Neurodivergence, or neurodiversity, is a concept that recognizes and embraces the natural variation in human neurological functioning.  Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in different ways; there is no one “right” way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits. 

Neurodiversity acknowledges that individuals have diverse neurological traits, cognitive styles, and ways of processing information.  For example, people who are diagnosed with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity, learning disabilities, obsessive-compulsive, dysgraphia and dyspraxia, or Tourette’s syndrome, are all under the neurodivergent umbrella.  To view a 2 minute video on neurodiversity click here.

The bottom line is that there are many ways of processing information and some individuals have a diverse cognitive style. Conflicting coping strategies, sensory and processing differences (like social cues and emotional expression), diverse interpretations of interactions or feedback, are just a few differences someone with neurodiversity may experience. For mentors, being aware and practicing mindfulness is the key to nurturing a positive relationship, not only with a mentee who may be neurodivergent, but with all mentees. This includes:

• Accepting that your mentee may not have a similar communication style.  For example, they avoid direct eye contact, can’t seem to stay on topic, or perhaps only want to talk about just one topic all the time.
• Creating a shared plan for how you spend your time together.  Perhaps having a verbal, face to face conversation is too stressful for your mentee.  They may instead feel more comfortable engaging in an activity in tandem with you, without talking, like drawing or building with Legos.
• Validating your mentee by letting them know you see them and appreciate them.  
• Encouraging them to ask questions and provide thoughtful responses.
• Checking in with them frequently to make sure the “picture of mentoring” in your head matches that of your mentee.  

Regardless of a diagnosis, Seedling mentors must always mentor their mentee with respect, curiosity, patience and understanding.  A huge thank you to Bridget Spear ATR-BC, LPC/S, therapist at Community Arts in Austin, Texas, for sharing her expertise with participants at our Neurodiversity Training.  Review the slides from her presentation here.

Source- https://www.aaha.org/newstat/publications/so-whats-this-neurodiversity-thing-anyway