Your Neurodivergent Brain

A neurodivergent brain, colloquially known as being “on the spectrum”, is neither good nor bad but is, and feels, very much different from your average human brain. Some of us don’t mind it at all and actually enjoy some of its more prominent features, while others do not manage it well and are disturbed by their different approach to social interaction and problem solving. A neurodivergent brain cannot be “cured” or replaced, and its features must be learned and managed as early in life as possible through psychotherapy, behavioral coaching, and medication.

This information will be of interest to you if

If you can get past your natural reluctance to engage with the topic of autism (the word does have a historical stigma attached to it, unfortunately), or your skepticism of anything brainy, or your understandable desire to pretend that absolutely nothing is the matter with certain behaviors, frequently short attention span, and sensory and emotional touchiness, then you’ve come to the right place.

What are the most common challenges a neurodivergent brain must try to overcome?

What are some challenges to you might encounter with your neurodivergent brain? You may need medical, psychological, or psychiatric help to tame your neurodivergent brain and develop its great potential. Some “cures” you may have tried out of desperation are alcohol (because of its numbing effect), drug use (because of its temporary escape), or even abusing medication (too much of a good thing). These fixes are worse than the problem and do not actually fix anything, and instead create additional life-long problems.

Some of the challenges often associated with a neurodivergent brain include:

  1. Autism spectrum disorder (this includes what was once known as Asperger’s syndrome)
  2. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  3. Down syndrome (a genetic condition whereby a person is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21)
  4. Dyscalculia (difficulty with math)
  5. Dysgraphia (difficulty with writing)
  6. Dyslexia (difficulty with reading)
  7. Dyspraxia (difficulty with coordination)
  8. Intellectual disabilities
  9. Mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and more
  10. Gender dysphoria
  11. Prader-Willi syndrome (a rare genetic disorder that results in a number of physical, mental and behavioral problems)
  12. Sensory processing disorders
  13. Social anxiety (a specific type of anxiety disorder)
  14. Tourette syndrome (a disorder that causes uncontrollable movements and vocal sounds called tics)
  15. Williams syndrome (a rare genetic condition characterized by unique physical features, delays in cognitive development and potential cardiovascular problems)
  16. Disorders of emotional regulation and mood states (depression and more)
  17. Anger management issues

In addition, you may be now or may have been in the past the target of bullying, verbal or physical abuse, shunning and other aggressive behaviors toward you. Know that these are usually perpetrated by individuals who do not know any better or are afraid of anything that they do not understand or can accept. If you are on the receiving end of such behaviors, any symptoms or challenges you may have from the above list may be worsened. There are strategies you tools you may learn to minimize to reduce the impact of these behaviors on your self-esteem, functioning, and level of distress. Make an appointment with Dr. Z for an evaluation, psychotherapy and coaching.

How can you live in harmony with your neurodivergent brain?

What are some things you can do to live in harmony with your neurodivergent brain? There are many good things you can do to tame your neurodivergent brain and develop its great potential. Please consult with Dr. Z as to the best approach that are currently available, by making appointment for an evaluation and psychotherapy and/or a referral to a specialist.

In addition to psychotherapy and/or medication, some of the best practices for living in harmony with your neurodivergent brain include:

  1. Listen to your mind, your feelings, and your body. A neurodivergent brain may cause you at times to misunderstand your own thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. Be willing to listen carefully, sort them out, and question them without jumping to conclusions. Let your brain know you hear it and respect it and make good choices.
  2. Communicate with others in ways that help them understand you. Sometimes, people who are neurodivergent prefer written communication such as instant messaging, texting, or emails over a phone call or face-to-face conversation. Let people know that you are most effective when you use these media and ask them to respond in kind.
  3. Avoid putting value-based labels on yourself. It is so easy to compare ourselves to the typical human being and come up with the conclusion that there is something wrong with us. Do not assume your worth as a person based on how much you think, talk, and behave like someone who is neurotypical (allistic).
  4. No two neurodivergent brains are the same. The personalities and preferences of neurodivergent people can be widely different, even when they have the same underlying brain structure. You are a unique individual, and should accept and promote your uniqueness plainly and without arrogance.
  5. Don’t assume that anyone is incapable or unintelligent. People who are neurodivergent often stand out or appear different. In many cases, high intelligence can breed impatience and even contempt toward other people.
  6. Treat everyone with respect. You can “normalize” and provide others with explanations in a way that honors your human dignity. Be patient with those who cannot or refuse to understand the differences.