Do you often feel misunderstood, isolated, and overwhelmed with the demands of daily life? Do you feel like you often don’t fit into the rigid standards set out by society?
You may be neurodivergent. This can come with a variety of challenges, including forgetfulness, personal hygiene difficulties, sensory sensitivities, motivational issues, and more.
The top challenge of all, though, is society itself. You may feel stuck navigating a society where what is considered “normal” doesn’t match your needs.
Thankfully, there is some good in all of this. Understanding your neurodivergence and spreading awareness for neurodiversity may help you to navigate the world with more ease.

A neurodiversity-affirming therapist or neurodivergent coach could support you to navigate these challenges and thrive in your own unique way.
In this blog, let’s delve further into what neurodivergence means, what conditions fall under this umbrella, and how you and society can embrace your neurodivergence and the concept of neurodiversity.
The Autistic Rights Movement and Its History
This movement started to gain momentum in the late 20th century. Some of the pioneers behind this movement include Dr. Temple Grandin and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN).
This movement is similar to the Disability Pride Movement, which emphasizes differences like autism as a natural variation in human cognition, rather than a disease to be fixed or cured.
It advocates for the rights and acceptance of autistic people and seeks to promote a more inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming view on autism.
What Does Neurodivergent Mean?
During the Autistic Rights Movement, Kassiane Asasumasu and other autistic rights activists noticed that there were non-autistic individuals whose neurocognition differed from what society considers “normal” neurocognitive functioning.
In 2000, the term neurodivergent and its related term neurodivergence were coined by Kassiane Asasumasu.
They represent all individuals whose brains differ from the "typical" or majority brain population.
Unlike the traditional view, neurodivergence affirms that these differences should be celebrated and supported, not fixed or treated as a deficit.
These terms foster inclusion and community among individuals whose brain functioning does not fit typical societal expectations.
What Are the Different Kinds of Neurodivergent Conditions?
Neurodivergent is an umbrella term and encompasses a diverse array of conditions, where new conditions can be added over time.
Each condition that falls under the neurodivergent umbrella can impact the person in different ways.
Here are some of the conditions that fit under the neurodivergent umbrella:
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference that impacts 366.33 million people globally. ADHD consists of three types characterized by inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive traits that can make it difficult to stay focused on tasks, stay organized, or control impulses.
Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder): Autism is another neurodevelopmental condition. It has effects on an individual's social interaction, communication, and behavior. It exists on a spectrum, meaning that individuals differ in the traits that they experience and the severity of those traits.
AuDHD (Autism and ADHD): Some neurodivergent identities, such as AuDHD, combine more than one neurodivergent condition. In the case of AuDHD, individuals experience both autistic and ADHD traits. This creates a unique set of challenges and strengths.
Anxiety and Mood Disorders: Anxiety and mood disorders, such as major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and bipolar disorder, are also part of the neurodivergent spectrum. These conditions impact how individuals regulate their emotions. The stress of navigating a world that is not designed for neurodivergent individuals can contribute to these mental health challenges.
Learning Disabilities: Learning disabilities, such as dyslexia and dyscalculia, affect the ability to process information and the way one navigates the world.
Other Conditions: Various other conditions fall under the neurodivergent umbrella, including Tourette’s Syndrome, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy (CP), and schizophrenia.
Neurodivergent Challenges
While neurodivergent individuals have many strengths, there are also challenges that can be unique to neurodivergence. Some of these include:
Social Interactions: Individuals with autism and ADHD may struggle with understanding social cues. This can lead to difficulties in forming relationships or maintaining conversations.
Workplace Barriers: In the workplace, neurodivergent individuals often face discrimination, a lack of accommodations, or misunderstandings from employers.
Academic Challenges: Neurodivergent students may find traditional educational methods challenging, especially if accommodations are not provided.
Anxiety While Waiting (ADHD Waiting Mode): Many individuals with ADHD experience what’s known as "waiting mode," which occurs when you experience extreme anxiety when waiting for a task to occur.
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria: An intense physical and emotional pain that is experienced due to perceived or actual rejection. This occurs at a higher rate in neurodivergent individuals.
Sensory Overload: When there is too much information coming over the senses, you may become overwhelmed and shut down.
Executive Dysfunction: Involves difficulties with the cognitive processes needed to plan, organize, start, and complete tasks.
