“Superpowers, Strength and Neurodiversity”
What is Neurodiversity?
So, I realise that before I can write an article about Neurodiversity, I have to explain Neurodiversity.
Neurodiversity is used to describe a group of neurodivergent individuals who experience, process and interact with the world around them in many unique and different ways”.
Most common types of neurodiverse conditions are:
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Conditions.
ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder.
Dyscalculia.
Dyslexia.
Dyspraxia, or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
DISCLAIMER : Neurodiversity is not a small topic and I would suggest you do some extra reading into it if you want to find out more as my explanation is a brief description.
My Diagnostic Experience
In 2020, I was diagnosed with Dyslexia. I remember the educational psychologist saying, “Wow, you are dyslexic; how come no one had picked this up throughout your education”. By the end of the week, I was given a 20-page dyslexia report highlighting all the support I would need at university, my dyslexia strengths, and difficulties and all the score of my assessment in technical terms and that's how I received my Dyslexia diagnosis.
Discovering My Neurodiversity
Since 2021, I've been on a journey to develop a better understanding of my Neurodiversity. I feel like I started this journey as a part of my role is to teach newly diagnosed Autistic and ADHD young people about what their neurodiversity condition, and it got me thinking, what does Dyslexia mean to me. So, my first instinct is to go to my 20-page dyslexia report.
Now, of course, this didn't go well. I spent 20 minutes rereading the first paragraph over and over, trying to understand it, which gave me a headache, and I just gave up. Ironic how they gave the dyslexic person a 20-page report and expected them to understand their diagnosis by doing the one thing they struggle with, reading. Recently, I have come across a Podcast series by Natalie Brooks called "Dyslexia in Adults" to support and educate people on the reality of Adult Dyslexia (P.S. this is a great series).
Should strength be referred to as “Superpowers” in?
Superpower is a term sometimes used to describe all the strengths of having any neurodiverse condition. You're probably thinking about what the strength/superpower are of having any neurodiversity conditions. Well, if you want to know what they are, the imagine in title page sums it up. Superpowers is even used in some research to quote neurodiverse strengths. So, I was shocked when Natalie said in the "Dyslexia in Adults, The Strengths" episode that she used to get frustrated when dyslexia was talked about as a gift/ superpower, and she never uses superpower to describe dyslexic strengths. She also said that she thinks we shouldn't just use celebrities that have the condition whilst teaching people about their condition (which I personally use in my session with young people) for the following reasons below;
Reason 1: It doesn't bring into the conversation that there is a more complicated story and real challenges with dyslexia.
Reason 2: It alienates people.
Reason 3: Discussing dyslexic strengths like a superpower sets the bar too high for people. It makes people think that they must change the world or something incredible for their strength to be authentic and substantive.
She talked about her strengths being in little moments, like a quick idea that she has or her ability to think of a solution straight after she notices a problem. She finished her point by saying we should discuss strengths using real-life examples and challenges.
Should strength be referred to as “Superpowers”: My View
When I finished listening to the episode, I started to think about whether I should be using the word "Superpowers", but at the same time, I didn't quite understand her view at first. However, after taking a step back, drinking a cup of tea and reflecting on it, I can see her viewpoint. I do believe that we should be discussing strengths using real-life examples whilst alongside challenges. To take it one step further, we should teach people how to see their challenges as strengths or even support them in using their strengths to help their challenges. However, it's vital that we still explain strengths as a superpower and even use celebrities when discussing diagnosis.
Reason One: A typical question that people have when they receive any diagnosis is, "How does it affect their future?" (I know I certainly did). Talking about a superpower and seeing celebrities who have the same condition and are thriving can be so inspiring and put any doubt at ease around the future.
Reason Two: It helps in reducing the negative stigma around the condition. The teachings we provide to clients around a new diagnosis are the same way they will explain their condition to others. So, describing it in terms of superpower and showing celebrities brings some positivity to the condition, and if they define it like this to other, those people are more likely to talk to others about this condition in the same positive light.
Reflections & Conclusion
Upon reflection, the key things I will be taking into my practice are...
When I am discussing a new Autism or ADHD diagnosis with a young person and their parent, I will both use superpowers and celebrities but also talk about the young person's real-life strengths alongside their challenges.
Apply the above for all client groups and new diagnoses.
Provide an extra individual session to the clients when given any new diagnosis and allow them to ask questions. This is because I know not all services offer this, and this is something I still am trying to find myself, with my dyslexia.
Lastly, As the reader, what are your views:
Should we be describing our strength as superpowers and showing celebrities' to newly diagnosed clients or use using real-life examples of strength alongside challenges?
Should we do both?
How would you like a professional to explain to you about a new diagnosis you have?
Comment your views below