What is the Neuro Invisible?

For many, the concept of disability conjures images of visible impairments. But what about the disabilities we can’t see? The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) is dedicated to raising awareness of these often-overlooked conditions, including those that impact the brain. In a recent episode of IDA’s “Brain IDEAS” program, hosted by IDA Founder Wayne Connell,  expert Tim Goldstein shares his personal journey and shed light on the world of the “Neuro Invisible.”

A Personal Journey of Discovery

Tim’s story is a testament to the fact that neurodiversity can remain hidden for much of a person’s life. Diagnosed with autism at age 54, Tim spent decades navigating the world without understanding why he felt different. “Truthfully,” he admits, “I chalked it up to the world was stupid, and I wasn’t.” This perspective, while perhaps not the most charitable, was his way of making sense of his experiences before he understood the underlying reasons for his differences.

Following his diagnosis, Tim immersed himself in learning about autism, which became a “special interest”—a common characteristic among autistic individuals where they develop intense focus on a particular subject. This led him to the Autism at Work Conference, an event that connected him with leaders in the field and propelled him into a career of advocating for neurodiversity in the workplace.

Tim’s career trajectory, marked by both successes and setbacks, is a common experience for many autistic individuals. Their focused interests often lead to excellence in their work, but challenges in social interaction and communication can create difficulties in navigating workplace dynamics. As Tim explains, “Having those special interests means that you tend to really focus in on what you’re doing, which means you tend to excel at what you do. But then those social and communication things, and not really understanding the whole, you know, social interaction and pecking order in such a, particularly in larger companies, and you get in trouble and you get fired.”

Understanding the Terminology: A Shifting Landscape

The language surrounding neurodiversity is constantly evolving. Terms like “neurodivergent,” “neurodistinct,” and “neurodiversity” are often used, but their meanings can be nuanced.

• Neurodiversity: This term encompasses the natural variation in human brains and minds. It acknowledges that differences in how people think, process information, and perceive the world are normal and should be respected. It includes everyone.
• Neurotypical: This term generally refers to individuals whose neurological development and functioning are considered within the statistical “norm.” However, the definition of “norm” can vary across cultures and contexts.
• Neurodivergent/Neurodistinct: These terms refer to individuals whose neurological functioning diverges from what is considered typical. While “neurodivergent” emphasizes divergence, “neurodistinct” emphasizes the unique and valuable qualities of these differences.

Tim prefers the term “neurodistinct,” explaining, “We’re not weird, we’re not wrong, we’re not divergent, which sounds to me like a negative thing. We’re just distinct.” He highlights the importance of individual preference when choosing terminology. What matters most is understanding that these terms refer to individuals whose cognitive conditions may be considered disabilities under legal frameworks like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Neuro Invisible: More Than Just Autism

While autism played a pivotal role in the emergence of the neurodiversity movement, the “Neuro Invisible” encompasses a much broader range of conditions. These include:

• ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): Characterized by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
• Dyslexia: A learning disability that affects reading and language processing.
• Dyspraxia: A developmental coordination disorder that affects motor skills and coordination.
• Dyscalculia: A learning disability that affects mathematical abilities.

These conditions, often invisible to the outside observer, can significantly impact an individual’s life.

The Benefits of Diagnosis

Seeking a diagnosis for a Neuro Invisible condition can be transformative. For Tim, his autism diagnosis provided a framework for understanding his life experiences. Instead of attributing his challenges to the “stupidity of the world,” he gained self-awareness and a foundation for developing strategies to navigate social and professional situations.

Similarly, Tim’s wife, diagnosed with ADHD later in life, finally understood the reasons behind her own life path and challenges. A diagnosis can empower individuals to access appropriate support, whether it be medication, therapy, or simply a deeper understanding of their own unique way of thinking.

Disability vs. Disabled: A Crucial Distinction

It’s important to distinguish between “disability” and “disabled.” A disability refers to a condition that impacts some function of a person’s life. This could be anything from needing glasses to having ADHD. “Disabled,” on the other hand, implies a limitation in one’s ability to participate fully in society. As Tim explains, needing glasses is a disability, but with corrective lenses, a person is not necessarily disabled. IDA emphasizes that disabilities are a technical term, not a judgment of a person’s worth or capabilities.

Conclusion

The Neuro Invisible encompasses a diverse range of conditions that shape how individuals experience the world. By raising awareness, promoting understanding, and fostering acceptance, we can create a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their neurological differences, can thrive. The work of IDA and the insights shared by individuals like Tim Goldstein are essential steps in helping the Neuro Invisible become Invisible No More^® and “changing the way the world sees disabilities”.