{"id":20333,"date":"2024-12-16T16:22:10","date_gmt":"2024-12-16T16:22:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/?p=20333"},"modified":"2026-02-21T00:47:47","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T00:47:47","slug":"neurodiversity-is-important-to-me","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/2024\/12\/16\/neurodiversity-is-important-to-me\/","title":{"rendered":"Neurodiversity is important to me"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On December 09, 2024 at approx 10:42 PM I posted the following on Facebook:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md nfd-wb-text__text-8 wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"960\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/image-11.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/image-11.png 960w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/image-11-550x550.png 550w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/image-11-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/image-11-820x820.png 820w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/image-11-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/image-11-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/image-11-768x768.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">I share this from time to time on the socials &#8211; as a reminder to self, and maybe others will benefit, too!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-text-md wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Embracing the Season with Inner Honesty<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">As we step into a season often shaped by heightened expectations\u2014some rooted in tradition, others driven by performance or pressure\u2014we find ourselves navigating a landscape designed more by circumstance than intention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">In times like these, I\u2019m reminded of something simple yet profound: no matter how grown-up we appear on the outside, the child within us never truly leaves. We may wear the mask of adulthood, but beneath it, that same curious, hopeful, and vulnerable spirit still lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">This image speaks to that truth. It\u2019s a gentle nudge to reconnect with our inner child, especially when the world around us demands so much.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-text-md wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"\"> Be Kind, Don\u2019t be a douchebag!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fzentriathlete%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02uxnxb3k8Q3xCeXucdxXX7hp7VXf4dXNEqt3RWVGXJ7Kc5kyypgWBcApQou77V4z9l&#038;show_text=true&#038;width=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"687\" style=\"border:none;overflow:hidden\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md nfd-wb-text__text-1 wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">I shared the original post above &#8211; <em>\u201cIt\u2019s Not Too Late to Tell Your Child\u201d<\/em>\u2014a reflection on the pressures that come with holiday-centered traditions. These moments, while often well-intentioned, can lose sight of their original meaning. For many, especially those who are Neurodivergent (ND), these traditions can amplify stress, create unrealistic expectations, and lead to dysregulation\u2014not just for kids, but for their caregivers too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">I wanted to build on those thoughts and share a few affirmations and insights that have helped me better understand and support neurodivergent experiences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\"><strong>\u201cCan\u2019t, not won\u2019t.\u201d<\/strong><br>A gentle reminder that what looks like defiance may actually be a struggle with capacity, not willingness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>\u201cDifferent, not less.\u201d<\/strong><br>A powerful phrase that challenges the deficit-based lens often applied to neurodivergence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>\u201cFight or flight are just the beginning.\u201d<\/strong><br>The body\u2019s stress responses are complex, and for ND individuals, they can be more nuanced and easily triggered.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">There are countless neurotypes out there, each with its own rhythm and reality. Unfortunately, many are still misunderstood due to outdated or oversimplified stereotypes. Take the film&nbsp;<em>Rain Man<\/em>, for example\u2014it brought autism into public awareness, but it also cemented a narrow and often misleading portrayal of what autism looks like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">In my own deep dive, I stumbled upon something that truly shocked me: the&nbsp;<strong>DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)<\/strong>\u2014a cornerstone of mental health diagnosis\u2014has historical ties to&nbsp;<strong>eugenics<\/strong>. I couldn\u2019t believe it at first, but the research was well-cited and eye-opening. If you&#8217;re curious, here\u2019s the dissertation I found: ETSU Thesis on DSM and Eugenics (click the download button for the full content). I\u2019ve also saved a PDF copy in case the link ever goes stale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">As we move through this season, let\u2019s remember to hold space for the full spectrum of human experience\u2014especially the ones that don\u2019t always fit neatly into tradition. And let\u2019s keep telling our inner child (and our actual children):\u00a0<em>You are enough, just as you are.<\/em>&#8211; <a href=\"http:\/\/dc.etsu.edu\/etd\/3781\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"http:\/\/dc.etsu.edu\/etd\/3781\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">http:\/\/dc.etsu.edu\/etd\/3781\/<\/a> (then locate the download button for the content).<br><br><em><strong>Of Note &#8211;<\/strong><\/em> I also have the PDF downloaded from the original source in case this link goes stale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"nfd-text-xl nfd-text-balance wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\"><strong>Understanding Me: A Note on Neurodivergence and Dyslexia<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">First things first: I\u2019m dyslexic. That means I\u2019m also neurodivergent\u2014and I\u2019m pretty open about it. Some time ago, I came across a video that felt like it was describing\u00a0<em>me<\/em>\u00a0perfectly. It touched on things like my tendency to overuse ellipses\u2026 to leave thoughts half-finished\u2026 and to make zany, yet meaningful, cross-topic connections. It was oddly comforting to see those traits reflected back at me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">I often experience what\u2019s called&nbsp;<strong>transference<\/strong>\u2014seeing patterns and connections across seemingly unrelated topics, especially in business and systems thinking. It\u2019s a gift I both love and wrestle with. It helps me move quickly through ideas, but it can also be overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Reading, for me, has a threshold. After a certain point, it becomes difficult to process, so I appreciate having time to synthesize information at my own pace. That\u2019s one of the reasons I value remote work so much\u2014it gives me the space to work in ways that align with how my brain functions best. As an EdTech consultant, that flexibility is everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">If you&#8217;re curious to understand more about how my brain works, I invite you to watch the video I mentioned. It might help you see where I\u2019m coming from\u2014or maybe it won\u2019t. Either way, thanks for being here and for reading this far.