What If, I was Neurodiverse? Tribute to Neurodiversity Celebration Week!

What If, I was Neurodiverse?

Tribute to Neurodiversity Celebration Week!

This week, I bumped into the concept of neurodiversity profoundly, encouraging me to share my thoughts on this enlightening subject. Neurodiversity is a non-medical term that acknowledges the diverse ways in which our brains develop and function. It highlights the idea that individuals with atypical brain development can perceive and engage with the world in a multitude of unique ways.

We must remember that there isn't a singular "correct" way to think, learn, behave, or experience life. Each person's journey is unique, and it is essential to approach neurodiversity with a holistic perspective, recognizing and breaking down barriers that arise when each of us is faced with differences. Our shared humanity lies in our neurological similarities and distinctions.

Consider this: no two fingerprints are identical, and even faces are unique, barring identical twins. So why should we expect uniformity in other aspects of our existence, such as our behaviours, emotions, and perceptions? By embracing the concept of neurodiversity, we can better understand and appreciate the diverse experiences that define every one of us.

Several specific terms within the realm of neurodiversity resonate deeply with me, including Highly Sensitive Person, Empath, Mentalist, Autistic, and Dyslexia, to name a few. Are you familiar with these concepts and their meanings? For some, these terms are easily understood, while others may find them more challenging to grasp. Today I will touch point on two of these concepts.

A Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is an individual with heightened sensitivity to physical, emotional, or social stimuli due to an enhanced central nervous system. First identified by psychologists Elaine and Arthur Aron in the 1990s, HSPs have been described as "too sensitive" in everyday terms. Elaine Aron's book "The Highly Sensitive Person," published in 1996, delves into this subject further.

Next, we have Empaths, this group of people go beyond merely being empathetic. Empaths not only comprehend and share other people's feelings but also experience them as if they were their own. Judith Orloff, an American board-certified psychiatrist and bestselling author, explores this concept in her book "The Empath's Survival Guide." She delves deeper into the topic by discussing intuitive empaths, who possess extraordinary perceptive abilities similar to psychic "knowing."

Throughout my life, I have encountered and become friends with many people with these remarkable unique, and diverse neurological characteristics. I am certain that countless others have this or other?remarkable abilities that remain largely unknown due to a lack of instruction on how to manage these characteristics, societal judgments, and the possibility of rejection that can accompany the unknown.

During this Neurodiverse Celebration Week, let us embrace our differences and strive for equality. We are all different and gifted in our ways. Have you discovered your unique neurological ability? or I dare to say “gift”? I certainly have discovered mine! I hope you find yours! Cherish your individuality and journey through life as a co-creator of your experience.

As I always say... I love you no matter what!