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Labels - A mixed bag!
Labels have power!
They can forge beautiful connections and communities that last a lifetime and change lives - we’ve all personally experienced this here at IMUK! #Grateful
They can help us access crucial support we might have otherwise missed.
They can provide opportunities to learn, heal, and grow, which can lead to authentic self-actualisation. #Amazing
However, labels also have a dark side.
Whilst, yes they can absolutely be empowering tools for understanding and acceptance, they can also inadvertently create limitations and divisions.
Ironically, the same labels that can foster a sense of belonging and identity can also become restrictive, acting as barriers to support and understanding.
I've experienced this!
As a woman veteran and founder of the V Word, I've encountered a recurring and frustrating pattern. Upon this element of my identity being revealed, conversations often shift focus from the topic at hand, such as IMUK, to my veteran status. I'm transformed into a novelty item, expected to fulfil a specific role rather than being seen as an individual with diverse experiences and expertise. This has happened so frequently in business settings that I now find myself hesitating to mention my veteran status unless it's directly relevant to the conversation. #TrueStory #Confession
Rigidly defined categories can limit access to resources and opportunities by excluding those who don't perfectly fit the mould, a phenomenon often referred to as "gatekeeping". Or by massively oversimplifying complex individuals, reducing them to stereotypes and confining them to tiny narrow boxes.
This leads to misconceptions and discrimination.
In some cases, labels can even become a shield, allowing individuals to hide behind a diagnosis rather than embracing their full potential! I did this myself for a short while after my ADHD diagnosis.
"It's not my fault, it's my ADHD!"
We're all a unique blend of experiences and qualities, each one a part of what makes up our beautifully complex selves!
A neurodifferent label is just one aspect of who we are, like a single colour in a vibrant rainbow.
But truth is, it gets even more complicated, oh yes!
Why?
Because neurodifferences often co-occur!
Often, people aren't aware of this because it's hard to get diagnosed with more than one condition at once.
This means we don't know exactly how often these conditions happen together, but the estimates as seen below paint an interesting picture!
The image shows how often two neurodifferences co-occur.
The blue part of each circle shows the chance of having the second condition if you already have the first one (listed on the left).
The missing parts mean we don't know enough about how often these conditions occur together.
It's like trying to force a round peg into a square hole – it simply doesn't fit. And even people with the same label are individuals with unique stories and experiences. #WeAreNotAllTheSame
Every person is a universe unto themselves, and labels can only offer a limited perspective.
Let's remember to look beyond the label and celebrate the incredible diversity of human experience.
Words Are Like Weapons, They Wound Sometimes
(Thanks Cher! Love Her!)
Just like labels, the words we use to describe and talk about neurodifferences matter.
They can either empower or enslave.
The flippant way people toss them around like confetti is galling.
"I'm so ADHD!" or "I'm OCD about my pens!"
Get Real! #BoreOff
I mean, yeah, we all forget stuff or like things tidy (Just to clarify I said I like things tidy not that I am tidy!), but that doesn't make you capable of diagnosing complex neurological differences.
This casual use of language can be incredibly damaging, minimising and overshadowing of the lived experiences of those who truly grapple with them.
It's like mistaking a cold for pneumonia. Yes, both involve feeling poorly, but the implications, complexity, effects and treatments are vastly different. Similarly, while we all experience moments of forgetfulness or a penchant for order, these fleeting traits do not equate.
The reality is that many relatable moments shared on social media, like misplacing your keys or quoting songs and movies in conversations, are simply part of being human.
We all share these traits because, at our core, we share a common humanity!
Naturally, some neurodifferent traits will resonate with many people.
While social media has played a significant role in raising awareness about neurodiversity and neuroinclusion, it has also led to the oversimplification of diagnoses and superficial portrayals.
Reduced genuine disaabilities to tmere quirks or the latest fad! Somehow turning neurodifferences into a fashionable identity rather than acknowledging it as a genuine lived experience.
The misuse or trendification of neuroinclusive terminology can be incredibly harmful causing:
Misrepresentation obscures the genuine challenges faced by those within the neurodifferent community
Risks Exploitation of some vulnerable individuals
Promotes tokenism, breeding superficial neuroinclusion, in turn mask deeper systemic issues and inequities.
Undermining Identity: When neurodiversity becomes a trend, it risks reducing it to a fleeting fashion choice rather than a core aspect of someones existence!
Distribution of misinformation, more times than i dare to count and acknowledge now I have seen claims via individuals on social media that you can 'cure' ADHD with 'sweetened probiotic milk drinks'! As apparently its not neurological after all its a result of poor gut health! WHAT THE ACTUAL CHUFF!!!
Finding a Balance!