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Stop Climbing, Start Swimming: The hidden advantages of dyslexia: Jonathan Buchanan at TEDxWarwickED\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VIIbeqMGB3o?feature=oembed\" style=\"border: none\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md nfd-wb-text__text-1 wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Neurodivergence Runs Deep in Our Family<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Second, our family is a vibrant mix of neurodivergent brilliance\u2014ADHD, Autism, and more show up in our kiddos in unique and powerful ways. Liz and I like to joke that we hit the genetic lottery here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">While parenting approaches\u2014whether gentle, authoritative, low-demand, or even trauma-informed\u2014can certainly influence how behaviors are shaped or managed, it\u2019s important to remember this:\u00a0<strong>neurodivergence is not caused by parenting.<\/strong>\u00a0The neurological and biological wiring of our kids (and adults) was set long before any parenting style ever came into play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Behavioral strategies can help support and guide, but they don\u2019t rewrite the core neurotype. Whether a child is thriving or struggling, it\u2019s not a reflection of \u201cperfect\u201d or \u201cimperfect\u201d parenting\u2014it\u2019s a reflection of how we\u2019re learning to support brains that are wired differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Kiddos and adults alike seek and crave similar basic needs :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Safety\/Security<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Validation and acknowledgement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Stability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Consistency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Emotional Support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Love<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Positive role models<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Structure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"nfd-text-xl nfd-text-balance wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\">More thoughts and Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">Recently, I created (<a href=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/pda\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/pda\/<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/pda\/)\">)<\/a>, a page for a quick reminder or explanation or introduction to and emergent profile of Autism that is important to us. it is known as Pathological Demand Avoidance. I created this to supplement the emerging resources that are found outside the USA and those within the USA. It includes dome highlights like:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-text-md nfd-wb-text__text-1 wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-max-w-prose wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c0ca7d81 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">What is pathological demand avoidance, or PDA?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Why do Humans with PDA resist doing things on demand?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Why is it important to Approach Folks Differently if they have PDA?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The 7 F-type Adrenaline responses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">A Polyvagal Chart<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-container nfd-p-md nfd-theme-white nfd-bg-surface nfd-wb-gallery__gallery-6 is-style-nfd-theme-white wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"nfd-grid nfd-grid-cols-12 nfd-grid-rows-1 wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-53642b31 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"nfd-col-start-1 nfd-col-end-7 nfd-row-start-1 wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-bottom is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:100px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20187\" style=\"aspect-ratio:2\/3;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image-2.png 1024w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image-2-550x309.png 550w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image-2-820x461.png 820w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image-2-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/image-2-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-col-start-7 nfd-col-end-13 nfd-row-start-1 wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/VideoCapture_20210913-004251-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20172\" style=\"aspect-ratio:2\/3;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/VideoCapture_20210913-004251-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/VideoCapture_20210913-004251-550x309.jpg 550w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/VideoCapture_20210913-004251-820x461.jpg 820w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/VideoCapture_20210913-004251-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/VideoCapture_20210913-004251-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/VideoCapture_20210913-004251-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/VideoCapture_20210913-004251.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nfd-col-start-4 nfd-col-end-10 nfd-row-start-1 wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/20220705_1912451-scaled-1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19271\" srcset=\"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/20220705_1912451-scaled-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/20220705_1912451-scaled-1-550x733.jpg 550w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/20220705_1912451-scaled-1-820x1093.jpg 820w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/20220705_1912451-scaled-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/20220705_1912451-scaled-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/20220705_1912451-scaled-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/20220705_1912451-scaled-1-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/20220705_1912451-scaled-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>the neurological and biological dispositions these humans with a neurodivergent neurotype was determine long before any imperfect\/perfect parenting style ever interacted with the human (modeling, gentle, authoritative, low-demand, abusive &#8211; parenting styles or trauma-induced environmental conditions).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19886,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"nf_dc_page":"","_eb_attr":"","pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","rs_blank_template":"","rs_page_bg_color":"","slide_template_v7":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[440,660,442,441,816,821],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20333","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-zentriathlete-neurodiversity","category-zt-pda","category-neurotype-adhd-asd","category-neurodiversity-vlog-podcast","category-nd-fl","category-vmnr"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20333","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20333"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20333\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24126,"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20333\/revisions\/24126"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19886"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20333"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20333"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/happyinthehills.com\/zentriathlete\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20333"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}