Quite a few people in our society are neurodivergent presently, either through acquired medical conditions (like me), inherited medical conditions or individuals who’s medical diagnosis isn’t yet defined. I, newly (relatively) entered this group and have been shocked by the prevalence of individuals within it, largely because they remain unacknowledged by our greater society. They are shunned. Perhaps not in a knowing capacity, but because they appear “abnormal” either physically or behaviorally. The truth now, however, is that there truly is no “normal”.
Since entering this group and getting my bearings: getting used to this new reality of mine (which has taken many, many years), I feel called to befriend & show sympathy for other nuerodivergent Individuals. I know how hard and lonely it is!
I was entirely unaware of the reality that there were so many within this group, until becoming apart of it => typical, No?
Haven’t we (as a society) progressed, from considering individuals inferior, solely due to their perceived difference from us? We have, in numerous veins, but clearly not all.
I had certainly naively hoped we had, until I was confronted with many sidelong looks (much too long to be categorized as glances) when I was relearning to walk, from passers by (many of whom looked fearful & that’s a response I’d NEVER encountered before!) People made way for me, which I appreciated, but also called their kids to their side and hid them from view (again a sign of fear of an abnormality). It took me many, many years, to relearn to walk (as it does children). My mental memory of doing so previously, was largely obliterated. Finally, once I was done falling multiple times a day, I instead solely fell on rare occasion. Now, I only fall when confronted by an unforeseen obstacle or when traversing a path that necessitates maintaining heightened balance.
I have now befriended 2 incredibly kind, neurodivergent men, who have both Asperger and schizophrenia. They have both entirely altered my paradigms, though I’m very aware that each individual (which is often not recognized) with a diagnosis is entirely unique.