The concept of normal is ruined by its very nature.
At least, this is the case when discussing humankind.
As humans, we are designed to have variation- it is normal for us to not be normal.
It is important then to define normal, not as something healthy or as a criteria, but to simply acknowledge that it is a statistical average of a population.
Martin Freeman for example, is considered short in Britain, but would be taller than ‘normal’ height in India.
Unravelling the concept of normal allows us to understand neurodiversity more freely.
Neurodiversity is a term which describes variation in the human brain.
None of us have a normal brain- we all exist somewhere on the distribution curve of neurodiversity.
The concept of neurodiversity includes all of these variations, and frames none of them as better or worse than the other.
Most people think in similar ways and the development of their skills and challenges are affected by similar factors, therefore they are called neurotypical.
Some people are neurodivergent.
That means that their cognitive function tends to lie on the left or right of the bell curve.
Forms of neurodivergence include: Autism, ADHD, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Epilepsy and Tourette’s Syndrome as well as many others.
Neurodivergent people may learn in different ways from neurotypical people and from each other.
It's important to recognize that neurodivergent people may need accommodations or support.
For example, some people may find it easier to learn whilst moving whilst others may struggle with coordination, some people find that they can remember every detail whilst others find it difficult to focus, but their intelligence and work skills are not any less than those of neurotypical people.
Neurodivergent people, like neurotypical people, experience both advantages and challenges due to their cognitive function.
As a society, we have built our infrastructure, like in many other cases, with the majority in mind, and failed to take account of minority groups, creating unnecessary hurdles which we must strive to fix.
Accessibility is key to a fairer community.
The establishment of neurodiversity initiatives in work places and schools allow people to live life to its fullest.
One example of this is how retail organisations are now encouraged to provide training for workers to support the needs of neurodivergent shoppers.
The introduction of more sensory-friendly ‘quiet hours’ in some supermarkets has been a step forward in being more inclusive of autistic consumers.
But what can you do?
With the increasing interconnectedness of today’s world, we have the potential to be more empathetic to each other than ever before.
Embracing difference through understanding paves the way to a more inclusive and content future.
So ask questions, explore, be curious but be respectful and you too will be part of the change.
Back to the question though.
Are you normal?
Nobody is!
But perhaps change starts by embracing yourself first.
