This is a tough one for a couple of reasons. First, it may very much surprise most of you to know this, but I’m not actually a superhero. Sorry to shock and disappoint. So this means that, unfortunately, I don’t have any superpowers at all whatsoever. Most days it feels like I don’t even have the regular level of human abilities most other people have.
But the other thing this makes me think about is how there’s been a lot of online discussion about neurodivergence saying that different types of neurodivergence are superpowers. I have feelings about this, but I’m still trying to sort through them. On the one hand, I do understand that it’s an effort to reframe something that has been met with a lot of judgment, stigma and negativity as something that’s not a bad thing. Another phrase often used is that it’s not a disability; it’s a difference. I appreciate the heartfelt efforts of most of the people who are engaging in these types of discussions because I know they’re trying to show support and acceptance, and also wanting to acknowledge that there are often positive things that accompany neurodivergence like creativity, ability to think outside the box, being able to get lots done in a short time, being honest, having a lot of empathy and knowing a lot about random subjects. There are lots of positive aspects of things like ADHD and Autism for a lot of people, don’t get me wrong. And it is absolutely vital to acknowledge this and frame these as different brains, but not worse ones.
However. Here’s the thing. They are also, legitimately, often disabling. Our world is designed for neurotypical brains, and those who aren’t neurotypical still have to live and function within the world as it is. Even the things that are just different about our brains but not necessarily disabilities are difficult. For example I’m very sensitive to bright lights. Bright lights are very common, particular in public service areas like underground train stations, public bathrooms, even libraries and community centres that are older often have fluorescent lights (which also buzz, but let’s not get me started on that). Bright sun hurts. Bright headlights make it hard for me to see without squinting. This isn’t unique to people with neurodivergence, nor is it unique to me. Some of you reading this are probably nodding and thinking “yeah, I’m not a fan either.” But it’s something that I have to deal with when I’m moving in the world, and it takes energy to try not to respond to it negatively or try to avoid it. And that’s just one, tiny example. Conversations are hard because I either know what the other person is going to say and have to force myself not to interrupt, or I have trouble focusing and miss something they’re saying and either have to ask them to repeat, rephrase or I just nod and hope it wasn’t important. These types of things are all day, every day, no matter where I am. Even at home there are other people around, there are noises from outside, etc.
My concern (and this is one that was put much better in Matilda Boseley’s book The Year I Met My Brain, where she discusses this at length) is that too much discussion of neurodivergent brains having “superpowers” can do two things. Firstly it can downplay the very real problems neurodivergent people have, and make people feel like they don’t need to go out of their way to try and understand what is difficult for us or make any accommodations in school or workplaces. Secondly, it can be difficult to see this everywhere if you’re struggling. It can make it feel like all the neurodivergent people are out there inventing things and discovering things and setting up billion-dollar companies and being the life of the party when they can’t even seem to get themselves to eat breakfast or have a shower or put their clothes away. This can actually make the hard stuff feel harder, because there’s then this internal comparison and sense of having missed out on some fantastic thing other neurodivergent people got that made them successful or brilliant or whatever it may be. Because it is a disability, even when there are up sides. It affects every area of life from work to school to parenting to relationships. And I’d wager that for the majority of people who are neurodivergent, it’s just hard a lot of the time, like most of adult life. And most of us aren’t completely falling apart or soaring at the heights of success that some people are, most of us exist in a muddled middle-ground of averageness.
This was quite the tangent, but it’s what came into my mind when I read the prompt, and it’s all I could think about as I sat down to write. So I don’t think I have anything that could be qualified as a superpower, but I am fond of my ability to be silly and stop everything to have a random dance party or colour for half an hour with my kid rather than insisting that homework has to be finished immediately. I like that I can pick up some skills fairly quickly if I’m interested in them, and that my brain is an interesting place to be – especially when I’m reading, because it’s like a very high-budget film is going in there! And if I could have an actual superpower it would either be some superhuman ability to protect my kid, or the ability to heal from injury and illness as that would come in handy with my various medical issues! Boring, I know, but it would be absolutely awesome!
What about you guys? Anyone out there who’s also neurodivergent? What do you think about this whole ADHD/Autism etc. is a superpower fad that’s been going around?
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