Motivational Challenges: With ADHD, individuals may struggle with ADHD paralysis with tasks that aren't immediately rewarding or stimulating. Autistic individuals may face motivational difficulties and autistic inertia when a task doesn’t align with their specific interests or routines.
Personal Hygiene: ADHD may cause issues with routine and self-care, leading to neglecting basic hygiene. This is often due to executive dysfunction, forgetfulness, or a lack of motivation. For autistic individuals, personal hygiene struggles may be related to sensory sensitivities or difficulty managing the sensory aspects of self-care routines.
Masking: Masking refers to the process of suppressing natural behaviors to conform to social norms. This is particularly common among neurodivergent individuals, who may try to hide their social challenges to fit in.
Burnout: Autistic burnout is a deep and overwhelming exhaustion that occurs when a person has been forced to navigate a world that is not designed to accommodate their needs. Burnout can be particularly devastating because it often leads to a complete shutdown in function.
Energy Management Challenges: Neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD or autism, often face difficulties managing their energy levels.
Neurodivergence and LGBTQ+ Experiences
There is some research that suggests that neurodivergent individuals are more likely to identify as LGBTQIA+. This intersection is often referred to as neuroqueering.
Recent studies from the University of Cambridge found that autistic people are three times as likely to identify as trans (Elizabeth Weir et al., 2021). Moreover, neurodivergent individuals are eight times more likely to identify as asexual (Elizabeth Weir et al., 2021).
How Does Neurodiversity Relate to Neurodivergence?
The term "neurodiversity" encompasses all neurotypes, including neurotypical and neurodivergent brains.
The term neurodiversity embraces the idea that neurodivergent conditions are part of the natural variation in the brain that occurs between individuals.
How Can You Embrace Your Neurodivergence?
Embracing your neurodivergence involves recognizing and accepting your unique brain. It involves celebrating that everyone functions in their own unique way.
There are various ways in which you can embrace your neurodivergence. Let’s delve into these.
Support Yourself With Accommodations
To support yourself while navigating a world based around neuronormativity, consider accommodations, which tend to apply to the concept of disability.
These accommodations will involve adjustments you can make to the environment so that you are able to thrive.
Some examples of accommodations include:
Sensory Needs: If you are overstimulated in some situations, you could use items that will support you in tuning out this sensory information, such as noise-canceling headphones or dim lighting.
Emotional Regulation: When your emotions are dysregulated, you can implement relaxation techniques to help bring your nervous system back to a sense of calm. This may include spending time in a quiet environment, naming the emotion to tame it, or engaging in enjoyable activities.
Communication and Location Preferences: Utilize the communication methods and location of work that work best for you. It is okay to not give eye contact, use code words to communicate your needs, work remotely, or communicate in writing.
Body Doubling: You may struggle with starting, staying focused on, or completing tasks. To accommodate this, invite a friend, family member, or coach to work alongside you, providing motivation and accountability when tackling tasks.
Create Predictability: Some neurodivergent individuals may struggle with the thought of change. To navigate this, you could focus on creating a sense of predictability.
Set boundaries: As a neurodivergent individual, you likely have fewer spoons (energy units) than individuals who are not neurodivergent. As a result, you may need to accommodate yourself by using the spoon theory.
Support Yourself With Radical Acceptance
Radical acceptance involves acknowledging that ableism exists within our society and recognizing the challenges neurodivergent individuals face due to this systemic inequality.
It encourages us to honor our authentic selves without the pressure to change based on external expectations.
Here’s how you can practice radical acceptance:
Set Realistic Standards for Yourself: Establish goals that align with your unique abilities rather than societal expectations.
Rewrite the Narrative: Embrace your neurodivergence and shift the conversation to highlight how society, not you, is often the issue.
Support Yourself Unconditionally: Champion your needs without guilt. If you require noise-canceling headphones or specific work environments to thrive, honor that.
Support Yourself Through Self-Compassion
The way I honor self-compassion is going to be different from the way you will. Each of us brings a distinct set of experiences, strengths, and challenges that shape how self-compassion will play out for us. Here are some strategies for practicing Self-compassion:
1. Celebrate the moments that matter: Have you ever heard of the term glimmer? These are the small things in life that bring you joy. Whether you started a new hobby, learned to set boundaries, or engaged in self-care practices, take a moment to truly appreciate each of these glimmers.
