Dr. Jakir Hossain Laskar, PhD
The Differences between ADHD and Autism: A Neurodiverse Perspective
Neurodiversity is a powerful concept that alters how society regards conditions such as Autism and ADHD. Rather than framing these as ‘disorders’ that require treatment, the neurodiversity movement encourages society to embrace these conditions for the competencies and challenges that they create while advocating for their acceptance.
This view of accepting neurodiversity therefore nurtures a culture that encourages a wider variety of thought processes and assists people in being the best version of themselves.
What does the Term Neurodiversity Mean?
The term ‘neurodiversity’ was first used by sociologist Judy Singer in the late 1990s while trying to explain the concept of natural variation in the human brain. It is a strong advocacy campaign that argues that neurological differences, including autism and ADHD, are part of what makes humankind unique, just as differences in race, gender, or culture make some people stand out from the crowd.
The neurodiversity paradigm does not perceive neurodivergence as something that should be fixed or addressed, rather, it reinforces the ideological stance that every individual’s experience is unique and perfect in its own way.
The Senario of Neurodiversity: Autism and ADHD
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
The way autistic people experience and communicate may differ from others who would be considered neuro typical. Their communication techniques and even the way they think would be considered quite different than the average population. The most common characteristics are as follows:
Strengths: Creative problem solving, great attention to detail, constant focus on tasks and unique way of approaching situations.
Challenges faced include social communication difficulties, sensitivities, and adjustment to certain environments. Autistic individuals generally possess the ability to operate with technology, devise art, or work out scientific based theories that require a good amount of precision, creativity, or pattern recognition. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). People with ADHD are spontaneous, creative, and dynamic thinkers. Features such as: Strengths: Has high energy, creativity, able to solve problems fast, and hyperfocus on things of interest. Challenges: Difficulty managing time schedules, impulsive behavior, and can only focus on tasks that spark joy for them, but lose attention on the others. A good number of the people with ADHD do well in fast pace environments and creative jobs where innovation is needed. Moving the Focus: Deficits Become Strengths The majority of the models of care that manage children with autism or ADHD will focus on their weaknesses whereas the neurodiversity movement shed lights on: Different Lenses: Neurodiverse individuals have unique ways of looking at problems and provide neurotypical people insights that they never thought existed, which is by thinking out of the boxes. Ideas and New Ways of Thinking: There are many people with autism, ADHD, even dyslexia, adhd who are creative and paving new paths in art or any other influential sectors. Focus and Mastery: Neurodiverse people tend to develop a deep interest in a topic and when interested enough are able to learn everything about it and become completely immersed in the subject.
Challenges of Living in a Neurotypical World
While the celebration of differences is the hallmark of the neurodiversity paradigm, the framework also recognizes the practical difficulties often encountered by neurodivergent individuals, especially where the environments are dominated by neurotypical people:
Rigid Systems: Traditional education and workplace systems may not accommodate diverse learning and working styles.
Social Stigma: Misunderstanding and bias can lead to exclusion and discrimination.
Sensory Overload: Environments that are too loud, bright, or chaotic can be overwhelming for some individuals.
Encouraging the Development of Societies Which Allow for Inclusion of Individuals Across the Neurodiversity Spectrum
- Education and Awareness
For instance, if more people are educated on the concept of neurodiversity, there is bound to be less stereotyping and more understanding. Schools, workplaces, and communities can and should recognize and respect neurological differences.
- Accommodations
Conducive environments can foster flourishing in neurodivergent individuals. Such environments include:
Flexible work hours for people with ADHD.Classes for children with mild autistic traits.
Modified approaches to tasks and instructions in schools.
- Strength Based Approaches
Rather than placing all the emphasis on challenges, more attention should be paid to strengths and interests on the part of these individuals. This further enhances confidence and success.
- Empathy and Patience
Discerning that neurodiverse individuals interact with their environment differently will engender understanding and lessen the tendency to judge.
Neurodiversity in the Day to Day
In Art and Culture: Numerous neurodivergent persons like Greta Thunberg (autism) and Simone Biles (ADHD) among others have done great in their respective fields.
In the realm of expanding boundaries: Icons such as Thomas Edison and Steve Jobs are often glorified for their creativity, a characteristic that has often been associated with neurodivergence. In the context of collective representation, stressing on inclusiveness and diversity in families, schools and workplaces helps to strengthen the society. Neurodiversity tells us that there is no single ‘right’ way to think or learn or relate with others in the society. Autism for instance, together with ADHD, should not be viewed as deficits but as different lenses through which one is able to experience the world and in the long run benefits oneself and the society at large. An understanding of these variations helps to appreciate a world where every person, whether neurodivergent or otherwise, is able to excel on what they are best at.
