Neurodiversity Playground: Where Every Brain is Welcome

Do you identify as “Neurodivergent”? If so, you are in the right place. In this article, we will be talking about Neurodivergence and how to best maximize your unique skills and abilities.

Starting off, what even is “Neurodivergence”? It’s a term that has gained popularity in the last couple of years to describe individuals / groups of people whose minds are wired differently. There isn’t a central definition for neurodivergence since it is more of an umbrella term for those who do not feel like they subscribe to “normal” patterns of thinking. Keep in mind that as with everything, your level of neurodivergence and someone else's level of neurodivergence may be completely different in how you both experience the world. 

Most people with traits that resemble ADHD, Autism, or Dyslexia do fall under the umbrella term for Neurodivergence.

For a baseline, what is “Neurotypical”? According to Cleveland Clinic, “Neurotypical people generally have brains that operate at about the same level across different types of skills. Some of the skill areas include things like memory, math, and written or spoken language." 

Why Neurodivergence Is Like a Playground

Neurodivergence is described here as a playground because different types of structures / play appeal to different individuals. There is no ‘right’ way to play and that can be translated to how you choose to express yourself. 

Imagine you find yourself at a playground with Monkey Bars, Swings, and a Twisting Slide. What might appeal to me, the swings, may not compare to your interest in the monkey bars. When applied to neurodiversity, where my skills might align more towards emotional pattern recognition and attunement, your skills may align more towards understanding complex mathematical equations or having exceptional knowledge on a particular topic. 

That does not mean one skillset is better than another. In fact, it’s the diversity of skills that make this space a place where every brain is welcome. 

Celebrating Neurodivergent Strengths and Skills

While we do have unique skills we can all bring to this metaphorical playground, it is worth noting that we will all have our struggles as well. For example, you may be able to recite Pi up to its 100th digit but if you’re struggling with making connections to others, it can feel difficult to appreciate the skills you do have within the absence of others. This is all to say that we may each bring something individually different but it’s the inclusion and acceptance of our differences that make a community out of this neurodivergent playground.

Just because our brains are wired differently doesn't mean that that is something to be ashamed about. In fact, these skill deviations can actually work in our favor and help us increase our compassion and knowledge in other areas of neurodivergence therefore increasing the landscape of our playground. Most of all, keep an open mind to different perspectives and let your curiosity guide you. Every brain is welcome in this playground and we are happy to have you with us.

How We Can Help

If you are ready to explore what makes your brain uniquely yours, we are here to help. We work with neurodivergent adults who are ready to understand themselves more fully and move through life with greater clarity and confidence. Whether you are newly diagnosed, self-identifying, or simply curious, you do not have to figure it out alone. Reach out today to schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation and find the therapist who truly gets how your brain works.

Author Biography

Marie Clyne is a licensed social worker and provider at Catalyss Counseling. Her focus centers on adults struggling with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Marie's passion lies in getting to know you, who you want to be, and working together to help translate those goals into reality. Follow Catalyss Counseling on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

---

Other Therapy Services Available at Catalyss Counseling:

Here at Catalyss Counseling, we want to meet all of your counseling needs in the Denver area. Our supportive therapists provide depression counseling, therapy for caregiver stress, grief and loss therapy, stress management counseling, adhd and more. We also have specialists in trauma and PTSD, women's issues, pregnancy and postpartum depression or anxiety, pregnancy loss and miscarriage, and birth trauma. For therapists, we can also provide clinical supervision! We look forward to connecting with you to help support your journey today.