The hosts discuss the importance of neurodiversity, the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent women, and the importance of using inclusive language. They explore different labels, the difference between neurodivergent and neurotypical behavior, and the importance of finding common interests and flexible communication when connecting with neurodivergent individuals. The chapter also discusses ADHD and its manifestation in different genders.
Neurodiversity encompasses the entire spectrum of brain differences and should be discussed using person-first language to promote destigmatization.
The neurodivergent thinking style, characterized by hyperconnectivity and circular thinking, offers unique perspectives and should be appreciated for its value.
Deep dives
The Importance of Recognizing Neurodiversity in Clinical Practice
The podcast hosts, Monique and Michelle, share their personal motivations for creating a podcast that focuses on neurodivergent women. They explain how their work in clinical practice, specifically with clients who are neurodivergent, led them to realize the importance of recognizing and addressing neurodiversity in therapy. Monique discusses her own journey of discovering her neurodivergent identity and how it propelled her desire to share this information with the world. Michelle, on the other hand, highlights the lack of emphasis on neurodiversity in her training and the transformative impact of understanding neurodivergent experiences in therapy. Both hosts underscore the significance of shedding light on neurodiversity in women, as they often go unrecognized and face unique challenges in navigating a neurotypical society.
The Spectrum of Neurodiversity and Language Use
Monique and Michelle delve into the concept of neurodiversity and discuss its various terms and labels. They clarify the meaning of neurodiversity, neurodivergent, and neurotypical, emphasizing that neurodiversity encompasses the entire spectrum of brain differences and is not limited to disorders. They stress the importance of avoiding pathologizing language when discussing neurodivergent experiences and suggest using person-first language to promote destigmatization. The hosts also acknowledge that individuals may prefer different labels for their neurodiversity and emphasize the need for flexibility and respect in using preferred language.
Differences in Drives and Communication Styles
Monique and Michelle explore the fundamental differences between neurodivergent and neurotypical brains in terms of what drives behavior and communication styles. Neurodivergent individuals are described as being driven by interest and passion, while neurotypical individuals are driven by perceived importance and tribal inclusion. The hosts highlight the value of both ways of thinking and communicating, debunking the notion that neurodivergent traits are inherently negative. They emphasize that neurodiversity has contributed to scientific, artistic, and innovative achievements throughout history. Additionally, they discuss the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in societal norms that value neurotypical behavior.
How Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Brains Process Information
Monique and Michelle discuss the neurological differences in how neurodivergent and neurotypical brains process information. Neurodivergent brains are characterized by hyperconnectivity, involving numerous interconnected routes between different brain regions. This can result in a more circular thinking process, connecting diverse ideas and making multiple subpoints before reaching a conclusion. In contrast, neurotypical brains tend to have more efficient processing through a pruning process that discards unused connections, resulting in a more linear thinking process. The hosts acknowledge the benefits of both thinking styles and encourage understanding and appreciation for the unique perspectives of neurodivergent individuals.
In this inaugural episode of The Neurodivergent Woman, Monique and Michelle explore what distinguishes the neurodivergent and neurotypical brain, what this looks like for women, and how we can understand and lean into our strengths.
