What Do You Mean "Neurodivergent"?

One thing that I've seen a lot is misconceptions about what neurodivergence is. I remember not knowing what neurodivergence was, but as it's become such a huge part of what I talk about, I've gotten to know a lot more about it.

As a whole, there are a ton of different reasons for someone to be considered "neurodivergent." It's a rather broad category in many ways. The general definition that is meant when someone is neurodivergent is that they are someone who diverges from the norm when it comes to their mind. This can refer to how their mind is wired or simply refer to the chemical imbalance that they live with.

One misconception I've heard is that autistics refer to themselves as "neurodivergent" and anyone who isn't autistic is "neurotypical." The first part is true—autistics are neurodivergent—but the second part is not. People can be neurodivergent but not be autistic. Anyone who is not autistic is, quite simply, not autistic. There are autistics and then there are allistics. Those who aren't autistic fall under the latter term.

Something I find fun about neurodivergence is that people who diverge from the mental "norm," tend to gravitate towards each other. I've never been able to determine exactly why that is, but it's like we see something in each other that's similar to us—something we can relate to—that a lot of people don't exude. But the common factor I've seen between a lot of neurodivergents is that we seem "quirky." That's just how a lot of us "manifest" our divergence. We aren't normal and we don't act like it; it's not shown in a way that's absolutely crazy, we're just a little bit wacky and goofy and occasionally all over the place. There are a lot of us who are really quiet and just study from the outside, so this is by no means a rule to live by, but I have seen it a lot.

Personally, I love being neurodivergent (most of the time). I'm a bit wacky, quite random, and I can be a bit of a scatterbrain, but that's just how I live. I get excited and bounce around like a small child when I get happy. That's just who I am; that's how I react.

Neurodivergence isn't all fun and games, though. For many of us, we can't handle certain situations, we can't keep track of things a lot of the time, we have random meltdowns and mental breakdowns, we have anxiety/panic attacks, we spend many days stuck in a pit of depression, etc. We hurt, a lot, but we live life with excitement a lot of the time because we're almost forced to make the most of what good times we've been given.

Being neurodivergent is, quite simply, an adventure. We get cut and scraped along the way, but when we find the next clue or we surpass one enemy, we can celebrate. The kind of adventure depends on the person, it depends on what makes you neurodivergent, but it's no different than the adventures neurotypicals might have. Everyone's is different, and that's just how it is.

The adventure of being ADHD is different than the adventure of being autistic, and they're both different from the adventure of having an anxiety disorder. We're all neurodivergent—we all have a steep hill to climb—but we all have quirks in common and sometimes those quirks can help others in rather strange ways.

Imagine a group of three people who are working together to try to run a small business. They aren't entirely sure how they're going to do it, but they know each other's strengths and weaknesses.

The ADHD-er of the group is a bit of a scatterbrain, but they're amazing a hyperfocusing on things at random and also at approaching random people and helping out where needed. However, they get distracted from helping people and sometimes don't finish the job before going to do another job.

The autistic of the group is really quiet and prefers less commotion, but they're quite happy doing the same repetitive task for hours on end. Issue is, sometimes they'll get so focused doing that one task that they forget there's a world around them they might have to pay attention to.

The person with anxiety avoids people as much as possible, but they get a sense of control and calm by managing everything. They're quite happy to remain mostly behind the scenes and make sure everything is set up. They may need to be checked in on, though, because they'll stress themselves out over not being able to manage what they "need" to manage.

There's nothing wrong with any of these people. They're different, but they have strengths due to their divergence. And these strengths come with weaknesses, just like they would for anyone else.

Point is, neurodivergence isn't just autistics and "crazy people." It's just people who are a little bit different and who may find it easier to use a word that explains a bit of who they are. I didn't list even close to the whole list of neurodivergent "conditions" but there are some examples of some that I've come across.

Neurodivergents and neurotypicals rule. I've met both—I've seen how wonderful each can be in its own right—the key is really to embrace whatever you are.

Neurodivergents, you are amazing.

Neurotypicals, you are amazing.

Allistics, you are amazing.

Autistics, you are amazing.

Beautiful (and handsome) people out there, you are brilliant, no matter what term you fall under. You are you. I hope you realize how incredible that is.