When I set out to write this bimonthly column, I did it because I wanted to be a voice for all of the neurodiverse students at Berkeley High School, especially for anyone who feels unheard or ignored. In my past several columns, I have brought to light many of the issues that affect neurodiverse students at BHS and out in the world. While being neurodiverse can be challenging, I don't want to give the impression that it is something totally negative. So, this final column will delve into a wholly different topic: neurodiverse joy and the positive aspects of being neurodivergent.
When I was in elementary school, there were teachers who told me that there was something wrong with me and that I needed to learn to change who I was in order to fit in. Eventually, I started to believe that they were right. This impacted my self-esteem and worsened my social challenges. Fortunately, I managed to mostly overcome these negative messages, and I am currently proud of my neurodiversity. However, I understand that many struggle with accepting who they are and may only think of neurodiversity as something negative. I am proud to say that even though neurodiversity is often considered a disability, there are many positive elements of being neurodiverse.
For example, dyslexia is a type of neurodiversity that makes it harder to learn to read. However, dyslexic students are often very good at problem solving and analytical reasoning. According to Isabella Brown, a dyslexic BHS student who is in the Universal Ninth Grade, “People with dyslexia, (like me), are creative, they’re very good writers.”
In addition, ADHD also has many positive aspects. People with ADHD are very likely to be excellent problem solvers and very creative. In addition, people who have ADHD are often able to hyperfocus. This means that they can intensely focus on a certain topic or idea. While this tendency can sometimes lead to being distracted easily, it can also be channeled into being able to accomplish many great things. In the words of a BHS student who chose to stay anonymous for privacy reasons, “Because of (my ability to hyperfocus), I’ve been able to gain a lot of skills and knowledge on certain subjects that are my interests such as psychology and music.”
Finally, autism can have many benefits. One of the most prominent is having an exceptional attention to detail. Autistic people are often able to pick out small details that other people are likely to miss, and they are able to remember these small details and analyze them. They can also be very good at solving complex problems, a trait highly valued in STEM fields.
In conclusion, neurodiversity can create some challenges, but it also has many benefits. By embracing and celebrating these, neurodiverse students can reap the benefits of their unique ways of seeing the world. Sending positive vibes your way, one last time.