What If Neurodivergent Minds Are What the World Needs Right Now?

In a time of rapid change in our societal structures, thinking outside the box or viewing things from a new perspective could be advantageous. Current research views neurodiversity as natural variations in neurodevelopment that help our species thrive from an evolutionary perspective.

Shifting the way we view neurodiversity can only benefit us as a whole. As we navigate these current times that can feel chaotic and tumultuous, viewing things from a different perspective can be extremely advantageous. Some traits of those with ADHD can be viewed as extremely advantageous during a time of so much shift and change: above-average skills in creative thinking, visuospatial reasoning, and courage. Those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have heightened skills in the areas of memory, innovative thinking, and observation of details. Those with ASD often have specialist skills.

Some researchers consider neurodiversity to be closer to a ‘superpower.’ Here at Growing Butterflies OT, we view neurodiversity to be extremely advantageous and agree that our systems should be more supportive of these individuals. Everyone deserves to thrive, and creating more supportive systems for all is a great way to start!

Research articles:

Swanepoel, A. (2024). ADHD and ASD are Normal Biological Variations as part of Human Evolution and are not “Disorders”. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 21(6), 451. https://doi.org/10.36131/cnfioritieditore20240601

Doyle, N. (2020). Neurodiversity at work: A biopsychosocial model and the impact on working adults. British Medical Bulletin, 135(1), 108. https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldaa021