DIVERGENT CORNER

I know this is difficult to do but when someone tells you that they’re on a spectrum, unless you are clinically diagnosed, resist the urge to downplay their experience by saying things like oh,“I am very forgetful, I think I’ve got ADHD as well”.

It is very easy for people to immediately assume they are autistic or have ADHD when they speak to me. It is like trying to imitate a limping child for absolutely no reason. Stop it It is almost unbelievable especially for people that have known me all my life, to accept that I am Autistic and has got ADHD. Either because they have no idea what neurodivergence is or they have only half the knowledge. I have experienced and survived the extreme consequence of what undiagnosed neurodivergence can do to people.

My desire is create much awareness about it so that people should not have to find out the hard way like I did. That is why I advocate for “know thyself”. If you have reasons to think you are autistic, you will need to see a doctor for proper assessment. Do not jump into conclusions. Do your research and if you are serious enough, go seek clarification from a specialist doctor. When you belittle our experience by claiming you are autistic or have ADHD too, without good reason, it is highly disrespectful not only to me but to every neurodivergent. Because you can’t see my struggles, doesn’t mean they aren’t real.