In October, we recognize World Mental Health Day. It is an opportunity for us all to be mindful that we must do our part to create inclusive spaces where everyone can flourish and be their authentic selves, despite our differences. We must do our part to be accepting of those around us, educate ourselves, and strive to work collectively to eradicate the stigma and prejudice that keeps many people from reaching their full potential. Together we can change the narrative.  Together we can uplift diverse minds. Join the movement today. 

When you meet one neurodivergent person, you’ve only met one. Our characteristics and preferences can vary broadly. Respond with curiosity, dignity, and respect by meeting people where they are and supporting each individual the way the person wants to be supported whether it be terminology, privacy, accommodation, belief, identity, agency, or space. As the founder of This Is My Brave Jennifer Marshall said, “One day it won’t need to be brave to talk about mental health.  It will simply be called talking.”  Let’s talk about health (and identity) to remove the stigma around mental health and neurodiversity. 

Neurodiversity relates to the natural variations in the way that people think and act. Brain differences are also viewed as normal, rather than deficits. Since we are all different from each other, we are therefore all neurodiverse. The terms “neurodivergent” or “neurodistinct” relate to individuals whose differences vary from societal norms, and who fall on the “edges of the bell curve” of human thinking.