Should individuals who are neurodiverse change themselves to
conform to mainstream society? The ignorance inherent in this
question angers me! (colorful adjective) NO! Nobody should feel the
need to conform to mainstream society. Society benefits from having
everyone's unique contributions. The world would be very boring if we
all were the same.
I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child in the mid 80's. Medicine,
therapy, and group sessions soon followed as my parents attempted to
follow the doctor's advice. Counselors would work with me to
"normalize" my behavior and make it easier for others to deal with me.
This often made me feel like an outcast and I continually asked myself
why was I different. It wasn't until I stood up for myself and refused to
take the medicine that I truly came into my own. So what if small things
could distract me, I set more breaks when doing tasks to allow for a
reset, I can do anything I set my mind to. Maybe I cannot sit still for long
periods of time, but is my fidgeting really bothering anyone? I still
struggle with these issues today, but I know who I am, and I am
comfortable with that person. Thankfully society is already moving
away from viewing neurodiversity as something that needs to be fixed.
There is still a long way to go. Children should not be systematically
medicated to make it easier for the adults in their life to deal with them.
Society needs to understand that every person deserves to be an
individual, and sometimes that individuality is not compatible with you.
It doesn't make it wrong, just different. Embrace, understand, and
support.
That brings me to the theme that neurodiversity applies to, and for me,
it comes back to self-care. When I embraced my differences is when the
world opened up for me. I became happier and easier to deal with. I
found it easier to care for myself and navigate the natural struggles of
life. As a scout leader, I try to pass on the concept of individuality and
inclusion to every youth, and some of the parents who seem to need
this lesson. We celebrate differences every chance we get. I just hope
these young people will grow with a sense of self-worth and embrace
the treasure they truly are to society.
