While the term “neurodiversity” isn’t new, its use has risen to popularity across social media platforms in the last several years. Neurodivergence is used to describe variations in cognitive function due to conditions such as Autism, Dyslexia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tourette's Syndrome, and even Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Using terms such as neurodiversity or neurodivergent to describe these conditions may seem unusual, but they are helping to change the language and stigma surrounding mental differences.

Audrey Frasier is a former Bountiful High School student who considers herself neurodivergent. “I really try not to let this stuff define me,” she said. “There isn’t anything wrong with me, I’m just wired a little bit differently.”

In the first grade, Audrey was diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, GAD, and Non-Verbal Learning Disorder, a condition that makes it difficult for her to articulate her thoughts on paper and understand nonverbal cues. Thanks to her diagnoses, she was granted an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 Plan, which required the district to make accommodations for her conditions. Some of these included extensions on homework assignments, separate test-taking spaces, and test breaks.

While these programs intend to help students succeed, they’re often perceived negatively. Audrey recounted a time when she experienced this firsthand. She explained an incident where she disclosed her IEP and 504 Plan to a friend’s parent, as her son had one. They didn’t believe her and told her they were only for “dumb” kids. “I realize the lack of confidence [he] had in himself,” she said, referring to the boy. “It really upset me that he had let these diagnoses drag him down.”

Luckily, the conversation around neurodiversity is changing. Across social media platforms, many users have been sharing their stories of adult diagnoses of mental conditions such as OCD, Autism, and ADHD. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia recently reported that the rising numbers of ADHD could be due to increased awareness and understanding among the general public. 

For example, over the last 20 years, medical professionals have begun recognizing that ADHD may look different in girls than boys. “While ADHD looks different in every child, boys classically demonstrate noticeable hyperactivity,” while “girls often manifest their ADHD in less overt, more subtle ways,” said Thomas J. Powers, Ph.D., in an article for SELF. 

New information about mental conditions is leading to a rise in diagnoses. A diagnosis can empower individuals by giving them access to treatment and other resources they wouldn't have had otherwise. 

Ali Dangel, a 2017 graduate from BHS, lived her whole life believing she wasn’t smart because she couldn’t keep up with her peers. “I would get terrible grades on reading assignments,” she said, reflecting on how her undiagnosed ADHD impacted her education. “It [was] also very difficult to make friends as I never felt like I was on the same wavelength as everyone else.”

Despite being formally diagnosed at the age of 12, Ali was never aware of her neurodivergence. It wasn’t until she was 18 that her mom disclosed her diagnosis, not thinking it was a big deal at the time. At 22, she was re-diagnosed with ADHD.

Now that she has an official diagnosis, Ali is able to give herself more grace. “Because medications haven’t worked for me, I’ve had to be very diligent about writing everything down to remember later. I also try to be very forgiving of myself and give myself breaks when I need them,” she said.

Recognizing and celebrating neurodiversity means advocating for each student’s success in and out of the classroom. Doctors, teachers, parents, and the student can work together to create a treatment and education plan that will enable them to find success alongside their neurodiversity. By changing the way we talk about neurodiversity and spreading awareness, we can create safe environments where children understand their worth and feel empowered to succeed. It truly does take a village to raise a child. λ