🔥Weekly Mind Sweep #58 | Curated Conversation | Neurodiversity
February 2023
Week 58: Curated Conversation; Neurodiversity
Week 59: Mind Your Business; Neurodiversity
Week 60: Manage Your Mind; Neurodiversity
Week 61: Contemplation; What’s On My Mind: My Thoughts On Neurodiversity
New to the Weekly MindSweep? Past issues live here.
How many times have you cried with your four-year-old identical twins while explaining why you cannot home-school them?
I lost count.
By the time my boys were 3, I was acutely aware they would need a different approach in life. We would quickly become challenged with experiences we didn't have mainstream knowledge of.
However, if you know me, you know I began to look for an explanation immediately.
In the '80s, neurodivergent students would all be in one classroom together. As a neurotypical, creative, and eager-to-please student, I didn't come pre equipt to manage the journey my neurodivergent twins would take me on.
Several books, pediatrician appointments, and hours in the principal’s office later, we would find teachers, books, phenomenal podcasts, occupational therapy, BrainFit Academy, and many amazing women to illuminate our path.
At the time, I didn't realize this journey would become my life's work.
Now, let’s sweep the brain…
For February, I'd like to start a conversation about something near and dear to my heart; Neurodiversity.
Each and every one of us is differently abled because we are all unique and raised differently. While we do not have global statistics, in the United States, 15-20% of the population is considered neurodivergent.
We all span the spectrum in one way or another.
Let's begin our conversation with the most current definition of words that you may be seeing:
Neurodiversity
Noun: The diversity or variation of cognitive functioning in people. Everyone has a unique brain and, therefore, different skills, abilities, and needs.
Neurodiverse
Adjective: Describes the diversity and variation of cognitive functioning in people. Neurodiverse is typically used to describe neurodivergent people.
Neurodivergence
Noun: Cognitive functioning, which is not considered "typical." For example, autistic, dyslexic, and dyspraxic people.
Neurodivergent
Adjective: Describes people who have a neurodivergence.
There is no universally understood concept of "normal."
Someone may use the word "neurotypical" to describe individuals whose brain develops and functions in ways considered usual or expected by society.
Neurodivergence covers a wide range of characteristics that can present challenges and strengths and highlight abilities and needs in our modern society.
Things I've learned along the way:
Neuroscience: The brain and nervous system are connected, and it's beneficial to understand how they work together.
Be Patient & Kind: I quickly learned to listen, understand, pause, and communicate my needs in challenging situations.
We are unique: Not even identical twins need the same approach.
Don't assume: This has nothing to do with intelligence. There is nothing to cure.
Before you go, I wanted to share a most recent definition from Judy Singer (the neurodiversity pioneer)
"Neurodiversity is:
a state of nature to be respected.
an analytical tool for examining social issues.
an argument for the conservation and facilitation of human diversity."
If you or someone you love is wondering about neurodiversity, please talk to a doctor or trained professional. There are online surveys that might be able to help you to determine the best direction for you.
I would be extremely honored to hear your thoughts on our conversation this month. So please reply to this email, join Curated Conversations or our Chickbook Creative Community, and follow this topic on Social Media!
I'm already pre-excited to talk about Mind Your Business; Neurodiversity! (It's my specialty!)
Where to find me
EVERY MONDAY: 8 am - Curated Conversation - Zoom
THINK TWICE: Did you miss our Live ? I’ve got you, the replay is available inside the Chickbook Creative Community. Are you NOT A MEMBER YET?! Join the group, here.
MISS MY VOICE? Check out recent podcast episodes.
What I’m reading
Connection Mode - Nancy Sokol Green
Thank you to Amy Brewis of Brain FUNdamentals for recommending this book during a recent Curated Conversation!
This easy-to-understand explanation of the brain, heart and nervous system connection is a MUST READ!
Current Collaborations
Find a way to bring meditation into your daily routine. It doesn’t mean you have to spend hours on a mat. You can rewire your brain with short, mindful, grounding exercises!
(Did you know about the 1% on Marco Polo?) https://bit.ly/Chickbook1percent
The 1% Project is a collaboration with Virginia L’Bassi and Robin Thomas. We use an app called Marco Polo to each show up once a day with a tool for grounding, self-regulation, and questions to chickety check yo’self, Monday - Friday. (You get to practice on your own Saturday and Sunday. Join us!
Catalyst for Change, Jamie Chapman.
In other news…
Feeling #FOMO about Curated Conversations? Join us!