Embracing Neurodiversity: Insights from an Autistic Adult

By Sarah Dwan

This article was originally published in the Waterford News and Star 8/8/23

In a world that celebrates diversity, do we appreciate the uniqueness that Neurodiversity has to offer? What exactly is Neurodiversity? It is a biological fact that refers to the diversity of the human brain and includes everyone on the planet.?Just as cultural diversity enriches our communities, Neurodiversity enhances our collective human experience.

The Neurodiversity Paradigm is a lens through which to view Neurodiversity. It acknowledges that Neurodivergent individuals such as Autistic, ADHD, OCD, dyslexic, dyspraxic and many others do not have deficits to be ‘cured’ or ‘fixed’. Neurological differences such as these are inherent aspects of human diversity that contribute to the fabric of our society. It rejects the idea of a single ‘normal’ brain. Embracing this concept is a transformative shift in how we perceive the Autistic experience. It values our worth, celebrates our differences, and acknowledges and supports our challenges by promoting autonomy, respect, and inclusion. The Neurodiversity Movement encourages a shift away from the ‘tragedy’ narrative surrounding autism and other neurological differences towards a more neuro-affirming, rights-based narrative.

What is autism?

The term ‘Neurodivergent’ refers to an individual with a brain that diverges from what society deems ‘typical’. The term ‘neurotypical’ refers to an individual with a brain that does not diverge from what society deems ‘typical’. Autism is one of many types of neurodivergence. It is a neurological difference characterised by unique variations in how the brain develops, functions, and processes information. Autism is a spectrum, but it is not a linear progression from 'less Autistic' to 'more Autistic'. Additionally, support needs are unique to each individual – some have higher support needs than others. Unfortunately, those with higher support needs are often denied autonomy, while those with lower support needs are often denied help. Ultimately, we all need the same thing - to be supported and accepted for our differences in thinking, sensing, movement, and interactions. Differences – not deficits. Referring to autism as a set of differences does not negate the fact that autism is a disability; rather, it promotes inclusivity, and reduces stigmatisation within society.

Autism is not something separate from me that I carry around; it is intricately linked to who I am. It shapes everything I do, feel and say – it is my brain wiring after all. Consider it this way - I have a different operating system. In much the same as how an iPhone uses an IOS operating system and a Samsung uses an Android operating system – different, not less.

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My Journey

When I received a formal autism diagnosis as an adult, it was life-changing in the most positive way. Understanding and embracing my neurodivergence has allowed me to better support myself. Growing up, I always felt that my mind worked differently – reading at a very young age, being fascinated with words, possessing a photographic memory, and recalling events from before the age of one. I easily made friends, yet rarely sustained friendships. I was sociable, but never quite understood social rules or hierarchies. I could not fathom why people did not like honesty or being questioned yet seemed to enjoy small talk. I did not know body language even existed until my mid-twenties. I was always in motion, rarely finding stillness. Unless I was absorbed in one of my focused interests when time would slip away. Luckily, I was blessed with an incredible mother and grandparents who supported my need for movement, encouraged my interests, and more importantly, loved and accepted me, for me.

I always had a heightened awareness of my surroundings - easily agitated without ever really knowing why. Now, I know about sensory processing differences. They explain why I took the batteries out of ticking clocks, why I cannot be in a room with a dripping tap, why I cut the tags off my clothes, and why the buzzing of bees is unbearable. Discovering I was Autistic, everything became crystal clear. It empowered me to learn about Autistic communication, study the sensory system, and ultimately, better meet and advocate for my needs.

So many questions about my life I now had answers for. I discovered that there was nothing inherently ‘wrong’ with me; rather, my brain was uniquely wired in a manner that diverged from what society deemed typical. Unfortunately, the online and media discourse surrounding autism often gravitates toward deficit-based, cure-focused narratives. Thankfully, I found other Autistic adults and Irish organisations that embraced the Neurodiversity paradigm. Organisations such as Neuro Pride Ireland , AUsome Training , The Adult Autism Practice and Thriving Autistic CLG . I discovered a newfound strength in my identity as an Autistic individual and I went on to gain a qualification in Advocacy and Empowerment.

