Valuing Neurodiversity

Written By Cynthia Hammer, MSW

Written by Cynthia Hammer, MSW

 

Just as external characteristics such as height, weight, and eye color vary widely among people, the human brain within people also varies widely. This variation manifests itself in how a person relates to and behaves in the world and with other people and with themselves, how they learn, and what they possess and exhibit as their cognitive and behavioral strengths. This variation has existed throughout human history, making the world a better place for all.

The neurodiversity movement views and respects the variation in brain function and behavior as normal. Neurodiversity advocates Inclusion for Abilities and Acceptance for Differences in the workplace. While neurological variation is quite common, the understanding of it is quite uncommon, unfortunately. 

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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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