Neurodiversity: is it safe to be me?
Each person in the world is unique. It’s not just about how we look on the outside but also how our bodies and brains work—each in its own way. This diversity in how our brains work is what we call neurodiversity.
Imagine a world where everyone interacts differently—one person plays music, another solves puzzles, one enjoys jumping rope, and someone else finds comfort in wearing headphones. For neurodiverse children, it is not the uniqueness of their true self, but the environment around them that can create challenges.
Challenges in the environment could come from excessive noise, supports that do not match their needs, or a mismatch between expectations and their skills, and can create barriers for them. Consider a noisy room with flashing lights. For some, this can be overwhelming. But when the environment is adapted—less noise, appropriate support, and expectations that align with individual strengths—many barriers that once seemed insurmountable can be reduced or even removed.
Neurodiversity highlights the beauty of thinking, learning, and feeling in different ways. It’s what makes each of us who we are. Creating inclusive, enabling environments helps everyone be their true selves. Only then can we truly say we live in a society that values the richness diversity brings.
Respecting differences not only makes us more human but also strengthens our communities. Let’s continue working together until we can proudly say, “It is always safe to be you."