2. Use Affirmations: One way to counteract the feelings of inadequacy in a world that doesn’t accommodate your needs is through the use of affirmations. Here are some affirmations created for and by neurodivergent folks: I deserve to be my authentic self, I deserve for my needs to be met, I deserve accommodations, and societal attitudes need to change, not me.
Support Yourself by Creating a Sensory Kit
Sensory overload occurs when the sensory information coming over your senses overwhelms your nervous system.
A sensory safety kit can help you to manage your experiences by providing comfort so you are able to regulate your emotions during these sensory experiences.
Here are the steps for creating a sensory safety kit:
Step 1: Choose an Item Holder
Select a container to hold your items that is easy to carry, such as:
A fanny pack
A backpack
A zip-lock bag
A travel case
A drawstring bag
A purse
Step 2: Include Visual Items
Gather items that either provide visual stimulation or help you avoid overwhelming visual input. Consider adding:
Affirmation cards
A lava lamp
A kite
Sunglasses to block sunlight
Bubbles
Kaleidoscopes
Photos of happy memories
Step 3: Add Auditory Items
Find items that allow you to manage auditory sensory input effectively, including
A music playlist
Ear muffs
Noise-canceling headphones
ASMR recordings
Audiobooks
A mini fan or white noise machine
Step 4: Incorporate Olfactory Items
Smells often evoke calmness, but preferences vary between individuals. Consider including scented items such as:
Lotion
Essential oils
Candles
Scented jewelry
Lipstick or lip gloss
Flowers
Step 5: Provide Tactile Items
Provide items that create a sense of safety and comfort, such as:
A mini weighted blanket or vest
Fidget spinners
Plush toys
Hair bands
Cozy clothing (sweater or socks)
Textured stickers
A heating pad
Step 6: Include Gustatory Items
Consider adding gustatory items that can provide distractions and grounding, such as:
Your favorite food
Mints or gum
Sour candy
Lollipops
Chocolate
A toothbrush
Chewable necklaces
How Can Society Embrace Neurodiversity?
As time goes on in society, the understanding of neurodiversity has improved.
This has led to the emergence of the neurodiversity-affirming model. In this model, neurodivergence is viewed as a vital aspect of a person's identity.
Society creates an environment that aligns with the needs of neurodivergent individuals.
As the saying goes, “When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.”
Neurodiversity can be embraced in a variety of settings, including the classroom, the workplace, therapy, and the community. Let’s briefly delve into each of these below.
Neurotypical brains tend to function in ways that align with dominant social norms, meaning classroom structures are often designed for their success.
In contrast, neurodivergent brains diverge from these norms, encompassing individuals whose neurocognitive functions differ from the way a classroom normally operates.
Despite comprising 15-20% of the global population, neurodivergent individuals often encounter significant barriers in educational settings. Many face barriers that hinder their ability to thrive academically.
Building a neuro-inclusive classroom requires thoughtful consideration of existing models and potential improvements. Here are some effective strategies for creating a neurodiversity-affirming classroom:
Develop a Sensory-Friendly Environment: Many classrooms are filled with distractions that can feel overwhelming. Designate a sensory corner where students can retreat when feeling overwhelmed.
Support Executive Functioning: Executive functioning encompasses processes that help you plan out and carry out a goal. Consider involving ADHD coaches or employing body doubling—an approach where a peer offers accountability and motivation for tasks.
Implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): An IEP is crafted collaboratively with the child's caregiver(s) and outlines support needs for students with disabilities. Schools can also make sure that your accommodation process is fully accessible by eliminating the need for an official diagnosis to access accommodations.
Foster Strengths: All students have specific strengths that will benefit them in the classroom. Identify and nurture the unique strengths of neurodivergent students.
Guide Neurodivergent Students in Accessing Support: One barrier to neurodivergent students receiving support is the lack of communication on how to receive these supports. To support students in navigating your classroom environment, provide clear information on available supports.
Consult Neurodivergent Voices: To understand what areas of your classroom need to be improved, engage with neurodivergent individuals to assess and improve classroom practices.
Neurodivergent individuals often encounter various barriers when seeking and maintaining employment.
A 2017 report from the Public Health Agency of Canada revealed that only 33 percent of autistic adults were employed, compared with 79 percent of their non-disabled peers.
Common barriers neurodivergent individuals face include a lack of awareness of neurodiversity and difficulty in obtaining accommodations, among other things.
