神经多样性并不新鲜，但近年来，对它的认识已经获得了主流的关注. In 1998, 澳大利亚社会学家朱迪·辛格创造了“神经多样性”一词，承认每个人的大脑发育都是独一无二的. 神经多样性是指人类大脑和认知功能的多样性, such as thinking, learning and behaving.

你或你周围的人很有可能是神经分化者——即使你没有意识到这一点. In fact, it’s estimated 全球人口的15%-20%被认为是神经分化者. This article explains neurodiversity, neurodivergent conditions, strengths and challenges of neurodivergence, and tips for fostering a neurodiverse environment.

What Is Neurodiversity?

神经多样性的概念是，大脑功能的差异是人们体验世界和与世界互动方式的变化，而不是缺陷. 表现出这种变异的人被认为是“神经分化者”.“越来越多的人认识到，神经分化的人并不是残疾，而是能力不同.

Since there isn’t a “normal” way for a brain to work or function, the larger population is said to be “neurotypical.”

Forms of Neurodivergence

神经分化通常被用作涵盖几种情况的总括性术语, including the following:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder (autism)
• Down syndrome
• Dyscalculia (difficulty with math)
• Dysgraphia (difficulty with writing)
• Dyslexia (difficulty with reading)
• Dyspraxia (difficulty with coordination)
• 精神健康状况，包括双相情感障碍和强迫症
• Sensory processing disorders
• Tourette syndrome

In the neurodiversity movement, 神经差异通常被认为是一种类似于种族或性别差异的社会类别.

Challenges Facing People Who Are Neurodivergent 

 神经分化者的大脑工作方式不同. First and foremost, neurodivergence is generally nonvisible. That’s a significant hurdle, 就像看一个神经发散的人不会让你知道他们是神经发散的. 这使得许多具有神经发散性的人不得不披露他们的特殊需求，以最好地完成工作或被社会接受.

Additionally, 有些神经发散型的人挣扎是因为系统或过程会带来新的挑战，或者不允许他们展示自己的优势. For example, they may have challenges fitting in socially, behaving in expected ways or easily adjusting to change. Some common and challenging symptoms of neurodivergence include:

• Atypical physical behaviors (e.g., expressing tics and shouting at unexpected times)
• Atypical responses to sensory input (e.g., sensitivity to light, sound, heat, cold or crowds)
• Inflexibility or inability to adapt or change
• Learning challenges (e.g., difficulty focusing or reading)
• Social communication difficulties
• Speech and language challenges
• Fresh, unique perspectives
• Exceptional focus and concentration
• 解决问题的能力，支持创新和创造性思维
• Strong observational skills and keen attention to detail
• Practice awareness. Understanding neurodiversity is the first step. Take it upon yourself to learn more about neurodivergent features, their specific strengths and challenges, and how to reduce the associated stigma.
• Listen. 具有神经发散特征的人可能会感到被误解或被忽视. Let others know you hear them and respect their ideas and choices.
• Respect individual differences. 抛开神经差异不谈，每个人都有不同的学习或工作方式. Everyone thinks, processes information and learns differently, so respect those differences and leverage individuals’ strengths. Communicate clearly. 如果沟通不够具体或清晰，就有可能出现错误. To reduce potential confusion, 确保沟通是具体的，并包括行动，以便收件人理解要求或任务. 例如，在工作场所，询问你的队友或直接下属他们的沟通方式 

这些症状只是简单的例子，因为具体的挑战取决于个人的神经分化形式.

In general, society is often tailored for neurotypical minds. As a result, neurodivergence can often be misunderstood, 让神经发散型的人觉得有必要在神经正常的社会中伪装, situations and organizations. 这种复杂的行为被称为掩蔽，可以是故意的，也可以是下意识的. 掩饰的一个最重要的问题是，它会造成很多疲惫和压力，并增加倦怠的风险.

Masking differs between individuals, 但这种行为通常是由难以接近的环境或适应的需要引发的, avoid judgment and have a sense of belonging. 最终，伪装和无法真实会对心理健康产生严重影响.

Strengths of People Who Are Neurodivergent

因为神经发散型的人在认知上与正常型的人不同, they can bring unique strengths to situations or environments. Furthermore, 神经发散型的人通常可以建立神经正常的人可能无法建立的联系.

考虑一下神经发散者的以下一般但强大的技能和才能:

While people who are neurodivergent tend to excel in those areas, it’s vital to remember that every person is different. 当这些人得到适当的信任和支持时，他们的优势就有机会发挥出来.

Fostering Neurodiversity

你和每个人都可以通过多种方式挑战或影响文化规范，为神经分化友好型环境做出贡献. Consider these tips for fostering neurodiversity:

• Practice awareness. Understanding neurodiversity is the first step. Take it upon yourself to learn more about neurodivergent features, their specific strengths and challenges, and how to reduce the associated stigma.
• Listen. 具有神经发散特征的人可能会感到被误解或被忽视. Let others know you hear them and respect their ideas and choices.
• Respect individual differences. 抛开神经差异不谈，每个人都有不同的学习或工作方式. Everyone thinks, processes information and learns differently, so respect those differences and leverage individuals’ strengths. Communicate clearly. 如果沟通不够具体或清晰，就有可能出现错误. To reduce potential confusion, 确保沟通是具体的，并包括行动，以便收件人理解要求或任务. 例如，在工作场所，询问你的队友或直接下属他们的沟通方式 preferences are. 请记住，尊重神经多样性可能也意味着尊重非语言选择.
• Avoid value-based labels. 像“低功能”和“高功能”这样的术语通常用于神经发散性疾病, such as autism. Avoid using those terms, 因为他们假设一个人的功能水平是基于典型的神经功能.

Summary

神经发散型的人可能会花大量的时间来适应他们的环境或管理他们的社会印象. While neurodiversity has its strengths, it also comes with challenges individuals may need to navigate.

理解和接受人类神经多样性是很重要的，这样每个人都能过上最真实的生活，而不会觉得他们需要在某些环境中调整自己的行为或其他特征. 归根结底，就是要尊重他人，接受他们本来的样子.

本文仅供参考，不作为医学建议. For further information, please consult a medical professional. © 2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.