04/21/2023
I felt different for most of my life. I did well in school but I struggled to maintain focus, stay organized and create close and lasting relationships. I felt things deeply, but could not form deep connection.
When I began teaching yoga to adults on the spectrum, I felt a kinship and understanding of my students that other people in the program didn’t seem to have. Still I did not recognize my own neurodivergence.
It wasn’t until early in the pandemic when scrolling through instagram that I saw a post about ADHD that changed everything. It was me! I belonged on the neurodivergent spectrum, which includes Autism, ADHD, Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia.
Neurodivergence is more than a hyperactive kid or someone with a special interest. These are traits and quirks that may help with diagnosis but these do not inspire the changes in thinking, relating and building resources that are truly needed to help all people flourish.
Learning about my own brain has changed my life for the better. It allows me to see where there may be a disconnect so I can better explain my thoughts, feelings and actions to others who may not understand. It has helped me advocate for what I need and see how my past struggles might have been different if I had known.
Autistic people and all of us on the neurodivergent spectrum have incredible gifts to offer the world. We see things differently and many advancements have been made by people on the spectrum. There are also immense obstacles living in a world not designed for us.
Awareness and acceptance, to me, is two fold. First, it helps caregivers, including parents, teachers and doctors, recognize the signs of neurodivergence to ensure early and clear diagnosis. Second, it helps bridge the gap between the world and our brains by providing better education to all. Like learning sign language for your deaf child or friend, there are ways to improve communication, access and understanding for all brains.
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