What is Neurodiversity?

The dictionary definition is:

The range of differences in individual brain function and behavioral traits, regarded as part of normal variation in the human population (used especially in the context of autistic spectrum disorders). But it is not exclusive to autism, it could be in relation to anything from ADHD, Bipolar, dyslexia, dyspraxia. In fact the word ‘diversity’ really is about including a full range of neurologies and some would argue that ‘neurotypical’ should also be considered ‘neurodiverse’ too.

For our community I think my favourite is this definition from understood.org:

Neurodiversity is a viewpoint that brain differences are normal, rather than deficits. Neurodiverse people experience, interact with and interpret the world in unique ways. This concept can help reduce stigma around learning and thinking differences.

For the world of SPD it also means having a neurodiversity can mean you struggle with some things others don’t.

So why does it even matter if we at Sensooli are neurodivergent?

In some way’s I would argue it doesn’t…don’t get me wrong, I get it…I understand why it is important to our community. There is no doubt there is a huge difference between going through something and watching someone go through it. But that does not make the watcher any less valid, caring, knowledgeable, or understanding. The best example I can give for this is my own mother, who is a retired Mcmillan nurse. She herself has never had cancer (and I pray she never does), but she was highly trained, extremely knowledgeable, had real empathy for her patients, in fact, not even patients, empathy for the people she cared for and she made a real difference to their lives.  She was unable to draw on personal experience, but she had a real desire to help, understand and learn. These qualities wherever you are in the neurodivergent world or elsewhere are what is important. And whether someone had the same neurodiversity as me or not, I would want this type of individual in my camp.

Do you need a formal diagnosis to be neurodiverse?

This will split opinion. But at Sensooli we don’t believe it matters. Generally, people with neurodiversities can take years to get a diagnosis, it can be a long and difficult journey. Many know years before that formal bit of paper they are autistic, ADHD or other neurodiversities. It does not mean that is less valid in our eyes.  Many want to have a formal diagnosis, as it can give them access to support and funding, or it helps them make sense of years of feeling different. Others do not see the value in pursuing it when they know already, they don’t need it confirmed.

So cut to the chase! Who in your team is neurodivergent?

Pretty much all of us!

Jenny – CEO- Big Chief – Self Diagnosed as ADHD & has a child with SPD particularly struggling with noise.

Loz – Community Manager – Diagnosed Autistic, ADHD & OCD, probably Hyperlexic & Dyspraxic and has 2 autistic children.

Jamie – The Inspiration – Diagnosed Autistic, Dyspraxic, Hyperlexic, Synesthesia

and awaiting an ADHD Assessment. 

Stuart – Warehouse Manager – Everyone around him can see he is clearly ADHD.

Melia –  Marketing Assistant – Self Diagnosed ADHD & Autistic partner.

Pippa – Customers Services & Trade Manager – Completing the true definition of neurodiversity, the only neurotypical person in the team.

So if you are talking to us, whether it be for some guidance, or in support of buying from an ND company, you can be confident we fit the bill and certain we know what we are talking about through lived and learned experience.

You can chat to us about all things sensory processing difficulty related, any time. Just send us a message.