Some of the most common behaviors in humans can be confused with neurological disorders. The acceptance of neurodiversity happened years ago, but not in the most recognizable way. A basic understanding of the neurodiversity paradigm is a good starter point to anyone that wants to support affected individuals.

Being Neurodivergent?

Underestimating the social stigma around neurodiversity is the hardest part of mental health awareness. Although the condition varies from person to person, the impact will always be heightened based on the environment. These individual experiences tell a conflicting story about how humans juggle being around different personalities.

One adult suffering from autism may get treated with kid gloves, while another autism affected adult will be treated no differently than their peers. Groups of people will brag about their OCD habits but consider dyslexia a severe health problem in a different category. Being different is widely accepted, but actual acceptance of neurodivergent individuals is handled on a case-by-case basis.

Autism

The recognizable traits of autism make it one of the most recognizable forms of neurodivergence. Social communication differences are a big obstacle when nonverbal cues are like a foreign language. An autistic individual will find regular social interactions a challenge, especially if the initiator is a stranger. Since autism is on a spectrum, the public has gained a more overall favorable attitude towards the condition. There are several high functioning public figures that are open about how they deal with the many faces of the condition. With this level of attention to the disorder, autism has championed several campaigns towards positive mental health.

ADHD

Like OCD, ADHD is used casually in conversation to describe someone with specific personality traits. On the vanity side of it, a really good multitasker that can’t focus on one thing is sometimes considered ADHD. Although this type of energy isn’t solely a side effect of the condition, it is often lumped in without an actual thought of the mental health side. Actual ADHD has received steady attention from the health community since it is a big deal with children. Untreated ADHD causes learning disabilities, and in extreme cases issues with overstimulation. The intensity of the disorder has even been confused with some side effects of being bipolar. Since the traits of ADHD are recognizable, adults are more accepting of medical treatments to manage the condition.

OCD

OCD is a widely misunderstood condition that is often associated with someone that has a cloudy or worried mind. The side effects of the condition are much more complex, and can’t be summarized by calling a ‘neat freak’ OCD. Short for obsessive compulsive disorder, OCD affects the daily lives and relationships of everyone around the sufferer. The behaviors vary wildly from person to person, with the side effects being compelling enough to fuel intense anxiety. Obsessive counting, arranging, handwashing and repeating the same thing can be considered OCD. Although the condition is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder, it is sometimes not included in the neurodiversity category. Thanks to a major push in statistical data, OCD has become linked to major neurodivergent symptoms.

A Full Understanding

Currently, everything is moving in the right direction to help people understand the strengths and weaknesses of the condition. That is why the acceptance part of neurodiversity is heavily dependent on empathy. With the help of mental health research, it becomes a powerful new way to support those affected.