I just finished a book called "Neurotribes" by Steve Silberman. While the book dealt with the issue of autism/aspergers, it got me thinking a lot about the concept of neurodiversity as it applies to other non-neurotypical brains.
Other conditions often put under the non-neurotypical umbrella include autism, bipolar, dyslexic, and schizophrenic brains. This concept is outlined in a post called "Neurodiversity: some basic terms and definitions" by Nick Walker. Because non-neurotypical brains work differently. They think differently. Sometimes in a way that sucks, but sometimes in ways that don't. Which is not to say that all neurotypical brains work the same... just that there is a dominant way, a common way, for brains to operate along with an infinite number of variations across the board. This made me think about the strength of thinking about bipolar as a disability rather than a disease. When thinking about disability as a condition that puts you in some way outside the norm. A condition that makes functioning in the world as it is somewhat more challenging without changes in the environment. I don't feel that I belong in the Asperger's camp, but many of the adaptations suggested for autism-friendly events appealed to me greatly. Just as with many cases of "Universal Design," modifications that are beneficial to one specific group often prove beneficial to EVERYONE (thus the "universal). One such idea was having a quiet space set aside at conferences so that people who were overwhelmed by noise and social interaction would have a place to retreat. Where people wouldn't think it was bizarre that you needed some personal space. Another one was having color-coded badges attached to name-tags (that could be changed at will) indicating whether or not you were open to be approached.
Presumably if you didn't display a colored badge on your nametag, the standard rules of engagement applied. See... I told you that having mandatory mix and mingle activities forcing people to engage in small talk were a terrible idea and tantamount to cruel and unusual punishment! (And not just for me, apparently.) I really like the idea of putting the degree of social interaction expected of people to be put in their own hands. It seems very respectful. Not assuming that everyone does or does not wish to engage in social networking. Okay. I don't really have anything else to say at the moment so I will stop posting. Grateful Crap: anti-inflammatories (pulled my hamstring attempting to water-ski with limited success... well, I pulled the hamstring quite successfully. the water-skiing was more ambiguous.) Equatorial Actions eating sort-of well. i'm on a slowcation for the week and have been engaging in sugar going running (until pulled muscle) sleeping A LOT. I was actually kind of sad about how much sleep I've been getting. I feel like I should be DOING more. beading a little. I broke my only needle and haven't been able to get another one yet and I'm not even really panicked about this. reading time with family meds: 150mg lamotrigine Comments are closed.
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K. BuchananQuaker, teacher, parent, |