ADHD and Neurodiversity

Some 80-85% of the population is neurotypical – which means 15-20% of the population are neurodivergent. The latter have a wildly different experience of the world as they ‘have’ to fit into a world structured and run by neurotypical people.

All neurodivergence means at its most basic is that neurodivergent people have different ways of processing experiences, events, thoughts, feelings and emotions – however, in law and a law made by a neurotypical society, neurodivergence is seen as a disability. The full name of ADHD for example is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. I tend not to see it as a disorder – I don't see myself as an aberration. I see neurodivergence as a ‘difference,’ simply that, and one that ought not to be stigmatised.

Neurodivergent people experience degrees of trauma every day of their lives as they are trying to fit into a world that is, to some degree, alien to them - and they don’t understand why. They become very good at ‘masking’ emotions and feelings, which suppression can lead to mental health issues.