Thoughts and options head with arrows going in different directions

Im frequently asked to provide awareness training on neurodiversity and subsequently I am often asked to provide information on brains. Which parts of the brain causes autism? What is dopamine? Where does dyslexia come from? Are dyspraxic people low in muscle tone or coordination? The need to understand the biology can be a little intense.

I find these questions hard to answer because, to be honest, there are no clear answers.

Before I did my PhD, I used to think that my confusion as to the causes of neurodivergence was because I hadnt yet read enough, or found the right tranche of research. I was sure that at some point I would find all the answers! After many years of dedicated study, however, I can report that such a tranche simply does not exist.

Since the biology of neurodiversity seems to bring forth a lot of questions, let me answer some for you.

No. There are a multitude of overlapping theories and causal chains that are most likely all accurate, just for different people. We still diagnose based on behavior that we consider different and abnormal, and all the relevant behaviors (literacy, social communication, fine motor control) are complex adaptive skills that rely on multiple brain regions. It makes perfect sense that this amount of variation cannot be easily understood with a few brain scans. It would be weird if a couple of targeted locations or isolated genes explained the variance across significant percentages within the human population.We have enough information to know that the differences are real, that they are subjectively experienced and that they cause exclusion.

Im split on this! I think all scientific enquiry can be beneficial as we benefit from learning more about how we tick. Knowledge is power after all and it certainly helps me to understand how my brain works. There could be some genuine benefits if discoveries were made.

However, if we find some specific space in the brain where spelling occurs, so what? Should we start applying neurological treatments such as TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) to seven year olds to cure them of dyslexia? This could be a dangerous path to follow. I dont like the idea that our drive to normalize could eradicate the beneficial variations as well as the difficult ones.

My work revolves around recognizing the skills and talents that come with cognitive variation, I would hate to see well intentioned research used to wipe out these valuable traits. One thing is clear, we dont know enough yet to start making these decisions.

Neuroscience is a young discipline. Were still in the process of mapping the brain. We dont know much more about human neurology than the anatomists of the 19th century knew about the lungs liver and heart when it comes to functionality.

Now is definitely not the time to start messing with brains on a permanent basis, its far too soon and potentially dangerous. Im troubled in general by the neuroscience of the workplace bandwagon that I have noticed. It is premature to be bringing neuroscience into our working lives, and too often it is being peddled by those without any training in the field whatsoever. As I have said before, it is important to check the credentials of any professionals you may work with as misinformation is both widespread and damaging.

Accept that neurodiversity is a natural part of human variation and be more inclusive. Focus on flexible workplace accommodations and technology that supports people to work at their best. Neurodivergent people often grow up being told they are lazy or difficult because people in their life have refused to accept their cognitive differences as legitimate, they need to be believed, listened to and trusted as experts on their own condition.

If I were giving an awareness talk on sight loss, or mobility, no one would be asking me about the optic nerve or the spinal cord. I would be free to talk about real life support such as the Seeing AI and JAWS software, about widening access to buildings and buffering the impact of posture fatigue. I would be making practical suggestions and talking about how to listen to what your employees need, trusting and respecting their choices.

When we challenge neurodiversity experts to explain the inner workings of the brain, it could be interpreted as needing proof that these differences exist in the first place. It questions the validity of conditions that we know are real, simply because scientists have not yet, and may never find all the answers. Inclusion in all its variety starts with looking past the labels and connecting with our fellow humans.

Excerpt from:
Are You Finding Navigating Neurodiversity Confusing? Thats Because It Is. - Forbes