Understanding Neurodiversity: Reframing Social Cues and Unspoken Rules for Autistic Individuals
When it comes to neurodiversity, it can be challenging to navigate the different expectations and behaviors between autistic and neurotypical (NT) individuals. This issue is not only relevant to the autistic community but also to the neurotypical community at large.
One key aspect of autism is the unique neurological construct that requires its own system for proper operation. This means that the neurodiverse operating system and the neurotypical operating system can be inherently incompatible with each other. What NTs may perceive as quirks or strange behaviors are foreign because they operate under a different set of norms and expectations.
Autism and Neurodiversity: A Different Operating System
The way we regulate, manage stress, organize information, communicate, socialize, work, play, rest and relax, learn, sense the world, understand life, process information, and view relationships can all differ greatly from one another. This difference is a fundamental aspect of neurodiversity and is critical for both communities to understand and embrace.
Consider this question to emphasize the point: “As a neurotypical person – is it wrong for you to make autistic people abide by your social cues and unspoken rules rather than allowing them to follow their own?” If you were to ask an autistic person this question, the overwhelming response would be a resounding “YES it is wrong.” This is because autistic individuals have tried to “be like you” and adopt your NT operating system, and from personal experience, we know that this approach does not work. It inhibits our ability to know and love ourselves, respect our true selves, and achieve our personal and professional goals.
Autistic Gifts and True Self-Realization
Our time is now. It is imperative that we understand and embrace ourselves and our unique operating systems to thrive. As autistic individuals, we have a lot to offer the world, and it is up to us to educate the neurotypical community and work collaboratively to bridge the gaps of misunderstanding. We must emphasize that the calvary is not coming to save us—we are responsible for our own well-being and happiness.
The understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity is crucial for the overall well-being of both autistic and neurotypical individuals. Neurotypical individuals can benefit from learning about the different ways autistic people experience the world, which can help them to be more empathetic and supportive. Autistic individuals can benefit from recognizing and validating their own unique social cues and unspoken rules, which can lead to a greater sense of self-worth and understanding.
Tolerance and Mutual Understanding
As an autistic person, it can be challenging to understand the social cues and unspoken rules of NTs because they often operate under a different set of expectations. However, this does not mean that it is less challenging for NTs to understand and accommodate the social cues and unspoken rules of autistic individuals.
It is therefore incumbent upon both autistic and neurotypical individuals to practice tolerance and mutual understanding. By recognizing and validating each other's unique ways of operating, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
Conclusion
Neurodiversity is a beautiful yet often misunderstood concept. By embracing and understanding each other's unique operating systems, we can foster a more accepting and supportive world for all. It is up to us to bridge the gaps of misunderstanding and work together to thrive. As we continue to learn and grow, we can share our diverse gifts with the world and contribute to a more inclusive and respectful society.