Understanding the Meaning of Neurodiversity

Written By Cynthia Hammer, MSW

By Dr. Amanda Kirby, https://doitprofiler.com

Neurodiversity means everyone's minds and the variability we have in our brain connections.

Our brains change throughout our lives and can be impacted and changed by the environment we are in (now and in the past).

Understanding what we can do to be more inclusive is part of a social movement and considering the inequity that exists.

When we consider Dyslexia, DCD/Dyspraxia, ADHD, and ASD, for example, we need to remind ourselves that these are not categorical diagnoses (i.e. you have it or not!) but dimensional and all overlap.

Each person has strengths and challenges (often created by society).

Access to support needs to be equitable and person-centered.

Additional wisdom from Dr. Kirby:

  • Performance = Potential - Interference

  • Neurodiversity + Adversity = 3 = Greater combined impact  (equals Interference)

 

Cynthia Hammer, MSW

Cynthia Hammer, MSW, was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD in 1992 when she was 49 years old. The following year she created the non-profit organization, ADD Resources, with a mission to educate adults and helping professionals about ADHD in adults. She ran the organization for 15 years before retiring.

During the Covid isolation she wrote a book about her life with inattentive ADHD which should be published by the end of this year. In writing the book, she was dismayed to learn that children with inattentive ADHD continue to be under-diagnosed and adults with inattentive ADHD often are incorrectly diagnosed with depression or anxiety.

She created a new non-profit in 2021, the Inattentive ADHD Coalition (www.iadhd.org), to create more awareness about inattentive ADHD and the need for early diagnosis and treatment.

https://www.iadhd.org
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A Neurodivergent Person’s Dilemma