Personal Reflection on Neurodiversity: let’s Redefine "Normal"

By Rafael Jimenez, Learning Support Specialist, EAL Teacher

Ona sunny day, my uncle Pedro dropped the shiny, white tub where my mom intended to shower me. "Wow, Uncle Piti, you messed that one up!" I shouted. My mom and everyone in the room gasped for air. I was just fourteen months old.

Thirteen years later, as a teenager, my mom recounted the moment I said my first sentence. Her words reminded me of the vivid details of that moment and even of the soap's familiar scent and the bathtub's feel.

I recall this day as the first time I was genuinely curious about the brain, how it operates, and how I could remember the smell of the soap and the temperature of the water even though it was so many years later. There was no internet at my parent's farm, so I talked to my mom for hours and asked her at least a million questions, but she didn't have the answers.

Sometimes, I wonder if this conversation with my mom as a teenager contributed to my journey to become the educator I am today or if this was just an early sign of neurodivergence. Although my questions did not lead to any significant discoveries in the brain, there are other teenagers whose insatiable curiosity led them to become adults known for their tremendous impact on the world. For example, Steve Jobs' questions and curiosity during the iPhone project is a fascinating example of how curiosity can drive a human to groundbreaking innovation and spark a desire to transform people's lives.

The word neurodiversity is defined by T. Armstrong et al. 2015 as the term that recognizes and values the natural variations in human cognition and neurological functioning. The idea of neurodiversity proposes that neurological differences, such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, and others, are part of the typical spectrum of human diversity rather than deficiencies or disorders that need to be cured. Simply put, our brains are like the leaves of a beautiful plant; each is unique and plays a vital role in the plant's overall health and growth.

Consequently, let's continue intentionally empowering our students with neurodiverse brains by creating an inclusive environment that respects and accommodates varied learning styles and cognitive profiles, fostering academic achievement and personal growth. This approach can guide our community inclusion journey to foster a culture of curiosity and innovation where we value diverse perspectives and cultivate a learning environment where all community members feel empowered to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and think critically.

References:

• Waller, Kwelin. "Kwelin Waller | American Institutes for Research." American Institutes for Research, https://www.air.org/experts/person/ kwelin-waller.

• Armstrong, T. "The Myth of the Normal Brain: Embracing Neurodiversity." AMA Journal of Ethics, Jan. 2015, https:// journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/myth-normal-brain-embracingneurodiversity/2015-04?fbclid=IwAR1uiMkXbDR28VzNeFFd36SrCdk 5af56TBJwB_4yzt3AjuPcKw6B5RimTnQ.

• Dwyer, P. (2022). The neurodiversity approach (es): What are they and what do they mean for researchers? Human Development. https:// karger.com/hde/article-abstract/66/2/73/828432

NEURODIVERSITY IS CHANGING THE WORLD.

Let's hear what the great thinkers in the fore-front says about Neruodiversity!

Microsoft's diversity program aims to enhance performance, communities, and employee lives. It's a part of our strategy for recruiting and developing diverse talent. We're evolving our approach to increase workforce diversity, believing in untapped potential and future-setting roles.

- Bill Gates

AI is making human skills like lateral thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills more essential. People with dyslexia should embrace their unique thinking skills, and those without dyslexia should learn from them. These skills are crucial for success in the AI-driven world.

- Sir Richard Branson

AI is making human skills like lateral thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills more essential. People with dyslexia should embrace their unique thinking skills, and those without dyslexia should learn from them. These skills are crucial for success in the AI-driven world.

- Princess Beatrice