Neurodiversity 

Just like fingerprints, no two brains are exactly the same1.

Neurodiversity was coined in 1998 by Judy Singer, an Australian sociologist, it is a non-medical term that recognizes that everyone’s brains develop in unique ways[1].  This is not saying that people who are neurodivergent don’t struggle, but instead recognises that a neurodivergent person will have different struggles and strengths to others1. 

Research shows that words matter, and that people who understand that they are different, (opposed to broken) are happier and aim higher1.  In fact, the opposite of neurodivergent is not ‘normal’ it is ‘neurotypical’[2].  It is believed that 15% of the population is neurodivergent[3].  

ADHD

Poorly named, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one way you can be neurodivergent.  Its symptoms are a result of a person’s brain developing differently (to the statistical norm).  This is different to a mental illness where a person’s ‘state of mind’ differs from their personal normal3. People with ADHD find their brains need to work really hard to control their executive functioning, inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity,[4] while others seem to do it naturally3.  

It is believed that approximately 8% of the world’s population has ADHD and 280,000 kiwis, however in New Zealand only 2.4% of young people have been diagnosed[5].  This is likely a reflection of our difficult to navigate medical system, and an indication that many New Zealanders are living with ADHD without support. 

Polar Bears

Imagine you took a polar bear out of the artic and put them in the jungle.  Would you tell the polar bear they were broken because they didn't know how to climb a tree?  Or, would you help them to redevleop their skills to thrive in the jungle? Support for people who are neurodivergent is not about fixing something, it’s about helping you to thrive in a world designed by neurotypical people and archive your full potential.  

We take this approach when supporting clients with ADHD and other forms of neurodiversity.  How do you experience the world? Whats hard for you? Whats easy?  What are your goals?  ... If you think you or someone you love would benefit from our support, get in touch via email to see if we have availability.  

[1] Professional, C. C. M. (2024, July 15). Neurodivergent. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23154-neurodivergent

[2] NEURODIVERSITY: SOME BASIC TERMS & DEFINITIONS • NEUROQUEER. (2022, July 19). NEUROQUEER • THE WRITINGS OF DR. NICK WALKER. https://neuroqueer.com/neurodiversity-terms-and-definitions/

[3] ADHD Aware. (2023, April 5). What is Neurodiversity - ADHD Aware. https://adhdaware.org.uk/what-is-adhd/neurodiversity-and-other-conditions/

[4] What is ADHD? (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd

[5] ADHD is more common than you think | ADHD NZ. (n.d.). ADHD NZ. https://www.adhd.org.nz/adhd-is-more-common-than-you-think.html