Myth Number 1: Neurological variations are flaws.
Fact: Much like human variation such as skin color to hair type, neurodiversity should be seen as a part of humanity. It is important not to isolate neurodiverse individuals and in order to treat them as contributing individuals, we must focus on finding inclusive means to aid their specific needs in society.
Myth Number 2: Neurodiverse individuals are dependent on the neurotypical.
Fact: Many neurotypical individuals view the neurodiverse as less capable but the truth remains that the neurodiverse obtain their own personalities and skill sets that allow them to serve as contributing members in society. However, it is important for the neurotypical to understand their essential role in advocating for the voices of the neurodiverse in a world that fails to accommodate their differences.
Myth Number 3: Neurodiversity only comes in one form and people can either be diagnosed with a condition or neurotypical.
Fact: Neurodiversity exists on a spectrum that encompasses various neurodiverse conditions that range from Dyslexia to ADHD. Understanding that not everyone who is neurodiverse falls into one label can help us better understand their personal struggles, permitting us to adopt the empathy necessary to approach the needs of individuals across the spectrum.
Myth Number 4: Autism is the only condition covered when discussing neurodivergence.
Fact: In reality, neurodiversity covers any neurological difference in abilities and believes that these differences are normal variations. Some of the more prominent conditions in the neurodiversity umbrella include Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, Acquired Brain Injuries, and Dyspraxia.
Myth Number 5: Neurodivergent individuals can only perform certain tasks and do not have the capabilities of neurotypical individuals.
Fact: Not only are neurodivergent individuals capable of jobs in a wide variety of fields, but they are also successful in these roles! According to the Harvard Business Review, managers who have begun accommodations for neurodiverse individuals have expressed that it has resulted in “productivity gains, quality improvement, boosts in innovative capabilities, and broad increases in employee engagement”. The article continues by revealing that neurodiversity creates opportunities and the merits should be considered to as high of a value as the benefits of other forms of diversity in the workplace since they can bring an expansion of perspectives and innovative solutions.
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