Neurodiversity - Brains in Bloom

 This reading was incredibly informative. Over the last several years, I have heard the term “neurodivergent” used more and more—in meetings, workshops, and trainings—without always having a clear understanding of what it actually meant. Whenever I tried to ask for clarification, I would often get vague answers or uncomfortable reactions as if I should've already known. Because of that, I appreciated how this reading clearly defined the term and grounded it in real experiences.

At the same time, I have always struggled with how casually people use certain terms or claim identities without proper understanding or diagnosis. I appreciated that this reading acknowledges the complexity of neurodivergence while also emphasizing the importance of conversation and professional support. I think it is important for parents and trusted adults in young people’s lives to remind them that they are still growing and developing. Their minds and bodies are constantly changing, and not fully understanding themselves at a young age does not automatically mean something is “wrong.”

What I worry about, especially within my generation (Gen Z) and the upcoming Generation Alpha, is the tendency to sometimes oversimplify or popularize learning differences. It can feel like the term “neurodivergent” is being used too broadly, which risks minimizing the very real challenges that individuals with conditions like ADHD, dyspraxia, or sensory processing differences face. This also shows up in everyday language—terms like “OCD” are often used casually, even though there are people who genuinely struggle with debilitating symptoms that impact their daily lives. I say this not to dismiss anyone’s experiences, but to highlight a pattern I’ve observed in schools, online spaces, and society more broadly.

What I truly appreciated about this reading is that it centers understanding and support rather than judgment. It reinforces that what children, youth, and adults experience is real, even if we do not always have immediate answers. Meaningful conversations, paired with proper guidance and support, are essential in helping individuals better understand themselves. As our world continues to evolve, continuing these conversations and celebrating differences can help reduce stigma and create more inclusive environments.

One quote that stood out to me was: “Instead of thinking of people with autism or ADHD as needing to be ‘fixed,’ we put a spotlight on things that they’re good at and help with things that they’re working on.” That perspective is powerful. Creating spaces that not only include but intentionally support different ways of thinking allows individuals to use their strengths in meaningful ways. When we shift from a deficit mindset to one that values differences, we open the door for more creativity, innovation, and understanding in our schools and communities.

Ultimately, this reading reminded me that the goal is not to label or categorize people, but to better understand and support them. When we approach neurodivergence with curiosity, respect, and a willingness to learn, we create environments where all individuals—not just those who fit a “norm”—can thrive.



Comments

  1. Andrea TaylorApril 15, 2026 at 11:05 AM

    Hey, AJ
    I really appreciated your post because you were honest about the confusion around the term “neurodivergent.” A lot of people hear it all the time now, but don’t actually understand it, and you said that in a way that felt real and relatable.
    I also respect how you spoke on people using terms too loosely. That’s something I’ve noticed too, especially online and in schools. Like you said, it’s not about dismissing anyone, but there’s a difference between understanding yourself and casually labeling things without really knowing what they mean. That part matters because there are people who are actually navigating real challenges every day.
    At the same time, I like how you didn’t stay in a judgmental place. You balanced it by bringing it back to understanding, growth, and support. That stood out to me. Especially when you said young people are still developing and figuring themselves out, that’s real. Not everything needs to be labeled right away, but it still needs to be acknowledged and supported.
    The quote you pulled was strong too. That shift from trying to “fix” people to actually building on their strengths connects a lot to what we’ve been talking about in class with asset based thinking. As a Black woman reading your perspective as a Black man, I also felt that connection because we already know what it feels like when systems focus on what’s “wrong” instead of what’s already there. That mindset shift matters across the board.
    Overall, your post felt balanced and thoughtful. You acknowledged the complexity without dismissing people’s experiences, and you kept the focus on understanding and support. That really stood out to me.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tom Kerr-VandersliceApril 15, 2026 at 12:55 PM

    AJ, I really appreciated this post. I had the same thoughts about people using the terms loosely and the potential damage that could cause, but lacked the words or courage to really dive into it. I agree that it can lead to trivializing these terms and conditions, or providing a manufactured excuse.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Noah DowhanApril 15, 2026 at 4:01 PM

    Hi AJ, I really liked your perspective on both the article and the word neurodiverse. I talked about how word neurodiversity would break the cycle of stigmatizing words such as autism, ADHD and many more due to its overarching umbrella. I am now questioning that perspective and I am wondering if like you are saying then the word would be used too loosely. Rather than the word having meaning, it would be used freely and students who have a genuine diagnosis may never get the support they need. Your example with OCD was perfect. So many times when kids do things a certain way they are like oh I am so OCD. Truthfully, they don't actually understand what an individual with OCD deals with on a regular basis, and their organizational skills does not make them OCD. Thank you for creating a post that made me think a little bit deeper about my initial thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  4. LesleyApril 16, 2026 at 7:05 AM

    Great post. I wonder about "overuse" and my instinct is to say, "so what?" Like what if we acknowledged everyone as neurodiverse? Would that limit or deny authentic services to some folks or would it normalize the reality that we all really do think differently? I am not sure of the answer to that but worthy of discussion!

    ReplyDelete

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