Neurodivergence
15 to 20% of the world population exhibits some form of neurodiversity.
Successful people, achievers, geniuses are often known to be neurodivergent.
Are you neurodivergent?
Neurodivergence is an inclusive, nonjudgmental approach which believes that there can be more than one ideal neurology and so more than one correct way of thinking, learning and behaving.
Identifying NeurodivergenceWhile there is no single identifying set of behaviors, some common characteristics that often seen in Neurodivergent people include:
- Social awkwardness - Repetitive behaviors or routines- Difficulty with social interactions- Sensory related sensitivities and overloads- Difficulty with subtleties of communication- Exceptional focus and attention to detail - Strong memory and recall abilities- Original thinking and creativity- Intense interests and passions- Exceptional analytical skills- A strong sense of justice and fairness- A tendency to think and communicate in a literal and logical manner
Neurodivergence is not an excuse for avoiding self-improvement work, avoiding medication, taking support.
“It seems that for success in science or art, a dash of autism is essential.” - Dr. Hans Asperger
- Social awkwardness - Repetitive behaviors or routines- Difficulty with social interactions- Sensory related sensitivities and overloads- Difficulty with subtleties of communication- Exceptional focus and attention to detail - Strong memory and recall abilities- Original thinking and creativity- Intense interests and passions- Exceptional analytical skills- A strong sense of justice and fairness- A tendency to think and communicate in a literal and logical manner
Neurodivergence is not an excuse for avoiding self-improvement work, avoiding medication, taking support.
“It seems that for success in science or art, a dash of autism is essential.” - Dr. Hans Asperger
Level 1 Autism/ Asperger's Syndrome/ High Functioning Autism
Asperger's used to be treated as a separate condition till 2013, when the standard book that mental health experts use, called The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), changed how it's classified. Today, Asperger's syndrome is technically no longer a diagnosis on its own. It is now part of a broader category called autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and referred to as Level 1 Autism but the term Asperger's is still widely used.
No two autistics are alike but here's a generic description of people with Level 1 Autism
1. Often interpret information literally
2. Often unable to understand sarcasm, metaphor, irony and laced humor.
3. Can be tactless/ rude and making friends can be hard for them.
4. Feelings can confuse and overwhelm them.
5. Can get upset when plans change or routines get disrupted.
6. Hyper sensitivity.
7. Can be emotionally brittle
8. Love routines and rituals
9. Eye for detail
10. Hyper focus
Famous people likely to have Asperger’s Syndrome1. Charles Darwin 2. Albert Einstein 3. Elon Musk 4. Sir Anthony Hopkins 5. Bill Gates7. Steve Jobs8. Winston Churchill
Fictional characters likely to have Asperger’s Syndrome1. Raymond Babbitt (Dustin Hoffman) in Rain Man2. Forest Gump (Tom Hanks) in Forest Gump3. Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) in Big Bang Theory4. Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Click here to know Vinod Nair's neurodivergence.
Famous people likely to have Asperger’s Syndrome1. Charles Darwin 2. Albert Einstein 3. Elon Musk 4. Sir Anthony Hopkins 5. Bill Gates7. Steve Jobs8. Winston Churchill
Fictional characters likely to have Asperger’s Syndrome1. Raymond Babbitt (Dustin Hoffman) in Rain Man2. Forest Gump (Tom Hanks) in Forest Gump3. Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) in Big Bang Theory4. Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Click here to know Vinod Nair's neurodivergence.
ADHDADHD is a complex condition. its effects can vary from person to person. People with ADHD may also have conditions such as anxiety, depression, and learning disorders.
Some advantages of having ADHD include:1. Creativity2. High energy and enthusiasm3. Flexibility and adaptability4. Focus and hyperfocus5. Impulsivity
DyslexiaDyslexia is a learning condition that affects reading and related language-based processing skills. While dyslexia can present challenges in some areas, many individuals with dyslexia also possess unique strengths and abilities.
Advantages of having dyslexia:1. Strong visual-spatial skills2. Strong problem-solving skills3. Strong memory4. Strong verbal skills5. Strong sense of empathy
People with dyslexia may also have conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and learning challenges.
