We often see both similarities and differences between those around us — do you ever wonder why that is? Well, you can thank your cranium for the variances in people. The brain is one of the most fascinating organs in the human body, the center of our knowledge and function. One of the many differences in our brains includes neurodivergence, which highlights the different ways in which people think. Some example forms of neurodivergence, which you may already be familiar with, include autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In some cases, people who are neurodivergent may feel that they don’t conform well with society. It is important that we recognize that this is an issue with society and not the fault of an individual person. There are plenty of neurodivergent people in our school, including me. Some of us get accommodations to help navigate the difficult experience known as high school, and along with these supports, many of us seek acceptance, not in the form of fitting in, but by being supported for who we are.
Being neurodivergent truly isn’t a perfect experience, though we find our own strengths. For one, many neurodivergent people, especially those on the autism spectrum, may feel ostracized from their peers and as if they are misfits within humans as a whole. These feelings of isolation are not the fault of any individual person, however. Instead, it is deeply rooted in misunderstandings. To elaborate, neurotypical and neurodivergent people tend to have different ways of communicating. Breakdowns in communication can make it difficult for people to get along with each other. In terms of school, being neurodivergent may impact how we learn and interact with others, especially with our peers, creating a sense of doubleconsciousness.
For some, it may be hard to focus or manage time effectively, which can lead to homework being turned in late. A lack of executive functioning can also impact grades and well-being (as sleep is often being put aside as people rush to get their homework done). Being neurodivergent can also affect how we interact with our peers. As someone on the autism spectrum, it can be difficult to integrate with others when they are socializing, and it can also be difficult to join group activities. However, at the end of the day, the most important feeling is to provide belonging to those who feel isolated for being neurodivergent. Neurodivergence should not be something we fear or feel vulnerable for, but rather something that is supported in society. AB’s volleyball team! MATTHEW LIU