Text

Neurodiversity: A New Perspective on Brains

The neurodiversity movement, which began in the late 1990s, advocates for embracing neurological differences like ADHD and autism as natural variations rather than deficits. This perspective challenges societal norms that often marginalize neurodivergent individuals.

The Origins of Neurodiversity

  • In 1998, Judy Singer introduced the term "neurodiversity" in her thesis, Why Can’t You Be Normal for Once in Your Life?
  • Singer’s work laid the foundation for a movement that calls for societal changes to better accommodate and celebrate neurological differences.
  • Neurodivergent individuals are often oppressed in neurotypical societies, but the neurodiversity movement aims to shift this narrative.

A Neurodiversity Quote to Reflect On

"Instead of pretending there is hidden away in a vault somewhere a normal brain to which all other brains must be compared, we need to admit there is no standard brain—just as there is no standard flower, cultural group, or race. Diversity among brains is as enriching as biodiversity or cultural diversity."

—Thomas Armstrong

Reflection Questions

  • How does it feel to think about your brain in this way?
  • Can you begin to view your differences as enriching rather than limiting?

The Movement and Strengths

The neurodiversity movement highlights the strengths of neurodivergent minds while challenging the idea that they are defective. Society’s focus on labeling neurodivergent individuals as "broken" is what disables them, not their unique traits.

Examples of Neurodivergence

  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Dyspraxia
  • Dyscalculia
  • Tourette’s
  • Dyslexia

Neurodivergent individuals process, learn, and behave differently than neurotypical people. The neurodiversity framework emphasizes that these differences are valid and valuable.

ADHD as Neurodiversity

  • A primary difference in ADHD lies in executive functioning, which governs skills like organizing, prioritizing, and emotional regulation.
  • While some aspects of ADHD can be disabling due to societal structures, the focus should remain on supporting and accommodating these differences.

Stigma and Self-Stigma

What is Stigma?

The term "stigma" originates from the Greco-Roman practice of branding individuals as criminals or traitors. Today, stigma refers to the devaluation of individuals based on characteristics that society deems undesirable.

Stigma and Neurodivergent Women

  • Neurodivergent individuals, including ADHD women, face unique stigma.
  • ADHD women are often judged for failing to meet the ideal of the "Gold Standard Woman"—a societal archetype of perfection and capability.

The Impact of Stigma on ADHD Women

How Stigma Leads to Shame

  • Stigmatized individuals often internalize negative societal messages, leading to self-stigma.
  • ADHD women may feel shame stemming from early experiences of misunderstanding or judgment.

Examples of Self-Stigma Messages

  • "You're lazy."
  • "You're not trying hard enough."
  • "You could be successful if you just put in the effort."

These harmful messages often become entrenched in self-talk, amplifying feelings of inadequacy.

From Stigma to Discrimination

Misinformation About ADHD

Stigma perpetuates myths and misinformation about ADHD, such as:

  • ADHD isn’t a real disorder.
  • ADHD only affects children or boys.
  • ADHD is caused by bad parenting or trauma.

Such misconceptions lead to discrimination, emphasizing the need for education and advocacy.

Reflection Question

What other misconceptions have you encountered, and how have they impacted you?

Understanding Executive Functions

In previous discussions, we explored how executive functions are cognitive processes essential for managing life efficiently. These include:

  • Decision-making
  • Strategizing and organizing
  • Emotional regulation
  • Self-awareness

While neurotypical environments often overwhelm neurodivergent individuals, they may excel in creative problem-solving and big-picture thinking.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Approaches

Our goal is to reframe ADHD and other neurodivergences as differences, not defects. Neurodiversity-affirming practices reject the shame and inadequacy often tied to traditional approaches.

Core Beliefs:

  1. You are worthy and valuable as you are.
  2. Accommodations are not optional—they are essential.
  3. Your unique traits and strengths deserve recognition.

Masking and Its Impact

What is Masking?

Masking is the act of hiding one’s neurodivergent traits to fit into neurotypical expectations. It often begins in childhood, reinforced by societal rewards for conforming.

Examples of Masking

  • Forcing eye contact.
  • Suppressing stimming behaviors.
  • Engaging in small talk despite discomfort.
  • Hiding emotions to avoid judgment.

While masking can be a survival tool, it is exhausting and can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even physical illness.

Historical Context:

  • The concept of masking aligns with W.E.B. Du Bois’ "double-consciousness", where marginalized groups navigate conflicting identities to survive in oppressive systems.

"It is a peculiar sensation... two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings."

—W.E.B. Du Bois

Messages That Lead to Self-Stigma

Psychotherapist Sari Solden identifies four categories of messages that contribute to self-stigma among ADHD women:

  1. "You Messages"

      2. Direct attacks on character or behavior, such as:

    1. "You're lazy."
    2. "You're irresponsible."
  2. "She Messages"

      3. Judgmental comments about women with similar challenges, such as:

    1. "She’s always late—what a mess!"
  3. "Duh Messages"

      4. Oversimplified advice that invalidates the complexities of ADHD:

    1. "Just use a planner!"
    2. "Try harder to focus."
  4. Absorbed Messages

    5. Societal messages that define what women "should" be, leaving neurodivergent women feeling inadequate.

Reflection Question

What "duh messages" have you received, and how did they make you feel?

Emotional Distress Syndrome

The accumulation of stigma, self-stigma, and harmful messages contributes to emotional distress syndrome in ADHD women. This chronic emotional stress stems from constant feelings of inadequacy and misunderstanding.

Group Exercise: Challenging Stigma

"You Messages" Exercise

Reflect on direct messages you’ve internalized, such as:

  • "You’re too emotional."
  • "You’d succeed if you just tried harder."

Discuss how these messages have impacted your self-image and explore ways to challenge them.

Conclusion

The neurodiversity framework invites us to honor our unique brains, reject harmful societal messages, and embrace our strengths. Together, we can shift from stigma to self-acceptance, creating a world where differences are celebrated, not judged.