Neurodiversity and Disability – Lee Wong Counselling

Neurodiversity and Disability

Neurodiversity

The range of difference in individual brain function and behavioural traits. It can include:

Psychological or neurological disabilities
Mental health disorders
Different thought-to-execution pathways such as left-handed coordination or dysphasia
Different stimulus-to-thought pathways such as dyslexia or auditory processing difficulty
Acquired brain injuries

It is estimated that approximately 15-20% of Australians experience Neurodivergence.

People who are neurodivergent and learn that it means they’re different — not sick or defective — are more likely to be happier and aim higher in their careers than those who stigmatise it.

(Table 1. Some positive attributes often associated with various Neurodiversities)

It can be a combination of traits that are seen as both strengths and challenges.

Many neurodiverse groups can display common positive characteristics. (See Table 1)

Often times society, and people with symptoms themselves, can fear negative stigmas.

Diagnoses and labels can often result in emotional conflicts within us, such as:

Shame and disappointment
Sense of loss or desiring to be Neurotypical
Feeling validated in our experiences and challenges
Relief, being able to understand what influences some of our behaviours/thoughts
Fear or confidence about handling the future

Disability

A physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, sense, or activities.

Australia’s Disability Discrimination Act lists 8 types: physical disability, intellectual disability, sensory disability, neurological disability, learning disability, immunological disability; mental illness and physical disfigurement.

According to the most recent released statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2018 more than 1 in 6 Australians identify with having Disabilities.

It’s important to remember that we’re all much more than a label!

Neurodiversity and Disability is another part of our unique identity.

(Image copyright of Lee Wong.)

It’s beneficial to recognise and respect that we all may see and experience the world differently – it does not make someone wrong or incorrect to see things from a different lens – just different.

Practicing empathy towards ourselves and each other can help break down barriers that people with disabilities and neurodivergence face on a daily basis.

We can learn to empower ourselves by recognising problem solving skills we have had to implement. We can recognise how easy it is to take things for granted, and make the most of them instead. We can learn to thrive through constructive thought, not just survive.

If you want to learn how to challenge some of the stigmas against neurodiversity and disability, or if you want to explore how to embrace and empower yourself, you can contact me.

Acknowledgement of Country

Lee Wong acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and connect from, and recognise their continuing connection to Country. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Business Hours

Mon – Thu: 10am – 6pm

Fri – Sun: Closed