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I remember when my son was first diagnosed with ADHD. The freight train of bewildering emotions - confusion, grief, fear, relief - would hit me at the most inconvenient times. During long drives home, at dinner while everyone chatted away, and weirdly, while folding mountains of laundry. But, as I traversed the unfamiliar landscape of neurodivergence, I realized something profound. It wasn't just about challenges and how to address them; it was also about recognizing and embracing the unique strengths and fresh perspectives that neurodivergent individuals, like my son (and turns out, me, too), bring to our vibrant world.

Whoa! Let's backtrack a wee bit here. If you find yourself wondering, "what on earth is neurodivergence?" let's dig into it together.

The ABC of Neurodivergence

Neurodivergence refers to the natural variations in the human brain and neurocognitive functioning - a little like natural differences in eye color or height. It encompasses a range of conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences. While the brain functioning of neurodivergent individuals, like my son, differ from those without these differences - referred to as neurotypical, they aren't necessarily inferior, contrary to popular misconception.

Here's an interesting nugget from the Cleveland Clinic: neurodivergent individuals have brain differences that affect how their brain works, leading to varying strengths and challenges. So, if you're imagining a post-apocalyptic dystopia where brains are wired crazily, let's dispense that thought right away!

Forbes Health expands further by explaining that neurodivergence is a non-medical umbrella term describing people with variations in their mental functions, including conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Meanwhile, Verywell Mind highlights that neurodivergence refers to people whose brains function differently in one or more ways than what is considered 'standard' or 'typical.' It encompasses various conditions and variations in cognitive functioning.

Just Another Way of Thinking

Delving deeper into neurodivergence, the University of Washington's DO-IT program defines a neurodivergent person as someone on the autism spectrum or someone whose brain processes information in a way that is not considered 'standard.' Here's the interesting bit - even as this creates honestly exhausting challenges, it also brings forth unique strengths.

Imagine perceiving the world through a kaleidoscopic lens that routinely adds extra nuances and dimensions to everyday experiences. That's often how my son describes his world. Sure, he struggles with certain tasks, but the imaginative burst of ideas he throws in when we're brainstorming about say, the best birthday party setup, or the advanced math he can do in his head is truly mind-boggling.

Celebrating Neurodiversity

Let's chat about neurodiversity. It's an idea closely associated with neurodivergence. In essence, it describes the perspective that developmental disorders like autism and ADHD are simply normal variations in the human brain.

Think of it this way: we don't label someone with brown eyes as being 'disordered' compared to someone with blue eyes, right? Similarly, neurodiversity recognizes and celebrates the different ways people experience and connect with the world around them. This doesn't mean that there aren't challenges, but it encourages us to focus on the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodiverse individuals contribute. As Harvard Health puts it, "neurodiversity is about recognizing and valuing the diversity of the human brain."

The Blessing-in-Disguise

Taking a step back, I see my son's journey as a blessing— a journey where we've both ferried through tough waters and learned to appreciate the stunning rainbow after a storm. Recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths that come with his neurodivergence (and accepting my own) have been enlightening, not just for him but for our entire family.

Sure, there are relentless challenges. But there are also innumerable silver linings that make not just his, but our world, brighter. And the challenges, well, they can be faced and managed with the right solutions, strategies, a hefty dose of patience, and a hefty pile of sweetness (read, ice-cream!)

So here's the summary of the soup we've stirred today in terms of neurodivergence and neurodiversity. Neurodivergence refers to natural variations in brain functioning, which include conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. As neurodivergent individuals, your little ones have a unique set of strengths and challenges. Neurodiversity, on the other hand, promotes the understanding and celebration of these variations as part of the striking diversity of the human experience.

There we are, Mama! The next time you find yourself sinking under a wave of worry, remember - your child, with all their unique neurodivergence, is as beautiful and necessary as every star in the night sky. They bring something remarkably special to your life, and the world, just by being themselves.

Hold on to that. Smile. Go forth, and treasure every kaleidoscopic moment!

Sources:

• Cleveland Clinic: Neurodivergent: What It Is, Symptoms & Types
• Forbes Health: What Is Neurodivergent? A Complete Guide
• University of Washington DO-IT: What do “neurodiverse” and “neurodivergent” mean?
• Verywell Mind: What Is Neurodivergence and What Does It Mean to Be Neurodivergent?
• Harvard Health: What is neurodiversity?