Comparing the Neurodivergent Brain
Quick essay:
The Neurodivergent brain is fundamentally different than a neurotypical brain and the two should not be compared.
Neurodivergent brains are fundamentally different. Our brains have formed so unlike a neurotypical brain to the point we are classified as neurodevelopmentally different.
Our brains literally develop differently. From the moment we are born, our brains begin forming differently than the neurotypical brain. Our milestones occur at different times than the neurotypical brain.
When you set the standard that the neurotypical developmental style is better and the only accepted style and constantly compare the two, you will be imprinting the idea that the neurodivergent child is worse because they are not like the other children. Comparing children leaves long lasting insecurities.
Neurodivergent children are constantly compared to others.
We were constantly told we were slower (we take longer to process complex things and learn skills).
That we were worse learners (often because the teaching style was not compatible with our learning style).
We were told that we were lazy (we were unmotivated due to constantly being criticised or we were struggling with our executive dysfunction but no one was educated enough to understand).
We were told we had wasted potential (we didnt want to achieve in school due to it never supporting our needs or interests).
We were told we worked poorly in groups, (often paired with classmates we had not built trust and mutual understanding with so we had no idea how to work in a functional group).
We were told that we asked too many questions, (neurodivergent children want to understand the subject and the purpose for it before participating).
We were often told we were too loud, (we talk louder when excited and have no idea how loud our voices are).
We were told we were fussy and too much to handle, (often our senses were overwhelmed yet we were forced to stay in environments that caused us mental and physical pain from our sensory issues).
We were told we did not play well with other students, (other students didnt understand the way we think, we had different play styles, and our communication styles were different which often lead to misunderstandings).
Please stop comparing us to neurotypicals. We function completely differently. Our brains are noticeably different. We communicate and learn differently. We process information differently.
We are different not worse.
