Neurodiversity - Neurodiversity and the Power of Being Seen: Why Authenticity Fuels Wellbeing

Connect & Grow Magazine: Issue 22 July 2025

In a world that often celebrates conformity, embracing neurodiversity is usually considered a radical act of inclusion; however, is it really? Celebrating who we are is a powerful key to health and wellbeing.

Neurodiversity refers to the natural differences in how people think and behave due to their unique thought processes and experiences of the world. It includes conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and many others. But more than a label, neurodiversity is a reminder that human minds are not one-size-fits-all, and that's something to be celebrated, not fixed. Being true to who we are as unique and amazing individuals is empowering, and it is beneficial for our overall health and wellbeing.

The Cost of Masking

Many neurodivergent individuals grow up learning to mask their true selves—to camouflage behaviours, suppress traits, or mimic "acceptable" social norms. While often done for survival or acceptance, masking comes at a steep cost: burnout, anxiety, depression, and a profound disconnection from self.

Imagine trying to navigate each day wearing someone else's skin. That's the reality for many who are not empowered to be themselves, or who have felt judged and rejected for being who they are.

It is exhausting wearing the mask, and it is also exhausting and emotionally draining when the mask comes off; it can make you feel like is it even worth going out or interacting, or even trying to work, whatever the experience is, this is where when masking is involved often a neurodivergent person will say no thank you to an event.

Wellbeing starts with belonging, and belonging begins with authenticity.

Why Empowerment Matters

When neurodivergent individuals are supported in expressing their authentic selves, the results are transformative. Self-acceptance reduces stress, boosts self-esteem, and contributes to emotional resilience. It also opens the door for genuine connection, creativity, and joy.

Empowerment is not about "fixing" difference—it's about valuing it.

Whether in schools, workplaces, or families, creating environments that allow neurodivergent individuals to thrive as they are—not despite who they are—has a ripple effect on overall wellbeing.

As someone who lives with neurodivergent traits, I have experienced firsthand how hard and isolating it can be in a world that I often do not understand and that does not understand me. I have masked to keep my job and to fit in with others. I have felt rejected and even discriminated against. I have had to teach myself strategies and tools to feel confident and empowered in my life, and one of the first strategies I learned was setting healthy boundaries. To be okay with people having their opinions of me and letting go, being present in each moment, and checking in with myself and those who support me. It hasn't been easy, but it has been rewarding and changed my life to be an empowered one!

Creating a Neuro-Inclusive Culture

So, how do we get there? The shift begins with awareness, moves into empathy, and is sustained through action.

It is about creating awareness that is more than simply "accepting" someone who is neurodivergent to the point where people, all people, are accepted for who they are, where they can be unapologetically themselves in a way that is respectful of others.

1. Language of Respect

Use affirming language that centres the person, not the diagnosis. For example, "autistic person" or "person with ADHD," depending on individual preference. Ask, don't assume.

For those who are neurotypical, I encourage you to use reflective listening skills and cultivate a sense of curiosity while being fully present in the moment. When we are present in the moment, we observe more. Those of us with neurodivergent traits often miss social cues; however, those around us can guide us if we have positively missed a cue.

Strategy for those who are neurodivergent.

There are a couple of strategies that can work in social settings, and one of them is to focus on the other person, even if what they are talking about may be of no interest or if it is inaccurate, we do not have to correct them. This is something I've been working on, and yes, I still make mistakes. As a neurodivergent person, if you find that oversharing is something you do, consider pausing and reflecting on how long you've been speaking. The one thing that social events and parties is people in general like to talk about themselves and even make themselves appear amazing and intriguing, whilst this can be a challenge to show interest, when there is no point of reference to why you need this information, you can still smile and acknowledge what they are saying.

Social events can sometimes be a challenge for those of us who are neurodivergent, as sometimes we mask to fit in, and that is exhausting.

2. Flexible Systems

Rigid structures can be exclusionary. Offering choices in how people communicate, work, or learn opens up space for everyone to contribute their best.