Outside of my most important roles as a mother and partner, I am an undergraduate psychology student and a disability advocate, committed to empowering neurodivergent voices and advocating for neuro-inclusion. The Autistic community is not a monolith – each of us has our own unique experience. So, it is important to acknowledge that I do not speak for everyone. I am sharing my own lived experiences to highlight the fact that Autistic adults exist. Society often discusses autism through the perspectives of non-autistic adults, which needs to change. I believe the voices of Autistic adults and children must be centred in discussions concerning autism. The old-age advocacy quote "Nothing about us, without us" sums this up nicely. If society genuinely wants to foster acceptance of our Autistic community, it must actively involve us in research, events, educational planning, and support systems that directly impact our lives.

Language matters

The words all too often used when discussing Autistic individuals only serve to perpetuate inequality and exclusion, as it reinforces the notion that we are somehow ‘other’. This othering leads to our marginalisation and stigmatisation, which in turn impacts our opportunities, well-being, and overall sense of belonging within society. I don't subscribe to the notion of having 'special needs' because my needs are human needs, just like everyone else's. Similarly, I reject the concept of 'social deficits' simply because my social communication differs from the majority. Communication is a two-way process, so if I require social skills training, it stands to reason that neurotypical individuals do too. Instead of labelling my interests as 'special interests,' I prefer to recognise them as simply interests, which is a natural part of being human. The term 'hyperfocus' is often used to describe my intense concentration, but if I were non-autistic, it would likely be regarded as 'flow.' Referring to me as having a 'superpower' creates the expectation that I must possess extraordinary talents to be valued in society. In reality, I am just as uniquely human as anyone else. I believe Autistic children should not be characterised as engaging in 'restricted and repetitive play.' They are playing autistically, and Autistic play is valid and valuable. It's time to move away from pathologising every aspect of the Autistic experience.

Mental Health

When it comes to discussing the mental health of Autistic individuals, considering the statistics will paint a clearer picture. Research suggests that approximately 69% of Autistic individuals experience anxiety, while 59% experience depression. Additionally, 36% experience PTSD, 22% experience disordered eating, and 17% experience OCD. These numbers, however, should not be mistaken as inherent aspects of being Autistic. On the contrary, the reasons behind these challenges lie in a combination of life experiences and genetic predispositions. These shape the nervous system and stress responses, regardless of neurology. However, the Autistic community tends to experience more stress, judgment, misunderstanding, and inequality merely for existing. This reality is underscored by a prime example: when a neurotypical individual experiences a meltdown, their behaviour is rarely attributed to their neurotype. In contrast, for Autistic individuals, the prevailing narrative often becomes, “They have meltdowns because they're Autistic." No. Meltdowns do not happen because we are Autistic. The truth is that they occur for the same reasons as non-autistic individuals - when events, emotions, and sensory input become overwhelmingly difficult to process.

Blaming an individual's neurotype for their mental distress is not only unhelpful but also unsupportive. The key to improving the mental well-being of our Autistic community lies in treating us as equals within society rather than perpetuating an environment that treats us as lesser beings. By fostering understanding, and empathy society can pave the way for a future where our Autistic community does not experience such a significant amount of distress. It is time to shed light on these realities, challenge misconceptions, and work toward a more supportive society.

Ultimately, neuroinclusion matters. Why? Because Autistic adults and children are not ‘broken’ – we are human. The Autistic way of being is valid and we do not need to conform to society’s notion of what is considered ‘normal.’ Especially considering the term ‘normal’ is a social construct, and society itself is not particularly designed with neuro-minorities in mind. Rather than attempting to change Autistic or otherwise Neurodivergent individuals to fit within neurotypical ideologies, I am determined to at least try to change the world, creating a neuro-inclusive society where everybody can thrive.?