Thank You, Neurodivergent Brain

Celebrating Neurodiversity
Written By Mira K. Cohen

I have ADHD and NVLD. That makes me neurodivergent, a term for someone with a brain wired to think differently. There’s disagreement about what specific conditions qualify as neurodivergent. I define it as anyone who has ADHD, Nonverbal Learning “Disability” (NVLD/NLD), Autism Spectrum “Disorder,” or any Learning Disability. (I greatly prefer the term condition).

Although being neurodivergent comes with many challenges, like needing to write down anything that requires remembering details, it is also the source of some of my greatest strengths. These look different for everyone, typically between women and girls and boys and men, too.

One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to remember that your frustrating quirks allow you to accomplish things that no one else can. I know many other girls and women with ADHD and NVLD who can relate to some of the same things, and learning about those shared experiences has gotten me through some very challenging times. So, without more delay, here is my list:

1.  I get the most random bursts of energy in the morning.

It can be hard to sit still for school and get annoying to the non-morning people in my life (AKA most of them), but it makes it easy to accomplish a lot quickly, leaving room for more things I enjoy.

2.  Sometimes, my brain can’t stop making new connections.

I get some pretty cool ideas at the most random times. Some are more productive – like my coaching groups – and some less so – like a roadside tunnel and bridge system that allows animals of various sizes to cross safely. I always need to keep a notebook around to jot them down so I can refocus on things with deadlines, but everything has a tradeoff.

3.   I’m an extreme extrovert.

I love meeting new kinds of people and hearing their stories. I do my best work when I can listen to people around me talking about ordinary things, like at cafes.

4.    Although many little things freak me out, I’m strangely calm about the big ones.

Running out of ink for my favorite pens leads me down a shame spiral, but when a friend is in need, nothing I’m dealing with matters anymore, and I’m fully present to help them in any way possible.  

5. I’m incredibly curious.

When something interests me, and I’m bored, I can go down these insane Internet rabbit holes, a form of hyperfocus. Sometimes, the rabbit holes are for things that aren’t that important – for example, if anyone else thinks Anne Shirley had ADHD traits (the answer is yes, see the journal article referenced at the end of this post) – but other times, they lead to discoveries that help flesh out my ideas, like when I realized that there were no evidence-based psychotherapies for neurodivergent girls with anxiety disorders. Or I seek out formal learning opportunities on the topic. That’s why I took clinical psychology courses, research, sociology, positive psychology, health psychology, community nutrition, health communication, and organizational behavior and communication as an undergraduate.

6.  When I’m determined to do something, NOTHING can stop me from giving it my all. Especially being told that I can’t, or it isn’t practical.

Once I have an idea and finally have the time, I don’t know the meaning of “Are you sure you aren’t taking on too much?” And I hyperfocus until I’m ready to share whatever it is with friends and family (sometimes whether they like it or not).

7. I have a strong sense of social justice and lots of drive.

Let’s be honest. To quote Maya Rudolph in The Good Place, “Earth is a mess, you all.” But I firmly believe - to quote Margaret Mead - “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” I believe this happens when individuals with lots of chutzpah empower others with similar challenges and just as much chutzpah to be vocal about those challenges – whether through social media or advocating for legislation. And empowering others means giving people the resources and tools they need to have that capacity. That’s why I’m a Community Organizing major in my Master of Social Work program, but I’m determined to get my clinical licensure.

And here is a list of some of my favorite neurodivergent women who own it:

  • Emma Watson – Combined Type ADHD. Actress and women’s rights advocate.

  • Zoey Deschanel – ADHD. Open about her coping mechanisms.

  • Florence Welch – Dyspraxia and Dyslexia. Singer/songwriter who empowers other neurodivergent women.

  • Simone Biles – ADHD. Gymnast who refuses to let the hoops of getting treatment keep her from performing at her best. 

  • Sophia Amoruso – ADHD. Founder of NastyGal. Origin of #GirlBoss. She names several traits associated with ADHD as some of what led to the rise and fall of her business. She is dedicated to building a community for young female entrepreneurs, so they have the support she didn’t.

  • Greta Thurnberg – Autism and OCD. 20-year-old Swedish climate policy advocate and autism activist. She’s been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize several times.

  • Greta Gerwig. ADHD. A film director who has helped break the Hollywood glass ceiling.

  • Daryl Hannah. Autism. Actress, environmental, and autism advocate.

References

Mira K. Cohen https://www.bybcoaching.net
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