting work environments, or finding daily routines that support our well-being.

3. Realizing We Are Not Alone: It's vital to remember that neurodivergence is far from rare – approximately 20% of the population shares this aspect of identity. This understanding brings a sense of community and solidarity, reminding us that our experiences are shared by many.

4. Advocating for Ourselves: Self-advocacy is key. We mustn't assume that others know what’s best for us. It's important to speak up for our needs and preferences in all areas of life, from personal relationships to professional environments.

5. The Power of Self-Care and Acceptance: Prioritizing self-care and cultivating self-acceptance are crucial for our mental health. Embracing our neurodivergence as a part of who we are can be a profound source of strength and resilience.

6. Seeking Professional Support When Needed: There’s no shame in seeking help from mental health professionals or therapists who understand neurodivergence. Professional guidance can be invaluable in helping us navigate challenges and improve our quality of life.

7. Acknowledging the Challenges of Existing in a Non-Neurodivergent World: It's a reality that the world isn't always accommodating to neurodivergent individuals. Acknowledging this challenge is not a sign of defeat but a step towards finding our own path and creating spaces where we can thrive.

8. Overcoming Misunderstanding and Misconceptions: We often face misunderstandings and misconceptions about neurodivergence. It’s important to confront these challenges with patience and to educate others when possible, while also protecting our mental health.

 

We are going to be straight with you, but we know you can handle it and we know you can put these steps into action and be a true ally to neurodivergent individuals and ultimately be part of creating a better and more enriching and rewarding society for everyone. So here it is...

A No-Nonsense Guide to Supporting Neurodivergent Individuals

1. Prioritize Education on Neurodivergence: It's time to cut through the excuses and start educating yourself about neurodivergence. We’ve provided resources to get you started. Ignorance isn't bliss; it's a barrier to understanding and supporting effectively.

2. Believe Neurodivergent Experiences: When a neurodivergent individual shares their experience, believe them. Doubting or minimizing their reality only perpetuates the challenges they face. Their struggles are as real as yours.

3. Support Neurodivergent Self-Empowerment: Familiarize yourself with what neurodivergent individuals can do to empower themselves and support these actions. Their journey to self-empowerment is crucial and deserves your encouragement.

4. Understand That Support is Not Zero-Sum: Supporting neurodivergent individuals doesn’t take away from your struggles. It’s not a competition. Instead, it's about creating a community where everyone’s needs are met and valued.

5. Address Bias and Ignorance: It’s time to confront the rampant bias and ignorance head-on. Neurodivergence is not a deficit; it’s a different way of experiencing the world. Embrace this diversity for a more creative and fulfilling society.

6. Stand Up for Neurodivergent Rights: Just like you’d want someone to stand up for you, it’s crucial to advocate for neurodivergent individuals. Remember, those in the majority often hold the power to effect change.

7. Recognize Accommodations Are Not ‘Cheating’: Providing accommodations is about leveling the playing field, not giving unfair advantages. It’s acknowledging that different people thrive under different conditions.

8. Be a Dependable Ally: As an educator or parent, you set the tone. You are supposed to be the reliable source of support and understanding. Embody this role with sincerity and commitment.

9. Acknowledge the Prevalence of Neurodivergence: With at least 20% of the population being neurodivergent, this is not a fringe issue. Many are unaware of their neurodivergence. Treating everyone with respect and striving to understand diverse challenges is not just important – it’s essential.

 

Below is a list of books we can all benefit from, whether we are neurodiverse or wether we are an advocate or supporter. We try to make it easy for you to take action, so we provide links. Note, these links are affiliate links and purchases will support Thought Tango. 

 

• "Neurodiversity: Discovering the Extraordinary Gifts of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Brain Differences" by Thomas Armstrong - This book offers a new perspective on neurodiversity, highlighting the strengths and gifts of various brain differences and advocating for a more accepting and inclusive society.

• "Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn't Designed for You" by Jenara Nerenberg - This book explores how the world can be challenging for those who are neurodivergent and provides insights into how society can better accommodate diverse minds.

• "The Power of Neurodiversity: Unleashing the Advantages of Your Differently Wired Brain" by Thomas Armstrong - Armstrong delves into the advantages of having a neurodivergent brain, encouraging a shift in perception from deficit to strength.

• "Neurodiversity in the Classroom: Strength-Based Strategies to Help Students with Special Needs Succeed in School and Life" by Thomas Armstrong - A valuable resource for educators, this book offers strategies for supporting neurodivergent students and highlights the benefits of inclusive education.

• "Different: The Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him" by Sally Clarkson and Nathan Clarkson - From the perspectives of a mother and her neurodivergent son, this book shares their journey and underscores the importance of understanding and embracing differences.

• "The Neurodiverse Workplace: An Employer's Guide to Managing and Working with Neurodivergent Employees, Clients, and Customers" by Victoria Honeybourne - A practical guide for employers, this book provides insights into creating an inclusive workplace that values neurodivergent employees.

• "The Hidden Brain: How Our Unconscious Minds Elect Presidents, Control Markets, Wage Wars, and Save Our Lives" by Shankar Vedantam - This book, while not exclusively about neurodiversity, offers insights into how our brains work and can help in understanding the importance of embracing different ways of thinking.

• "Inclusive Talent Management: How Business can Thrive in an Age of Diversity" by Stephen Frost and Danny Kalman - This book makes a case for inclusive talent management, explaining how diversity, including neurodiversity, can significantly benefit businesses and organizations.

• "NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity" by Steve Silberman - Though focused on autism, this book is valuable for its historical perspective on neurodiversity and its advocacy for a more inclusive society.

• "Embracing Neurodiversity: Pathways for Parents and Educators" by Joanna L. Keating-Velasco - A guide for parents and educators on understanding and supporting neurodivergent children, promoting a culture of acceptance and inclusion.

There are a lot of sites out there. These have been some of our favorites over the years:

 

The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity

Dyslexia Help, University of Michigan

Made by Dyslexia

 

Just like with the books, there are a lot of pages and we will add more, but we are selective and only add the ones we find to be the best of the best. If you have suggestions, please reach out. 

 

 

We never want you to take our word for it, that is why we always bring receipts. Here are some great supporting articles to back up some of the information we have provided:

• People say listening isn't reading, science says- Listening and reading evoke almost identical brain activity, read the research. 

• Ability to read is not correlated to intelligence for dyslexics.

 

Additional links will be added over time.