Written by Kayla Delaney
Royal Holloway prides itself on being an inclusive, welcoming, and comfortable environment for everyone – be it a student, a teacher, an employee, or even just a visitor. Insanity Radio strives to achieve this goal, especially when it comes to neurodiversity in our community. The station and its members have a position in this —we all aim to be accommodating and kind to each other, neurodiverse or otherwise.
What does it mean to be neurodiverse?
The term “neurodiversity” is not a condition or set of symptoms, but an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of different disorders affecting individuals whose brains differ from those of ‘neurotypicals’. These conditions often impact brain function, information processing, physical mobility, social abilities, and learning. Common examples include autism, ADHD, OCD, and learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, and dysgraphia. Nonetheless, other conditions fall under the neurodivergent umbrella, including personality disorders, tic disorders, mental health conditions, physical and neurodevelopmental disorders, and epilepsy.
People who are neurodiverse face various challenges but can also possess greater strengths in certain activities due to their brain’s structure. The term neurodiversity signifies that a person’s brain is wired differently to ‘neurotypicals’ —those with seemingly “normal” brain wiring (although what “normal” means has not been determined). Since the majority of the population is neurotypical, neurodiverse people often take up “masking”. This involves hiding or suppressing their behaviours, traits, and emotions in order to “fit in” with the majority, a process which is exhausting and harmful to their mental health. This is one of many reasons why representation and accommodation are important: so neurodiverse individuals don’t have to worry about masking or “fitting in” because they’re welcome just as they are.
Why is representation important?
The differences in brain composition mean there is a set of individuals with unique mindsets and ideas, which are just as valuable as anyone else’s. We need these perspectives to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere for current and future neurodivergent individuals. Our societies, clubs, friend groups, class projects, and communities must continuously seek these viewpoints. Otherwise, we may never understand how to support our neurodiverse members. Everyone deserves a world in which they can function without prejudice or the need to hide.
Representation also deeply impacts research and modern understandings of neurodiversity by publicising and advocating for adaptivity and progress. It is important to consider these ideas and shine a light on neurodiverse individuals, their experiences, their hardships and their strengths, to add to the existing history and records, and to push for further studies and research.
Previously, individuals who functioned differently were considered “abnormal” and in need of fixing or a “cure”, and often those who needed help were mistreated and or institutionalised. While we may have progressed and driven away from these harmful ideas, they are not entirely gone. The more research conducted, the more we can work to undo the damage of history and previous stigma.
What can we do to help and improve?
First thing’s first —research! There are hundreds of books, verified websites, articles, podcasts, YouTube channels, and countless other resources based on neurodiversity and the conditions under the umbrella. Read up where you can —this applies to both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals!
Do, however, approach those resources with a pinch of salt —the most up-to-date source of information is the neurodivergent population itself. Talk to individuals about neurodiversity —if they feel comfortable— and ask how you can best support them; effective communication goes a long way. There are hundreds of neurodiverse individuals at Royal Holloway. Always make the time to ask what changes people need.
The key ways to be most helpful include: being aware of and willing to be flexible with people’s needs, accommodate sensory challenges, such as using dimmer lights or removing certain textures or smells, being sensitive to social differences and abilities, providing various means of communication, and ask how and through what means individuals prefer to communicate.
The university also has a department dedicated to this —the Disability and Neurodiversity team, which supports individuals with disabilities, long-standing medical conditions, specific learning difficulties, or mental health conditions. They are also a great source of information on how you can best support yourself and others. Here’s the link to register with or contact them.
If you suspect you may have one of these conditions, please consult your GP as soon as possible. Remember, internet resources are not always the place to go, especially when seeking medical advice or diagnosis.
Ultimately, remember to be considerate of others, especially those who are different. Be flexible, patient, and kind, as you never really know how another person’s brain functions or what battles they may be fighting.
If you’d like to read more about this topic, we started our journey of learning more with the following two articles: “What Does ‘Neurodivergent’ Mean?” and “What is the Neurodiversity Umbrella?“
Neurodiversity frequently goes hand in hand with Mental Health, if you’d like to read an article about Mental Health please go here.
Written by Kayla Delaney, Edited by Thomas Pemberton-Marsh, Photography by Meo, Published by Paige Tamasi