Neurodiversity is a term coined by Judy Singer in the 1990’s and short for ‘neurological diversity’, it means there is a range, or diversity, of which in human brains function, think, learn, and relate to others.
Most traits or aspects of neurodiversity are often viewed as indicators that ‘something is wrong’ with individuals. However, there are many examples of where this is not the case, showing that there are many individuals whose traits are not viewed as differences, conditions, or mental illnesses.
There are many successful neurodivergent people whose strengths come from being neurodivergent. These individuals include:
📚 Animal scientist and author, Temple Grandin
🏆 Oscar-winning actor, Sir Anthony Hopkins
🎤 Musician and singer, Florence Welch
🏅 Olympic gold medallist, Simone Biles
The main thing all these individuals have in common is neurodiversity. Although they are all part of it, they have different labels.
Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism in 1950, Sir Anthony Hopkins was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in 2014.
Florence Welch was diagnosed with dyslexia and dyscalculia when she was in primary school (it is unknown what year), Simone Biles was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), also during her time in primary schools but was released to the public in 2016.
Temple Grandin has said that autism has helped her in life many times, one of these being ‘that she thinks in pictures. This helped her greatly when communicating with animals.’
Sir Anthony Hopkins has explained how having Asperger’s syndrome ‘helps him look at the people he’s playing differently and destruct them to work out what makes them tick.’
Both are examples of how being neurodivergent does not have to be viewed as a disadvantage, more as an advantage.
There is no one way of thinking, and all of these people are examples of that. Instead, there are multiple ways of thinking, functioning, problem solving, etc.
All these people are notable examples of that.
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