I will never stop fighting for change and equality and we still have such a long way to go. The lack of awareness, understanding, and inclusion is still very much apparent. How is it that it’s not common knowledge about neurotypes? Why is it that the average person doesn’t know the difference between being neurodivergent and neurotypical, yet these are the core neurotypes that shape our society? This gap in understanding not only affects individuals but plays a huge factor in all major sectors – education, healthcare, and the workplace – which all shape our community.

As someone who identifies as neurodivergent (specifically autistic and ADHD) and also struggles with mental health challenges that are classified as disabilities, I often find myself in competition with neurotypicals across various aspects of my life. An analogy of this would be like putting a physically abled person in a race with a physically disabled individual in a wheelchair? Would that seem fair? The answer is no, and there would be an uproar! So why is it that the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, particularly those who mask are frequently overlooked in our society?

If a lot of this has gone over your head, then you might be part of the problem. This isn’t just about awareness, it’s about understanding the real struggles that neurodivergent individuals face every day. When we don’t take the time to educate ourselves on these differences, we contribute to a culture that dismisses the needs of many. We need to break this continuous cycle of misunderstanding, which ultimately affects everyone – especially those of us who desperately need support or adaptation. 

The daily struggles of autistics and other neurodivergent individuals often go unnoticed, and this ignorance is mirrored in the lack of understanding from businesses, services, the NHS, and schools. Are we truly doing enough to accommodate the diverse needs of all individuals? Or are we applying a blanket approach that fails to recognise the distinct experiences of each neurotype? Being someone who deals with this reality daily, the answer to me is very clear: we are not.

Imagine the positive impact on society if we prioritised understanding neurotypes. I feel this could revolutionise our mental health system. By recognising that different neurotypes require different approaches, we could develop more effective mental health interventions tailored to individual needs. Here are a few bullet points to why I feel it’s important. 

• Less Stigma – When we understand neurodiversity, we help reduce the stigma around mental health issues, making it easier for people to seek help without fear of judgment.

• Better Support – Tailored treatments mean that individuals get the help they truly need, which can lead to better mental health outcomes.

• Informed Professionals – Mental health workers would be better equipped to provide effective support, leading to more successful treatment experiences.

• Preventive Care – Understanding different neurotypes can help us identify risks and implement preventive measures before crises occur.

We cannot overlook the troubling rise in suicides that affects neurodivergent individuals to a greater extent. Knowing and understanding your neurotype can be life-changing as it has been for me. Imagine if people could recognise their unique traits, understand their challenges, and seek appropriate support and connections. This understanding would empower individuals to advocate for themselves, leading to healthier coping mechanisms and a stronger sense of identity.

The current, generalised approach to mental health is simply not working. By failing to recognise the spectrum of neurotypes, we miss important key factors in effectively addressing mental health challenges. I feel that understanding your neurotype can lead to the following positives: 

• Knowing your neurotype gives you the power to understand your unique needs to advocate for yourself, others, and seek out the appropriate support.

• Increased awareness can help promote communities where people can share experiences and coping strategies.

• A better understanding of neurotypes can lead to changes in policies that govern mental health care, education, and workplace inclusivity.

We have to advocate for a better understanding of neurodivergent conditions so that inclusion and fairness can be properly addressed – I can’t stress this enough. Understanding neurotypes isn’t just an academic exercise, it’s a vital step toward creating a more compassionate society.