Neurodiversity 101
This term describes the natural variation in how human brains think, learn, communicate, and process information.
What is neurodiversity?
The ability to direct your attention toward one task for an extended period is commonly called this.
What is focus or sustained attention?
Sending this before a meeting helps participants prepare, prioritize, and know what will be discussed.
What is an agenda?
This record-setting American gymnast has publicly discussed having ADHD and said it is nothing to be ashamed of.
Who is Simone Biles?
Creating supportive communities can help neurodiverse individuals lead fulfilling lives.
Reality: as we know :D
ADHD stands for this.
What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder?
Planning, prioritizing, starting tasks, and managing time belong to this family of mental skills.
What are executive functions?
Providing these after a verbal conversation can reduce reliance on working memory and clarify expectations.
What are written instructions or a written recap?
This award-winning filmmaker behind Jaws and E.T. revealed later in life that he has dyslexia.
Who is Steven Spielberg?
Neurodiversity is a trend or buzzword.
Myth. This myth dismisses neurodiversity as temporary. In reality, it has decades of history and scientific grounding. The movement began in the 1990s and has grown alongside research in neuroscience and psychology.
Autism is described as this because its characteristics and support needs vary widely from person to person.
What is a spectrum?
right lights, overlapping conversations, or strong scents may create this state in which sensory input becomes too intense.
What is sensory overload?
Captions, transcripts, and screen-reader-compatible documents are examples of this broad workplace principle.
What is accessibility?
This actor, known for Percy Jackson and The Adam Project, has spoken about living with ADHD
Who is Walker Scobell?
Neurodiversity is the diversity of human brains and minds
Reality: the infinite variation in neurocognitive functioning within our species.
Dyslexia primarily affects skills related to this activity, including recognizing words and decoding written language.
What is reading?
Repetitive movements or sounds that can help someone regulate emotions, attention, or sensory input are often called this.
What is stimming?
Noise-canceling headphones, adjustable lighting, and access to a quiet workspace can help address these needs.
What are sensory needs?
This Swedish climate activist has openly discussed being autistic and has described it as a “superpower.”
Who is Greta Thunberg?
Sensory sensitivities are common in people with autism, making certain sounds, lights, or textures overwhelming.
Reality: In people with autism, the brain may interpret and respond to information from the senses in ways that are more intense, less intense, or mixed compared to neurotypical individuals
“Neurodiverse” usually describes a group containing different neurotypes; this term generally describes an individual whose brain functions differently from dominant expectations.
What is neurodivergent?
A person may concentrate so intensely on an engaging activity that they lose awareness of time or other responsibilities.
What is hyperfocus?
Designing meetings, communication, and processes to work for many different people from the beginning reflects this inclusive design concept.
What is universal design?
This Japanese game designer, famous for creating the bug-collecting inspired video game franchise, Pokemon is also autistic.
Who is Satoshi Tajiri?
Masking is just a coping strategy everybody uses.
Myth. Masking differs from typical social adaptation because it often requires suppressing core aspects of identity. Over time, masking can lead to burnout, anxiety, low self-esteem and delayed diagnosis.