It's not all doom and gloom, like I said before getting the conversation around neuroinclusion onto the table is never a bad thing, however, there is a fine line between positive publicity and irresponsible, possibly damaging publicity so it's imperative we get it right by:
Authentic and Respectful Representation
Empowerment: Focus on empowering all individuals with a positive and genuine strengths-based approach to neuroinclusion, not through segregation, discrimination or exploitation of our inherent differences
Education: Promote not only awareness but educate to understand and take positive actionable steps towards a neuroinclusive future.
The goal has got to be to create a society where neurodiversity is celebrated as a strength, not a trend.
Hasn't it?
Don't get me wrong, I get it, of course, I do!
I'm a late diagnosed multiply neurodifferent* woman!
When that label finally arrives, providing those longed-for answers, it can feel like a lifeline...a name for the chaos within.
I've felt it myself! Years before I got my formal diagnosis and of course after too.
And if finding a label helps you figure stuff out and get the support you need, then grab it with both hands and go for it, whether its formally given or not!
You do you!
But let's be real – a label is a snapshot, a single piece of a multifaceted puzzle. It doesn't define a person's entire existence.
We are more than our labels. We are individuals with unique strengths, weaknesses,
passions, and quirks.
While acknowledging neurodiversity is crucial, it's equally important to avoid oversimplifying these complex differences or reducing individuals to their neurological variations.
With more than 8 billion people in the world with each person's experiences and mind as unique as a snowflake, we must recognise the individuality within diversity and avoid generalisations or stereotypes.
Mindful Terminology
Finally, let's talk terminology!
It can make a significant difference; diagnostic labels as mentioned often carry negative connotations like ‘deficit’ and ‘disorder,’ implying a sense of being ‘less than’ or ‘lacking.’ #Cheers #NotFun #NotEvenAccurate
A straightforward way to begin your neuroinclusion journey is by using the right terminology and neuro-affirming language.
Neuro-affirming language involves using words that shift away from the negative and disempowering notion of ‘disorder’ and the idea that neurodifferent traits need to be ‘fixed’ or ‘cured.’
Instead, it's a person-centric and strengths-based approach to others, regardless of neurological differences,
Diversity has inherent value.
Just as the loss of biodiversity harms ecosystems, reducing neurodiversity will harm our societies.
We need all kinds of people and minds to succeed globally.
Neuro-affirmative language acknowledges and accepts the reality that everyone has different abilities, thinking, perspectives, and approaches due to their unique experiences, backgrounds, and neurological differences.
It promotes much-needed authentic understanding, respect, and appreciation for neurodiversity, developing more supportive and neuroinclusive spaces for everyone.
It's also a very simple, quick, and cost-effective strategy to start you and your organisation off on your neuroinclusive journey as it is FREE to do!
Furthermore here's where you can take action!
To help you on your journey, we've created a FREE downloadable guide on neurodiversity terminology.
This guide provides clear explanations, dispelling myths and gives examples of neuroinclusive terminology.
Download your FREE Neurodiversity Terminology Guide now HERE! and empower yourself to start using the neuroinclusive terminology!
Labels or no labels, the fact is we are all neurodiverse, and we are all connected by our humanity, each deserving of equitable treatment.
Join the neuroinclusion revolution!
IMUK presents "From Neurodiversity to Neuroinclusion LIVE" on Oct 9th (10 am-3 pm) at BHF Priory Centre.
Discover the power of your workforce's unique strengths with our new 6-part series from neuroinclusion thought leaders!
Network with industry leaders & amazing guest speakers.
Gain valuable insights & info to build a thriving neuroinclusive workplace.
Free food & knowledge!
Don't settle for the status quo. Spark change!
Limited spots, REGISTER HERE! (Barnsley exclusive)
Meet Ria Jackson: SHE-EO and Cheif - Brewmaker of IMUK
Forget a closet full of clothes, Ria has a hat rack overflowing with experiences! Engineer, educator, mindset coach, NLP practitioner and coach, specialist study skills tutor for ADHD and Autism, trauma-informed practitioner, senior leader, and the list goes on!
She brings a wealth of experience, shaped by her journey as a neurodifferent woman, veteran, and Mum (her whole family is basically a full neurodiversity ad campaign in itself!)
Ria's life and career have been anything but linear!
Now, as the SHE-EO of IMUK, she brings a wealth of experiences and a unique perspective.
Sick of the same old, same old, and wanting to forge a better future for her neurodifferent daughter, Ria's here to disrupt the system!
With a background as diverse as her passions, she's on a quest to make neuroinclusion the new normal.
She believes in authenticity and leaving a positive impact, as evidenced by her closing quote:
"Always be yourself, cos everyone else is already taken!"
(Oscar Wilde, apparently).
Welcome to IMUK!
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