Some advantages of having ADHD include:1. Creativity2. High energy and enthusiasm3. Flexibility and adaptability4. Focus and hyperfocus5. Impulsivity
DyslexiaDyslexia is a learning condition that affects reading and related language-based processing skills. While dyslexia can present challenges in some areas, many individuals with dyslexia also possess unique strengths and abilities.
Advantages of having dyslexia:1. Strong visual-spatial skills2. Strong problem-solving skills3. Strong memory4. Strong verbal skills5. Strong sense of empathy
People with dyslexia may also have conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and learning challenges.
Living with Neurodivergence
If someone you know maybe neurodivergent a. A neurodivergent adult or child may not show obvious signs but could struggle in social situations. b. They can be suspicious of new people so making friends and starting new relationships maybe hard for them, but bonds once made tend to be intense and lifelong. c. Be gentle, honest and kind. d. Stick with plans once made, sudden changes in plan can be traumatic for neurodivergent people. e. Refer them to Vinod Nair
If you are neurodivergent a. Stay functional, it matters. b. Use noise cancelling headsets c. Be aware of your sensory capacity and avoid overloadsd. Stick to routine. e. Check in regularly with Vinod Nair. f. When you travel, bring with you your favorite music, clothes and food to limit travel trauma
Neurodivergence at the workplaceIf you are neurodivergent, you probably don't know it. Have Vinod meet with all your team members to understand their uniqueness then caliberate systems and environment to increase productivity and happiness. See Vinod Nair's neurodivergent journey.
Having difficulty with someone neurodivergent in your life? Let's talk...
If someone you know maybe neurodivergent a. A neurodivergent adult or child may not show obvious signs but could struggle in social situations. b. They can be suspicious of new people so making friends and starting new relationships maybe hard for them, but bonds once made tend to be intense and lifelong. c. Be gentle, honest and kind. d. Stick with plans once made, sudden changes in plan can be traumatic for neurodivergent people. e. Refer them to Vinod Nair
If you are neurodivergent a. Stay functional, it matters. b. Use noise cancelling headsets c. Be aware of your sensory capacity and avoid overloadsd. Stick to routine. e. Check in regularly with Vinod Nair. f. When you travel, bring with you your favorite music, clothes and food to limit travel trauma
Neurodivergence at the workplaceIf you are neurodivergent, you probably don't know it. Have Vinod meet with all your team members to understand their uniqueness then caliberate systems and environment to increase productivity and happiness. See Vinod Nair's neurodivergent journey.
Having difficulty with someone neurodivergent in your life? Let's talk...
Videos and Resources on Neurodivergence
Videos on Neurodivergence
What Is High Functioning Autism? 7 Things You Should Knowhttps://youtu.be/CbL6XM2zslM
What is ADHD?
https://youtu.be/5l2RIOhDXvU
Autism and Aspergers: 5 intriguing differences https://youtu.be/0bACSPzN1xY
Explaining Autismhttps://youtu.be/KhT0NxCayEg
Why Your Asperger's Partner Is So Sensitive To Criticism
https://youtu.be/8LNPnhCmbSw
Diferences between ADHD and Autism
https://youtu.be/qNgLrPkp2y4
Resources on Neurodivergence
Imperial College London
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/equality/resources/dyslexia-and-neurodivergence/
National Cancer Institute
https://dceg.cancer.gov/about/diversity-inclusion/inclusivity-minute/2022/neurodiversity
Havard Health Publishing
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-neurodiversity-202111232645
CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/diagnosis.html
Havard Health Publishing https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/aspergers-syndrome
Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the United Stateswww.asperger.org
Autism Society of America
www.autism-society.org
Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support (OASIS)www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger
How to get diagnosed for Autism/ Aspergers
https://www.aane.org/resources/adults/aspergerautism-spectrum-diagnosis-adults/
Donate to Autism BC
https://www.autismbc.ca/ways-to-give/eoygiving/
Send an email to: vinod@vinodnair.com
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1. Tell me who you are2. What you need
I will get back to you with details on our consult (Typically within 24 hours)