The Intersectionality of Mental Health and Neurodiversity

Both mental health and neurodiversity are concepts that have recently received much attention in the news. But how are they related, and what is the difference between the two?

The concept of mental health is one that pretty much everyone is familiar with these days and typically includes a person’s psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It shapes how they think, feel, behave, and interact with others. When a person’s mental health is less than stellar, it can make it difficult to function at home, work, school, or the community.

While there are more than 200 types of mental health disorders, anxiety and depression are some of the most common diagnoses, varying in their presentation from mild to severe.  Other conditions may include chronic psychiatric disabilities such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or substance use disorders.

Neurodiversity, on the other hand, is not a mental health condition. Judy Singer, an Australian sociologist, first coined the term in the 1990s by describing the natural difference in how our brains work. Singer captured the idea that all individuals work, think, and communicate differently. She explains that as biodiversity is essential to the stability of an ecosystem, neurodiversity is essential for cultural evolution.

The term neurodiversity includes individuals whose cognitive functions vary from what is considered “neurotypical.” Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other neurological differences are referred to as neurodivergent individuals. Research shows that around 10–20% of the population is considered neurodivergent. 

Where Neurodiversity and Mental Health Meet

Neurodevelopmental conditions influence the brain's development and affect how the brain functions. These conditions show up early in a child's life and can range from mild impairments to severe deficits. The latest research published by The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry shows that individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD and ASD, show higher rates of mental health concerns. The most common condition experienced is depression, especially in young neurodivergent people, and associated risks increase with age if their condition is not diagnosed or treated.

The higher risk of mental illness within neurodivergent individuals is typically associated with “masking.” Masking is a term that refers to certain camouflaging behaviors that a neurodivergent person may train themselves to engage in as a response to stigma and trauma so that they are more socially accepted.

Examples of masking may include:

·       Forcing oneself to maintain eye contact or use certain facial gestures while conversing

·       Suppressing stimming behavior

·       Not sharing personal interests

·       Not expressing sensory discomfort

·       Rehearsing conversations

The fear and pressure to hide one’s true and authentic behaviors are factors that neurodivergent people face, which can lead to depression and social anxiety. Research suggests that up to 73 percent of neurodivergent individuals hide their condition because they fear discrimination at work. This stigma and fear can often lead to resistance against seeking help and not being able to access the right level of support.

Self-Advocacy and the Road to Mental Wellbeing

One of the first steps to embracing well-being as a neurodiverse individual is self-advocacy—identifying your own strengths and values and allowing them to guide you to more purposeful living.

One key area of focus is executive functioning skills, which help you to problem solve, manage your emotions, remain organized with tasks and responsibilities, and set priorities to achieve your goals.

Starting early and practicing these skills intentionally through adulthood helps to mitigate the potential pitfalls of many mental health conditions, creating a sense of personal agency and resilience that you can draw upon even in times of difficulty.