Greetings!

After graduating college with honors, I spent the next few decades in full-time employment. Eventually, I went back to school and earned my PhD. The transition from the work world back into academia unearthed new challenges.

In the years immediately before and after graduate school, I was diagnosed with what the medical establishment calls "neurodevelopmental disorders." It is quite common for adults, and especially women, to receive diagnoses later in life for traits that were missed during childhood. A diagnosis often becomes apparrent when an adult struggles to adjust to a major life transition or when their child receives a diagnosis.

The medical establishment has historically believed that neurodivergent conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia are diseases, deficits, dysfunctions, or disorders that need to be "fixed" or "cured". 

A growing body of rigorous research indicates that the “pathology paradigm” doesn’t reflect reality. Instead, an increasing number of researchers, clinicians, and self-advocates argue for a “neurodiversity paradigm” built on these core foundations:

• The idea that there is one “normal” or “healthy” type of brain or mind, or one “right” style of neurocognitive functioning, is a culturally constructed fiction.

• "Neurotypical" describes a statistical majority, not a biological category. "Neurodivergent" describes a statistical minority who are often marginalized by that majority.

• Neurodiversity is a natural, valuable, and vital form of human diversity.

• Support for neurodivergent people should focus on creating environments that fit how their brains work, rather than attempting to medically or behaviorally alter who they are.

If you are a member of the "neurominority" community and would like to connect, please reach out!

Also, please check out the resources below!