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Neurodivergent: think different.

(10 minute read.)

'Neuro... what? No I'd never heard of it either.'

Purely as a guide… I include some outline info on Asperger's, ADHD, OCD, and OCPD… simplified to just the symptoms and characteristics which apply to me, and are relevant to my commercial abilities and activities.

Although these conditions can be a genuinely serious impairment, they're often on the mild end of the autism spectrum.

Some characteristics are common to all conditions, and some people may experience only a few characteristics, while others will have several.

Those with such conditions are often of above average intelligence, but likely experience challenges in some areas of their lives.

Asperger's.

Characteristics include:

• Self-motivated, independent learners.
• Ability to absorb and retain large amounts of information.
• Overactive imagination, often daydream.
• Attention to detail.
• Aptitude for recognizing patterns—connections that others miss.
• Superior problem-solving ability.
• Propensity to think outside the box and generate novel solutions to problems.
• Distinctive strengths—particularly good at some things.
• Strong verbal skills; rich vocabulary.
• Direct, speak their mind.
• Difficulty with conversation—may appear to be insensitive to what others are saying; tendency to interrupt and 'hijack' a conversation, and diverge onto unrelated tangents.
• Remarkable focus and persistence, not easily swayed by others’ opinions. Persevere in the face of rejection, confusion or frustration.
• Restricted interests. Disinterest in some activities that appeal to neurotypical people.
• Desire for sameness. Don't like change.
• Hypersensitivities (to lights, sounds, smells, tastes, etcetera).
• Anxiety and depression.
• Difficulty with social interactions.
• Prefer solitary rather than team activities.
• Difficulty making or maintaining close friendships.
• Open-minded, sincere, tolerant, honest, fair and just—even if not in one’s self-interest.
• Trusting, believe the best of others (sometimes naively).
• Strong sense of social justice—advocate for the underdog, victims of bullying or member of an oppressed group.

ADHD.

Behavior traits include:

• Easily distracted and forgetful.
• Difficulty concentrating, focusing or paying attention to details—and, conversely, ability to hyperfocus.
• Difficulty following instructions and finishing things.
• Not listening to directions; understanding but breaking rules.
• Overactive imagination, often daydream.
• Impatience.
• Difficulty following social rules, and understanding social cues or norms.
• High impulsivity.
• Likely to take risks.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Passion, resilience, tenacity.
• High energy.
• Excellent multi-tasking abilities.

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