To conclude our 2023 collection of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month articles, I would like to influence readers, especially teachers, to create a safe and inclusive space for neurodivergent students.
Understanding the Strengths and Challenges of Your Students or Peers
First and foremost, knowing strengths and challenges will put things in perspective for the neurotypical majority. In other words, educate yourself! Neurodivergence refers to a group of people with different brain functions. This includes Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Dyspraxia (DCD), Dyscalculia, and more. Many times, there are co-occurrences of more than one neurodivergent condition.
Strengths
Many neurodivergent people have stimuli sensitivities. This includes enhanced olfactory detection, heightened pitch detection and visual perception-- which is awesome! We have many strengths that stem from our ability to think differently. The more common neurodivergent conditions are frequently unknown or misunderstood due to stereotypes. Dyspraxia, for example, affects 5% of the adult population while 4% have ADHD and 1-2% are autistic, according to a WebMD study. Although, the numbers range higher in children. Due to excessive neuro-connection, the prevalence of synesthesia is three times greater in people with ASD, according to a Western University study. Synesthesia is a condition in which someone can experience more than one sense at once. Someone with synesthesia may be able to assign colors to names and words, or shapes to music. Other cognitive advantages include strong long-term memory, hyperfocus, pattern recognition, and more. There is a strong correlation between neurodivergence and creative or academic-related giftedness. I do not have experience with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and Dyscalculia, so I would like to preface by admitting that I am relying on my sources and statistics. Despite the stereotypes, people with dyslexia have a multitude of academic advantages, as reported by successful dyslexics. Areas such as critical and abstract thinking, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving. Dyspraxia is a specific condition where individuals struggle with specific academic and motor abilities, although they are known to thrive in strategy, empathy, leadership, and problem-solving-- similar to the dyslexic population.
Challenges
The majority of our struggles are invisible. For instance, Anxiety, well known in ASD and neurodivergent people, but it is not in the criteria for diagnosis. Around 40-50% of autistic people receive a clinical anxiety disorder diagnosis, according to the National Autistic Society. Many of us have anxiety because of chronic stress. High levels of stress or anxiety lead to meltdowns or shutdowns. Elongated periods of this can lead to burnout and chronic fatigue. Alexithymia is fairly prevalent, 1 in 10 people experience it, but it is twice as common in depressed and autistic people. Dysregulation of emotions-- “an inability to respond to a stimulus within the normal emotive range of a neurotypical individual” -- is not dysregulation of just feelings. There is also something known as Pathological Demand Avoidance, which is something that is seen most often in children and autistic people. Caroline Miller from Child Mind Institute writes, “People with PDA tend to have an adverse reaction to being told how to behave or what to do, even when it’s something that’s an ordinary part of their daily life — and even when it would benefit them. It’s called pathological when the avoidance is extreme and interferes with functioning at home or school.” Pathological Demand Avoidance behaviors can be misinterpreted by adults and peers as disrespectful or disobedient, which can cause additional trouble maintaining relationships with others. Another condition I’d like to mention is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria or RSD. Which is an intense fear of rejection that provokes a deeply emotional reaction to rejection or failure, disrupting our ability to regulate an emotional response. Someone who doesn’t have RSD would perceive rejection or failure as unpleasant. However, when someone with RSD encounters rejection, it triggers an overwhelming amount of emotional pain. When the sources of these circumstances are left without support or treatment, it can lead to the onset or development of depression, anxiety, and more. For instance, around 50% of young dyslexics also have some other psychological conditions. These neurodivergent conditions are very closely related to one another. Around 60% of dyslexic students are also dyscalculic. Combinations like these are often disregarded because students are not tested for or reported in school when they present symptoms. Not to mention the fact that symptoms can be misleading.
What is Masking?\
Support your Students or Peers!
So often, neurodivergent student needs are overlooked or just ignored. It is expected for us to deal with it completely, instead of others making an effort to make the classroom a safe space. If you care for your autistic and neurodivergent students or peers, you can:
respect boundaries
refrain from yelling and making loud noises
include your peers in group work
use kind words
provide clear and specific instructions
be flexible with due dates and work time allotted
be aware of students or peers who are less talkative
offer students multiple opportunities to learn (utilize multiple teaching methods)
avoid spraying harsh perfumes and other aerosols or be aware of how much you spray
check-in on your students or peers
Provide alternative participation options for students or peers who are uncomfortable
encourage your students or peers
do some research!
avoid getting information from or supporting Autism Speaks
It is important to note that not all neurodivergent people are diagnosed. This is because seeking a medical diagnosis is extremely difficult. It is a long, draining process. Not to mention the many minorities are neglected by our healthcare system. The list of misdiagnoses is lengthy. And the statistics are not looking good, for example, it is more likely that a non-white student “will be written off with a behavior disorder or receive punishment, rather than having their needs identified and supported.” There is a severe lack of compassion for Black patients. This bias is dangerous for Black individuals seeking a formal diagnosis. And a study interpreted by The Conversation Magazine stated that 80% of women with autism are misdiagnosed. This is likely because neurodivergence presents differently in males and females, so clinical professionals will blame female-presenting symptoms on hormonal changes. Cons of a formal diagnosis are the external factors, like being treated poorly by our peers, and the lengthy and stressful next steps to getting accommodated. Being properly diagnosed can make us targets. The pros of a formal diagnosis are internal factors, like self-perception and self-validation. The question is, is a diagnosis worth it? The answer is subjective, especially considering the risks.
Sources and More
The Interesting Connection Between Autism and Synesthesia - Western University
Adult Misdiagnosis: The Default Path to an Autistic Identity
12 neurodiversity strengths that come from thinking differently - TextHelp Blog
The three D’s – Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia - Progress Lifeline
Black People Like Me Are Being Failed by the Mental Health System. Here’s How - Healthline
Medical biases keep LGBTQ+ BIPOC from seeking ADHD and autism care - PRISM
Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia and Dyspraxia – How are they different?
Pathological Demand Avoidance in Kids - Child Mind Institute
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