by Devinder Buttar, AW Surrey
We are stronger, gentler, more resilient, and more beautiful than any of us imagine. – Mark Nepo
We accept that biodiversity supports a healthy physical environment, and neurodiversity plays a similar vital role in creating a healthy cognitive environment.
We must recognize that differences in cognitive processes, communication styles, and sensory encounters do not compare to deficiencies but speak to important variations in the magical tapestry that makes up the human condition. We all must play our part in forging supportive environments that accommodate diverse needs and honor the special strengths of each person, regardless of their place.
Neurodiversity is not a puzzle to unravel or a condition to be cured. We have to grasp a worldview that champions neurodiversity, which recognizes the inherent worth and potential of each person.
Each person has unique qualities and capacities, and it’s unjustifiable and restricting to judge everyone by the same standard. For neurodivergent students, this is an effective reminder that their special way of thinking and learning is not a deficit, but a diverse kind of genius that needs the right environment to flourish. We must also be very careful not to romanticize neurodiversity. Yes, most neurodivergent have their own “superpowers” – for example, pattern recognition, musical ability, hyperfocus – but these do not take into account the huge amount of lifetime support or medication needed to improve executive function.
We must empower neurodivergent individuals to self-advocate and ensure that we nurture a sense of self-acceptance, self-love and resilience. Whether through supporting inclusive approaches, cultivating understanding in educational and professional settings, or essentially amplifying acts of kindness and empathy in our everyday interactions, each one of us plays a vital part in a culture of acceptance. This promotion of acceptance amplifies benefits not exclusively to people who are neurodivergent, but reverberates all through society. Many people have extraordinary abilities, ranging from keen attention to detail to unparalleled creativity. By grasping the neurodiverse and fostering inclusive environments, we open up the full range of human potential, catalyzing advancement, collaboration and societal cohesion.
The goal has continuously been to create a modern world of acceptance, tolerance and benevolence for all. A culture of inclusion requires a dual commitment to awareness and acceptance. By intensifying awareness, we dismantle myths, encourage early intervention and empower self-advocacy. Simultaneously, by supporting acceptance, we cultivate inclusivity, challenge prejudices, and celebrate the difference. Through these concerted endeavors we forge a way towards a more equitable and compassionate society, one where people are not only embraced but empowered to flourish and contribute their unique gifts to the world while being true to themselves. In fact, the great human evolutionary journey will be richer for it.
Photo from Canva.com
