Every year in March, we observe Neurodiversity Week as an opportunity to raise awareness and celebrate the unique strengths and abilities of neurodivergent individuals. Siena Castellon, the Founder of Neurodiversity Week, established this worldwide initiative in order to counterbalance the limited, narrow and often false conceptions about those with neurological differences. Read on to find out more about neurodiversity and the supports available to people on the neurodiversity spectrum.
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term used to describe a collection of differences that can occur and influence how an individual’s brain operates. The term was created by sociologist Judy Singer in a 1988 research paper published at the University of Technology in Sydney. As a carer to both her mother and daughter who were on the Autism spectrum, Singer felt that the narrative around people with autism and other neurological differences lacked nuance and painted a story of tragedy, disability and despair. Whilst some aspects of neurodiversity can be challenging, Singer feels that it is the unwelcoming attitudes of society that is disabling, rather than the neurological differences themselves. This aligns with the social model of disability, which theorises that ‘disability’ is created by inaccessible and non-inclusive societies and that when these accommodate and welcome everyone equally, people will be enabled.
The key message of neurodiversity advocates is that people whose brains function differently than neurotypical people are different, not less than. It does not attempt to ignore the real challenges that neurodivergent individuals face, rather highlighting that there are positive and negative aspects to being neurodivergent just as there are pros and cons to being neurotypical.
Types of Neurodiversity
The term neurodiversity can cover a wide range of diagnoses and variations in how people think, feel and experience their environments. For this article, we will focus on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurological condition that can have a wide range of signs and symptoms. It often causes difficulties for an individual to demonstrate a level of self-control and executive function that is appropriate for their age. Executive function relates to a set of self-regulation and cognitive processes that assist humans to make and follow through with plans, follow instructions and multitask or focus on multiple things at a time.
ADHD is often characterised by behavioural patterns of inattentiveness, distractibility, impulsiveness and, in some cases, hyperactivity. These behavioural differences are not a deliberate matter of ‘misbehaving’, as they are caused by fundamental variances in a person’s neurological makeup.
ADHD affects around 1 in 20 Australians, equating to about 1 million people and is more commonly diagnosed in boys and men than women and girls. However, this is thought to be a result of gender and other biases in diagnostic processes which contributes to a poor understanding and underdiagnosis of the condition, particularly among females.
ADHD can have debilitating impacts on the affected individual’s life, especially if they do not receive timely diagnosis and support interventions. With evidence-based treatment and support, people with ADHD can lead fulfilling lives and embrace their neurodiversity with all the unique strengths, interests and challenges that it brings.
What is Autism?
Autism is a condition that affects how a person thinks, learns, feels, and interacts with other people and environments. Every Autistic person is unique, and no two people with autism will experience life in the same way. Autism is considered to be a broad and vibrant spectrum, so it is important not to make generalisations about people on the autism spectrum based on experiences you may have had or depictions of autism you may see in mainstream media.
Autistic individuals may display unique characteristics such as special interests, a good memory for certain topics, different preferences for communication, and unique ways of experiencing and expressing emotion. Some people with autism also experience sensory sensitivity, meaning that things like loud noises, bright lights, or uncomfortable clothing can be particularly distressing.
There are many myths and misconceptions in society about autism, with much of the narrative focussing on the challenging or negative aspects of living with autism or having a loved one who is autistic. Whilst people with autism do experience some unique challenges, they also have many unique strengths and qualities that make them great friends, family members, partners, parents and employees. The most difficult thing many people with autism face is the limiting views or stereotypes imposed on them by people in their community.
Diagnoses of autism are becoming more common over time, with the latest estimates showing about 164,000 Autistic Australians, an increase of 42% from the previous estimate. Boys are four times as likely to be diagnosed than girls, however, as with ADHD, this may reflect a trend towards underdiagnosis among females. Researchers have hypothesised that girls and women with autism may be more adept at social camouflage or ‘masking’, which leads to signs of neurodiversity being missed by healthcare professionals.
With appropriate support and an inclusive community, autistic people can and do lead rich, fulfilling and meaningful lives.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a difference in brain function that causes difficulty with language, particularly reading and writing. Dyslexic individuals are capable of learning, however, they learn in a different way to people without dyslexia. Unlike other forms of neurodiversity, people with dyslexia primarily have challenges with spelling and written language. However, every dyslexic person experiences language and communication differently and no two people with dyslexia are alike.
Dyslexia can range from very mild to more severe challenges with interpreting language and is often hereditary or genetic. There is no cure for dyslexia, as it is not a disease but simply a different way of learning and communicating. Early signs of dyslexia often include difficulty understanding the sounds of letters, difficulty reading singular words, slow and inaccurate reading and more frequent misspelling of words than neurotypical people of the same age group.
Around one in ten Australians are diagnosed with dyslexia, though the actual figures may be much higher. Dyslexia is thought to be misunderstood and underdiagnosed in Australia, with rates of dyslexia as high as 20% in other English-speaking countries. With effective support in learning and other environments, people with dyslexia can do everything that a neurotypical person can do, even if they do it slightly differently.
What is Dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia is a neurological condition that disrupts the messages from the brain to the muscles in the body. This causes difficulties with tasks requiring coordination and movement, such as catching a ball, riding a bike, handwriting or tying shoelaces. Dyspraxia in children is also known as developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and is often picked up because a child is not developing the motor skills that are expected for their age. Some children outgrow dyspraxia, whilst for others, it is lifelong. Adults can acquire dyspraxia after having a stroke or brain injury, or it can be a symptom associated with dementia.
