What I Wish the World Knew About Being Neurodiverse

 

Do you ever wish with a hidden disability that people would understand what you're going through instead of trying to relate to you?  Do you ever wish that you could be understood?  Having a disability that isn't visibly seen is hard when the world doesn't know what to do with you.  Sometimes I wish that with the information we have on disabilities based on research and experience, the world would appreciate, understand, and accommodate people with disabilities more.

When you have a disability like ADHD and/or level one low-support needs autism, it's hard to tell if someone has it.  When you spend your whole life struggling to make and keep friends in school and in your neighborhood's church group, you feel like the outcast.  I know because I have been there.  I was able to make friends in school, but I struggled with fitting into my neighborhood's church group of kids my age.  When you struggle with socializing by trying to relate to the group so they can like you and they push you away, it's hard to try to talk to new people after feeling discouraged.  I wish people were more understanding and I wish everyone would include people who are "different" into their conversations.

I wish places like businesses such as places like grocery stores, movie theaters, car washes, mechanics, and doctor's offices would offer items for their customers to borrow.  For example, maybe provide a bag that has fidget toys and/or noise-cancelling headphones that can be rented out to whoever needs it.  

I also wish jobs would give people like me chances.  Most jobs I've had don't do well with accommodating.  What bugs me is when I ask for accommodations and I don't know what to ask for because I've never worked at a place like that before and then I get treated like I can't work like normal people which has gotten me fired.  I feel like if you're going to hire someone with a disability, you have to work with them on figuring out what accommodations they might need.  I would say that having one-on-one check-ins with your employee makes a difference.  Making sure your employee is succeeding as best as they can, can make a big difference.   Companies need to train managers, human resources, and upper level employees on company protocols on working with people with a disability like ADHD or autism.  If they don't disclose their disability, maybe work on being patient with them or making them feel included.

People just need to have hope and faith for us.  We shouldn't be shunned or feel left out of the world just because we act differently.  The world still needs to learn how to support and include people with any neurodiversity.  

Let's start now! Let's start helping each other by including each other.  If someone needs some extra support, help them.  Don't let them sink.  Make them feel included.  Inclusion begins with you! Don't be that person who wants to make a change but doesn't and feels guilty about it in the end!

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