Neurodivergence Substack piece 8.7.23

Here's a segment of part 2 from our weekly Substack essays on differences as benefits. Link to the entire Substack piece here. 

In part 1 of this series we wrote about Neurodivergents and their heightened vulnerability to depression, anxiety and suicide. In part 2 we explore a bit more about this important part of being ‘different,’ and discuss what some experts have to say about navigating those differences while flooded with triggers. Let’s look at details of this important issue.

• Recognition

• Intervention

Since we began our own exploration of the value of differences, we’ve learned so much about Neuro differences it’s difficult to decide which aspect to begin to address. The more we learn, the more there is to learn about Neurodivergent traits such as Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, OCD, and Tourettes syndrome. The topic is emerging. We’re not the only ones learning more. Fortunately, the topic is gaining more focus, and better understanding all the time.

For the purposes of this essay, we focus on two conditions: ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Any discussion of these traits lends itself to a study of depression and suicidality, so first we must recognize when someone is most susceptible. Recognition demands awareness, of course, and since we are not certificated in this discipline, we can only write what we know, and write in a way that encourages criticism and correction. The study of Neurodivergence is a fascinating, new, and highly diverse field. So we address what we know about Neurodivergent individuals and their susceptibility to depression and its burden. 

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