As we should with anyone, asking them what works for them is essential, and people who have neurodivergent traits, whether they recognise it or not, often have particular ways of living, working and being and if these ways are changed, that can lead to an overwhelming feeling, a sense of anxiety and panic.

Once again, asking and then using reflective listening skills is extremely important.

3. Celebrate Different Strengths

Neurodivergent individuals often possess unique gifts, such as deep focus, out-of-the-box thinking, heightened sensory awareness, or emotional intensity. These are not "quirks"; they're strengths when nurtured in the right context.

As a neurodivergent person, do you feel safe being completely yourself and shining brightly with what you naturally do well?

Connect and spend time with people who celebrate you as you are, who encourage you to do what you are good at and what you enjoy.

4. Support Without Shame

Accommodations, whether it's noise-cancelling headphones, flexible deadlines, or alternative communication methods, should be standard tools, not signs of deficiency. In society, we can provide a ramp for a wheelchair or even a pram without even considering it a big deal. We often struggle with things like noise-cancelling headphones, which are seen as strange, weird, and even, in some cases, people have been told they are being antisocial. But let me paint you a picture for a moment. Imagine sitting in a room full of noise and you start to feel overwhelmed, you are happy to be in this room of people but with everyone speaking the noise is all at the same level, not distance and close and then some speaks to you but you are not sure what they are saying as it all mixes together. You attempt to be social to be part of the event; however, you really can't process it all, and you start to feel overwhelmed. Adrenaline kicks in, and you want to run away from it all, not because you don't want to interact, but simply because it's too much.

Now take the same example and the person has noise cancelling headphones on for part of the time, converstations can still be heard but the noise that is in the background is filtered out, the person in front of you is now the leading voice you hear, you can process what they are saying and you can then respond.

Tools such as noise-cancelling headphones can be the greatest gift to someone, allowing them to be included in social events and more.

5. Listen and Learn

The most powerful thing you can do is listen to lived experiences. Neurodivergent voices should lead the conversation around inclusion, not be an afterthought.

Because neurodivergent traits haven't always been seen as positive, in some workplaces, for example, they have been seen as an issue and even lead to people losing their jobs, when really they were misunderstood. Maybe there was a lack of awareness.

Every person deserves to be treated with respect, to be heard and to be free to be themselves. Whilst we may not always understand each other or even like each other, that is okay. When you see the whole person, not just their behaviours and traits, you have a choice, and you should make that decision with an open mind and open heart.

It's okay not to like everyone; however, it's not OK to try to change someone because they are different. If you do not want the person, then walk away and let them be who they are. Get to know the PERSON.

If you are neurodivergent, take the time to understand who you are and recognise your strengths, then share them with confidence, where possible. You feel safe, try being present in the moment as you, and if you feel uncomfortable or anxious, stop and ensure you have support with you to support you through your anxiety.

Health Through Wholeness

Actual wellbeing isn't just physical, it encompasses mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects. When someone is empowered to show up fully and be embraced for who they are, every part of their health improves. Stress decreases. Relationships deepen. Purpose emerges.

It's time we recognised that diversity of minds is as vital as diversity of bodies, backgrounds, and beliefs. When we empower people to be their whole selves, we all benefit.

Authenticity Heals

Neurodiversity reminds us that there is no single "right" way to be human. When society creates a space for all minds to thrive, we don't just promote inclusion—we foster healing.

Be yourself. That's where your power lives. That's where your health begins... Unapologetically You! Unapologetically Me!

The T-shirt in the image is available on our website: I Embrace ADHD & Autism.

If you love expressing yourself through fashion, Jacqui G Apparel has a few T-shirts you might like. They are designed for those who live boldly, think differently, and embrace themselves without apologising. We also have a great drink bottle with these fun messages.

Check them out and wear your uniqueness with pride! www.jacquigapparel.com

Written by

Jacqui Grant

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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at the time of publication and subject to change