Being neurodivergent is not my superpower
There is a huge trend on social media platforms about how autism/adhd is their superpower, but in fact superpowers do not exist apart from in cartoons and magazines. If I had a super power I would be able to talk to animals. I would happily be the next Dr Dolittle.
Strengths and Abilities
Being neurodivergent has given me more strengths and abilities that I would have had if I was neurotypical. Also when we are able to complete a task or even start one. We get more of a sense of achievement from it. We are all individual unique people. As I am dyslexic I am really great at puzzles and seeing patterns and as I am autistic I am really good at being organised and use my hyperfocus to my advantage, but I have really terrible short term memory problems.
Pros and Cons
I understand why people use the term ‘superpower’ as it makes their traits/being neurodivergent more positive. Also it is used more with younger neurodivergent children so they have a positive outlook on who they are and have a better understanding. But being neurodivergent can also be seen as negative like always running late, losing things and even forgetting important information. This is why many neurodivergent calls themselves as disabled.
Not for me
For me using ‘superpowers’ belittles us as if we are a mythical creature that exists in a make believe world. Also it makes us separate/isolated from neurotypicals. We are still human, but our brains work differently to what is classed as ‘normal’. Before I was diagnosed autistic 5 years ago I used to use terms like ‘superpowers’ as I wanted my offspring to know they are unique and to have a better understanding of what they can do, but as I learn more about myself and them, using ‘superpowers’ didn’t fit anymore. I have noticed it is mostly used by neurotypicals and professionals or ‘influencers’ on social media.
Leave a Reply