First of all, I am not a health specialist, so I’d never even try to give you any medical advice. As much as I am maddingly passionate about science, research, and I love investigating stuff, I am always aware I am a laywoman. I might be an enthusiast, but it never gives me any right to give you medical advice. That would be harmful and irresponsible.

Now that we established that, there is another thing you need to know. I am neurodivergent myself. Namely, I have AuDHD (ADHD + autism) and I am a highly sensitive person (HSP). As much as what I’m sharing isn’t professional medical advice, most of it is my life experience.

Now, let me make it crystal clear. I will never tell you that your autism, dyslexia, etc. is your superpower.

However, I also refuse to call it a disability per se. Not because I get offended by the word. In fact, much of the time I was battling depression, I was technically and formally disabled.

I can say that the cause of my disability was, indirectly, my neurodivergence. The lack of understanding of it is the root of what resulted in 25 years of treatment-resistant depression.

I’ve been professionally active since 2013, and this entire time, it’s been remote. I also realise that had I been born some 20-30 years earlier, I would be disabled for life, permanently dependent on other people. Without the Internet, I would never have a chance to work.

But why do I believe that calling one’s neurodivergence a disability by deaulft is wrong?

Because every neurodivergence is different.

I have AuDHD, and I know other people with the same diagnosis whose traits are entirely different to mine. Or, if they conincide, their intensity is different.

Connecting with neurodivergent people has taught me that there is no one template, or pattern. Oftetimes, two people have traits that are the opposite of one another, and they are both autistic. Yet, they couldn’t be more different.

The level of how much their challenges limit their lives also varies. Some will have selective mutism, which, for instance, will also limit their capabilities of functioning. And some will be non-verbal and entirely dependant on their environment. There are multiple scenarios, and everyone has their story.

Yet, there are people who, with therapy, help, and education on how to take care of themselves, can lead independent, satisfying lives. Being cherished and respected for whom they are. Without sacrificing who they are.

I’m not saying it’s possible for everyone, or in the same measure. There is no one easy answer you can automatically assign to us all.

For many years, I was convinced I would never be independent either. So was my environment. Yet, I can objectively state I’m not doing too bad for myself. All it took was a change of circumstances, and meeting the right people. Who were kind and willing to support me when I couldn’t do it for myself. Without them, I’m sure I’d still be disabled. Not just formally. And let me assure you, you don’t need to many of them. In my case, three was enough to kick off the healing.

As for me, I refuse to stop trying. And I want you to keep going, too, and this blog is to support you in this. So, keep going. The game ain’t over till it’s over.

I’m leaving you with one of my favorite quotes. Its author was a Presbyterian priest, and as much as I’m not religious, some things are just true and universal.