Building a neuro-inclusive environment requires time and effort and a critical review of current hiring, interview, and retention processes to identify areas of improvement.
Some common strategies for fostering a neuro-inclusive workplace include:
Enhance Understanding of Neurodiversity: Employers can enhance inclusion by offering ongoing company-wide awareness training, educating employees about neurodiversity, its benefits, and how to remove barriers for neurodivergent colleagues.
Create an Accessible Guide on Accommodations: A clear guide outlining the accommodation process should be accessible to all employees. An effective policy would eliminate the need for official diagnoses to access accommodations, ensuring all employees have the support they need.
Foster Flexibility: Flexibility in accommodation processes is crucial. Adopting flexible policies enables a wider range of individuals to access the support they need.
Listen to Employee Feedback: The best way to identify areas for improvement is by directly engaging with employees affected by workplace policies. Ultimately, listening to employees fosters a sense of value and improves performance.
Revise Traditional Hiring Practices: Traditional hiring processes often rely heavily on verbal communication. Consider implementing alternative hiring procedures that allow candidates to choose how they demonstrate their skills, such as written responses to questions, paid on-the-job practice weeks, group tasks, and creative tasks.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy and Coaching
In neurodivergent-affirming therapy, accommodations and environmental changes that promote thriving are explored.
Neurodivergent-affirming therapists and neurodivergent-affirming coaches help you identify your strengths and challenges, guiding you to discover what accommodations support your success.
They also acknowledge the external barriers that neurodivergent individuals face, focusing on how to navigate these challenges through environmental adjustments, rather than attempting to change the person.
Some things that make a practice neurodivergent-affirming are that they
Do not attempt to fix or cure clients.
Empower clients to discover their strengths and be their authentic selves.
Offer flexible scheduling options, allowing clients to choose what works best for them.
Allow clients to turn off their camera or opt for phone sessions instead of video.
View clients as the experts on their own experiences, seeking to understand their unique strengths and challenges.
Use intake forms, onboarding forms, and offboarding forms created by neurodivergent individuals for neurodivergent individuals.
Oppose harmful practices like the puzzle piece, Autism Speaks, and ABA therapy.
Honor your needs, whether that's moving around during sessions or not making eye contact.
Confront ableism and systemic oppression.
Accept self-diagnosis as valid, acknowledging the challenges of obtaining a formal diagnosis.
Neurodiversity-Friendly Society
For neurodivergent individuals, certain sensory inputs are painful. Creating a neurodivergent-friendly space can help neurodivergent individuals reduce feelings of stress and overwhelm. Some strategies for creating this space include:
Quiet Space: When you consider creating a sensory-friendly space, the first step is to find a space that is able to accommodate this. There are a number of different spaces you can use, including a cozy corner with a book area, a calm zone in a not-too-busy corner in a room, or a whole sensory room.
Sensory Needs: To meet your sensory needs, you may want to consider adding some boxes with sensory items to your safe space. This box could include noise-canceling headphones or ear loops for those who need to cancel out noise. If you need stimulation, you may wish to add fidget toys. If the lighting is too bright, you can use natural lighting or dimmable lights. You may also want to consider using mellow colours, which tend to create calm and support creativity.
Calming Colours: Colour is one of the things that has a big impact on your mood and ability to focus. Too bright of a colour on the walls could be overstimulating or painful for some neurodivergent minds, especially if there are multiple bright colours in the same space. Consider using neutral colours that also aren’t too dull. This way, you are able to reduce sensory input while not creating a room that may produce feelings of sadness.
Storage Bins: Forgetfulness is a common trait of ADHD. If you are looking for something and don’t remember where it is, this can trigger sensory overwhelm. In order to remember where these items are, you can keep them in a bag in your sensory safe space.
Chalkboard: This also has to do with the topic of forgetfulness. You can place a chalkboard in the sensory room where you can keep all essential information. If you can’t remember something, instead of becoming overwhelmed, you can go over to the chalkboard and find the information there.
Book a Free Consultation With Blue Sky Learning
Neurodivergence is not something to be fixed, but rather a part of the natural diversity of the human experience.
By embracing and supporting neurodivergent individuals, society can create a more inclusive and understanding world where everyone’s unique traits are celebrated.
If you’re seeking support or guidance for your neurodivergence, book a free 20-minute consultation with a coach or therapist on the Blue Sky Learning team by emailing hello@blueskylearning.ca or following the link below.
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