How To Support Neurodiverse Members
Let's start with understanding neurodiversity! Neurodiverse individuals are those with developmental disabilities like autism, ADHD, social anxiety. But, point to understand that when we say disabled, it means they are differently-abled. Just like our unique personality. We all have our own struggles but these struggles do not define who we are. It defines a phase of the challenge and struggles we facing. For some this challenging phase can be short-term while for others it may be a bit longer.
Now, let's focus on understanding some terminologies
1. Aspie: Someone who has Asperger’s syndrome, which is on the autism spectrum.
2. Autism: a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive behavior, difficulties communicating, and problems establishing and maintaining relationships.
3. Autism awareness: A movement about spreading awareness and acceptance of people on the autism spectrum.
4. Neurotypical: A person who doesn’t display atypical thought patterns or behaviors.
5. Stimming: Self-soothing, repetitive body movements which autistic people do in response to over-stimulation or emotional stress. Common ‘stims’ are rocking back-and-forth motions, hand flapping, and arm and leg rubbing.
How to Support
Here are some resources that you will find helpful to support neurodiverse members better. These resources are informative and share a lot of information that all of us (Fellow Members, Listeners, Room Supporters, Chatroom Moderators) can use. All the texts in blue are hyperlinked and clickable.1. A Guide to Autism
2. Ways to Build Relationships and Rapport
3. Supportive Phrases and Questions for Member Chatrooms!
Supporting a member with the neurodiverse challenge
I hope you may find the above resources helpful. Members with neuro-diverse challenges like autism, ADHD, social anxiety can add different perspectives and strengths into our community. Everyone has challenges. But as a community, we can show respect, patience, care, and compassion to them and each other. Compassion goes a long way. Let's be kind to our fellow neurodiverse members.
Please do share if you have more resources, tips to support them better in the comments of this post. We will continue to strive to offer support and learn how to support each other better and together.
Resources Credits: @gracey @sunshinegiraffe123 @Fristo
@ASilentObserver
Such a wonderful post! Thank you for helping educate the communtiy on this lovely topic!
Thank you also for the resources added: @gracey @sunshinegiraffe123 @Fristo
@xoBeebosBubsxo
Your welcome. Thanks for reading.
Tagging @Artalistens
@ASilentObserver
A wonderful post and a beautiful lesson ❤💕
Wow this was an amazing and very educational post! Thank you for taking time to discuss this!!
XX
-🧜♀️
@calmingMermaid5761
I was gonna tag you but i forogt your numbers 🥺
Aww that’s okay! Thank you for thinking of me :’) 🥰
I had ADHD as a child (and I suspect I still have some symptoms as an adult), but I've never used the term 'neurodivergent' to refer to myself because I just don't like it. I know other people do, but to me using that term makes me feel more separated from others, like thinking a bit differently is considered 'wrong' somehow...
Just some thoughts. Really like the post! :)
@cafedaydreams
Would you rather it be described as an exceptionality?
@sunshinegiraffe123
Hmm I'm not real sure. Exceptionality. Perhaps. I just know that the 'neurodivergent' term usually carries negative connotations where Im from, even though it's generally accepted by many these days.
I just don't personally consider my thinking skills all that much different from others? Sure my mind gets muddled and it takes me a little longer to focus, but I don't consider it a big enough deal to call it a whole other term.
I'm only speaking for myself of course. I know it's not the same for others.
@cafedaydreams
Theres a good thread in support plus about something similar to what your saying although I forget exactly where. It mentions that some view things as helpful and others don't.
have you joined support plus ?
@sunshinegiraffe123
I haven't but I'll definitely check it out. Thanks! :)
@cafedaydreams
Yiure welcome . This and that community as well as disiability support go hand in hand.
@ASilentObserver
thank u for making me aware of this
@sunshinegiraffe123 💛🧡❤️💚💙💜
Thank you for this post! It's really educational and the resources are going to be super helpful :) .
@sunshinegiraffe123
from one neurodivergent to another
🙂 allie I am so proud of you I'm gonna start cry happy tears😄
*hugs allie*
and thank you to everyone behind the scenes. As an autistic person myself I thank you's for writing this🙂
@emotionalTalker2260
**hugs**
Is social anxiety classified as a "devekopmental disability"? I realize of course that infividuals on the Autism Spectrum have challenges socialilzing with others secondary to their Autism, but I understood social anxiety to be a separate issue. Not all those who stuggle socially do so because of Autism.
@ASilentObserver thank you for the post!
Scrolling below, @jovialButterfly6752 has made some interesting points and facts to be taken into consideration.
*trigger warning: racism*
I'd also like to add that Asperger's syndrome is no longer a diagnosis in the DSM-5. While the people who use the term for themselves or their diagnosis are to be respected no matter what, I'd like to mention that the term has a racist and ableist history which I think people should know about.
Here's an article about the same.
Diagnosis/assessment 
Another thing xD (sorry!)
Everyone stims, not just autistic folks. It's just more noticeable in them. You can refer to a good post about it here!
@ASilentObserver thanks for the acknowledgement and help spread awareness Obs 💜
Well done sunshine, you did it @sunshinegirrafe123 🤗 and for additional information about ADHD @jovialButterfly6752 🤗🧡
