The neurodiversity paradigm shifts the focus away from deficits and towards abilities. It has been used to refer to various neurological conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, PTSD, and Tourette’s Syndrome.

What is Neurodiversity?

Below are some of the definitions of Neurodiversity: 

1. Neurodiversity is the diversity of mental and neurological types. The term has been used to describe neurological differences that some people have, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
2. Neurodiversity is an umbrella term for different ways people think, learn, and process information. The neurodiversity paradigm holds that these differences are not deficiencies or disorders; instead, they are just diverse ways of thinking and being.
3. Neurodiversity is a concept that was first introduced in the late 1990s by psychologist Judy Singer. It was developed as an alternative to autism as a form of mental illness.

Ways to Support Neurodiverse People

Neurodiverse people can be a challenge for their friends and family. They might not know how to behave around them or what to say. All have a variety of abilities and may need different kinds of support. Here are some suggestions for how to support these people. 

1. Be patient: Neurodiverse people have different needs, and they might need more time to process information. They might also have trouble with social cues, so they might take things the wrong way, particularly when stressed or overwhelmed.
2.  Don’t patronize: Autistic people often have a challenging time with social interactions and understanding body language, so it’s important not to talk down to them or treat them like children when you interact with them.
3.  Ask before you touch: Some autistic people don’t want physical contact from strangers, so asking instead of touching is a good idea.
4. Find out what the person needs from you and be willing to provide it.
5.  Offer to help them communicate.
6.  Accept that they may not want to interact with people and don’t take it personally.
7.  Be mindful of your behavior around them, as well as other people’s behavior around them.

How To Identify Brain Fog & How To Manage It

Brain fog is a term used to describe the feeling of mental exhaustion and confusion that results from an alteration in brain function.

Brain fog causes include stress, sleep deprivation, and poor diet. Other factors that may contribute to brain fog include poor work or study habits, alcohol consumption, medications with side effects including depression and anxiety medication, hormones such as estrogen or testosterone, certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or diabetes.

Symptoms of brain fog can include:

– Difficulty concentrating

– Forgetfulness

– Inability to remember words or names

– Lack of focus

– Poor memory

– Slowed thinking and problem-solving skills

Brain fog can be managed by getting enough sleep every night, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress through meditation or yoga, and avoiding alcohol and medications with side effects.

8 Ways To Manage Discomfort from Sensory Overload and Sensory Defensiveness

The world is a very noisy, busy, and colorful place. We can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch many things. This can lead to sensory overload or sensory defensiveness. Sensory overload is when there’s too much sensory input for the person to process at one time. Sensory defensiveness is when a person has trouble processing sensory input like bright lights or loud noises.

1. Identify what your triggers are, Avoid the stimuli that cause discomfort, e.g., Avoid crowds
2.  Changing the stimuli to a more comfortable form of stimulation
3.  Reducing the intensity of the stimulus, e.g., Wear earplugs
4.  Relaxation techniques and getting enough sleep
5.  Re-framing one’s thoughts about a situation 
6. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
7.  Seeking professional help
8.  Create a “sensory safe” zone

Why You Should Be Neuroaware and Support Those With Disabilities

The neurodiversity movement is a social movement that aims to change the way society understands and treats those with neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and bipolar disorder. Neurodiversity advocates believe that neurological differences should be recognized as a natural human variation instead of being treated as a disorder or a disease. Being neuroaware means knowing what to do when someone has a disability. You should always ask if they have any needs before talking to them or giving them something. And if they have a disability that affects their mobility, you should never make assumptions about how they want to move around the space. 

Most people are neurotypical, meaning they are not on the autism spectrum and have no other neurological differences. However, if you have any form of Neurodiversity, it can be challenging to navigate life without support from others. Everyone should be aware of this issue and try their best to support those with disabilities in their lives.

We should be neuroaware and support those with disabilities because they are people.