Unlocking the Potential of Neurodiversity

Unlocking the Potential of Neurodiversity

When I was in high school, we took a quiz to discover our learning styles. It was cool to see the results of my classmates because it emphasized the different ways our brains work and process information. We all learn uniquely. Some people excel in anything that requires analytical thinking or connecting with others, while others excel in anything that uses their creativity. Each of us has distinct processes and talents for tackling problems. Despite all of us having these unique ways of processing information and functioning, sometimes it's easy to feel like you're too different, out of place, don't fit in, or are doing it wrong. Differences in thinking and functioning often indicate being neurodiverse.

Being neurodiverse can have challenges, but so much strength and power comes from embracing your neurodiversity. By embracing your uniqueness, you can unlock your potential, celebrate your differences, and transform your future!

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity simply means all of our brains work differently. Neurodiversity includes Autism, ADHD (Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactive Disorder), Dyslexia, and more. Being neurodiverse isn't something you need to change or fix; it's how you experience the world. I like to compare it to being a superhero; you have a special power that allows you to see the world in a whole new way. Embracing the unique way your brain works helps you better understand yourself and your capabilities.

Let's Talk about Stigma

Unfortunately, many people have misconceptions about neurodiversity. They may equate someone's brain working differently as wrong, needing to be fixed, or less capable. These beliefs are due to stigma. Stigmas are negative attitudes, judgments, or beliefs people place on others because of their differences. These attitudes may lead people to experience shame and unfair treatment rather than being celebrated and encouraged.

I want to touch on stigma because it often surrounds the topic of neurodiversity. The unfair treatment that occurs from stigma can make people who are neurodiverse feel like they don't belong. As a previous youth in foster care, I'm all too familiar with that feeling. You deserve to feel valued and respected for who you are, regardless of being different. I encourage you to challenge these stigmas by celebrating yourself. Embracing who you are is critical to unlocking the potential of being neurodiverse.

Embracing Your Uniqueness

I remember the first time I realized my brain was different. While my friends could sit still and focus during school, I constantly found myself daydreaming. If not daydreaming, I would think about all of the different sounds in the room or jump from topic to topic inside my brain, trying to remember the material being presented. At first, I didn't know my brain worked differently than my friends. I had assumed most people found these aspects of school challenging, not just me. At first, I thought something was wrong with me, but over time, I started to value these differences. Instead of wondering what was wrong with me, I started thinking about the good things. For example, I was great at coming up with creative solutions to problems that others didn't consider. Embracing myself allowed me to see my differences as valuable.

Your unique brain gives you the power to see the world from a perspective others might not see.

Where to Start

A great way to start embracing yourself is to recognize your strengths. What are the areas you excel in? By identifying these areas, I found career opportunities aligning with my abilities and highlighted my strengths. For areas that you find challenging, whether in school or stuff in your day-to-day life, don't be afraid to lean on the supportive adults in your life for assistance.

Joining a support group or surrounding yourself with people who have shared experiences is not only a great way to embrace your neurodiversity but also understand it. Through these connections, you can develop safe spaces to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from others who have navigated their uniqueness in a way that has helped them succeed.

Your voice and experiences matter in paving a better future for yourself where you can thrive, be heard, and create safe spaces for everyone to feel valued.

 

About the Author:
Kat works in healthcare and advocacy. As a former youth with lived experience, one of her biggest goals is to uplift youth voices within the child welfare system and influence policy to reflect better outcomes for youth in care. Her passions surround everything related to the art of storytelling.

 

Understanding Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity isn’t a new concept; it’s been around since the 1900s. However, more people are becoming aware of it today. In simple terms, it means that our brains work differently—everyone thinks in their own unique way. As someone who grew up with a learning disability, I often had to take different routes to process and understand information. While my classmates might grasp concepts quickly, it often took me much longer. This made me question my intelligence.

As an adult, I’ve come to see that my brain functions differently, allowing me to approach problems with a unique perspective that many overlook. In the past, I was hesitant to ask for clarification, but now I see asking questions as a way to gain deeper understanding and think outside the box. I’ve realized that being labeled as learning disabled doesn’t mean I’m incapable; it means I think differently, and that has become one of my greatest strengths.

People often tell me I’m smart, but it’s really about my willingness to ask questions and seek clarity. My brain processes information in a way that encourages deeper thinking, which I now view as a gift. This shift in perspective has helped me recognize my strengths in brainstorming and strategic thinking. I’ve stopped holding myself back and learned to bring my ideas to the table.

One of the most valuable tools I discovered was an understanding of my learning style. Many people with learning disabilities aren’t taught about the different ways we can learn. In school, we often follow the teacher’s preferred style, but everyone processes information differently. Personally, I’m a writing, auditory, and interpersonal learner.

Seven Different Learning Styles:

1. Visual: Learning by seeing information, like graphs, pictures, and examples.

2. Auditory: Taking in information by hearing it spoken or through media.

3. Kinesthetic: Learning through hands-on activities and doing.

4. Logical: Understanding by asking questions and solving problems.

5. Solitary: Learning best when studying alone.

6. Interpersonal: Learning together with others and brainstorming.

7. Reading and Writing: Learning by reading and writing things down for better memory.

Embracing these diverse learning styles has helped me appreciate my own unique way of thinking.

 

About the Author:
Desiree is a passionate former foster care alumni who is dedicated to writing about topics that are relevant to young people in foster care. She is currently studying psychology to help those who have experienced childhood trauma to heal and develop healthy relationships with themselves and others.