Depending on how dyspraxia affects the individual, they may be diagnosed with one or more different types:
- Motor dyspraxia – difficulty with tasks like writing or dressing
- Verbal dyspraxia – difficulty forming words
- Oral dyspraxia – difficulty controlling movements of the mouth e.g. chewing and swallowing
There is no cure for dyspraxia, and there is not one known cause of the condition. Treatment options will depend on the type and severity, though they are often extremely helpful and allow the individual to lead a fulfilling life. Treatment and management may include speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
Different, Not Less Than – Celebrating the Strengths of Neurodivergent Individuals
Neurodiversity Week is an important reminder to reflect on and celebrate all the many unique strengths and talents that neurodivergent people have to offer. Especially in a society that unfortunately has a lot of misconceptions and limiting ideas about what it means to be neurodiverse. While it is true that neurodivergent people may have challenges with certain social or cognitive tasks that neurotypical people find simple, the reverse can also be true. In some cases, neurodivergent people have strengths and skills that neurotypical people do not have. It is important to see each person as an individual, including embracing their strengths and supporting them in areas where they need more assistance.
When we start to unlearn the limiting assumptions about people who are different, we can start to acknowledge the advantages of having unique ways of thinking and communicating. These can include the following, but note that not all these traits will apply to every neurodivergent individual:
- Pattern recognition
- High attention to detail
- Honest and sincere communication
- Strong visual learning skills
- Ability to hyperfocus
- Creative problem-solving skills
- Passion and enthusiasm
- Memory
- Time management and organisation
- Compassion and empathy
This list is by no means exhaustive, and should not be used to inform any diagnoses. It is simply a reflection that everyone has unique strengths and also areas for improvement regardless of how their brain operates. By accepting and embracing these differences in everyone, including neurodivergent people, we can move towards a more inclusive and supportive society for all.
How NDIS funding can support neurodiverse people
Neurodivergent individuals are fully capable of leading rich, meaningful lives and making important contributions to their community. However, some people may need a little support to help them realise their potential. This is often described as the difference between equality which usually means treating everyone the same way, and equity. Equity recognises that not everyone is born with the same level of support and that resources should be distributed in a way that levels the playing field, giving everyone equal opportunities. This might mean giving more resources and support to someone who faces more barriers so that they can participate meaningfully.
One of the key sources of support for people with a disability in Australia is the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS funds support services for Australians aged under 65 years who have a permanent and significant disability that impacts their ability to lead a normal and independent life. The NDIS does support many neurodivergent individuals, however, receiving a diagnosis of neurodiversity does not automatically grant you NDIS funding. You will need to determine your eligibility and undertake an application process to receive funding from the NDIS.
If you are found eligible and are successful in receiving NDIS funding for support services, there are lots of options to consider. How you spend your funding will depend on your unique circumstances, goals and abilities. One option may be engaging a professional support worker to assist with keeping a daily routine, staying on top of household chores and managing your responsibilities at home or work. These tasks can be challenging for some neurodivergent individuals, especially those who have difficulties with executive function or memory retention.
If you or a loved one who is neurodivergent would like a little help around the home, Homage have a team of professional, compassionate and understanding support workers ready to step in. We are committed to finding the right support worker for you, with appointments starting from just $55 per hour. Whatever your needs are, our dedicated team of Care Pros can assist you to live independently and reach your full potential from the comfort of your own home.
Note that NDIS funding is accepted for Homage support workers if your funding is self-managed or plan managed. Agency managed NDIS funds can not be used to purchase Homage support services. The different ways of managing your NDIS funding, including the pros and cons of each, should be explained to you by an NDIS representative during your application process.
Neurodiversity Support Groups in Australia
Navigating neurodiversity in a world created for neurotypical people is not easy, but you don’t have to do it all alone. Below are some of the support groups available to you or a loved one to connect and share experiences with people who understand.
Autism Support Groups
- Chill Online – online social skills and support group for Autistic adults aged 18 and over to connect, build skills and create friendships.
- I CAN Network – online peer mentoring available nationwide. Led by Autistic individuals and run by an Autistic-led organisation.
- Different Journeys – a Melbourne-based organisation focussed on supporting Autistic individuals and their carers to reach their full potential. Offering support groups for carers as well as peer support groups for people on the autism spectrum.
Based in Croydon, Victoria.
Phone: 0490 774 068
Email: [email protected] - Aspect Australia – a central online hub of services offered nationwide. Can assist with mentoring, accessing the NDIS, online teletherapies, peer social support and employment assistance.
ADHD Support Groups
- ADDults with ADHD – offers support, information and resources to adults with ADHD and parents of people with ADHD. Their Facebook page is a space for peer and social support in a safe and supportive online environment.
- ADHD Support Australia PEERS Social Group – an online peer social support group for adolescents and young adults with ADHD. Available nationwide.
- Adult ADHD Melbourne – a monthly face to face peer support group for adults with ADHD. Also open to carers, friends and loved ones wanting to share experiences, support and resources. The group meets on the second Saturday of each month at Docklands Library, 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands, from 2:00-4:00 pm. For more information contact them via email: [email protected]
Dyslexia and Dyspraxia Support Groups
- Dyslexia Victoria Support Group – statewide online community supporting families with dyslexia to access peer support, resources and education assistance. Operated online via a private Facebook group which you must request approval to join.
- Dyslexia New South Wales Support Group – statewide online community supporting families with dyslexia to access peer support, resources and education assistance. Operated online via a private Facebook group which you must request approval to join.
Dyspraxia Support Group (Australia) – A private Facebook group supporting families who have had a child diagnosed with dyspraxia.
