The Curious Case of the Self-Proclaimed Neurotypical
A Thought Exercise in a Reverse Look at Self-Diagnosis
As I sip my morning coffee, I can’t help but ponder the curious case of the self-proclaimed neurotypical. In a world where people spend countless hours poring over articles, forums, and scientific studies, even dabbling in experimentation to understand their true selves, we rarely hear about those who just throw up their hands and announce, “I’m neurotypical!” with no self-reflection, research, professional therapy or reason. It’s a thought almost as perplexing as the world is complex. As humans, we are still hardwired from our early days to find and seek those like us, and attempt to change those not like us or label and categorize them in some way. Yet, in the midst of our constant quest for belonging and understanding, we seem to have forgotten a simple, yet profound concept: the beauty of embracing our individuality and the intricate tapestry of human diversity.
Allow me to paint you a picture: a person wakes up one day, feeling pretty good about themselves. They stretch their arms, yawn, and then, with a sudden burst of inspiration, announce, “I’m neurotypical!” to the world. There’s no scientific backing, no late-night research sessions, no consultations with professionals — just a gut feeling that they’re “normal.” Now, isn’t that a strange phenomenon?
We live in a world that revolves around labels. We crave understanding, and in our quest for self-awareness, we often find comfort in attaching a diagnosis or a label to our traits and behaviors. We like to think that knowing what box we fit into will help us navigate the complexities of life.
But what if the concept of being “neurotypical” is just as correct or flawed as any other label we impose upon ourselves? After all, isn’t the brain a complex organ, full of mysteries that even the most studied and intelligent scientists struggle to understand? It’s an intricate network of synapses and neurotransmitters, constantly evolving and adapting to our experiences. In fact, it’s nearly impossible to find a single human being who doesn’t have at least one quirk or idiosyncrasy — something that sets them apart from the mythical “average” person.
Yet, we have these self-proclaimed neurotypicals walking around, somehow managing to exist in a world that’s filled with unique, intricate minds. It’s almost as if they’re saying, “Look at me! I’m so normal, I don’t even need to think about it!” But, one must consider, is there really such a thing as a completely “normal” mind? If normal is simply considered the average of a set of samples, then who set up the sample cases? What biases were inherent in the experiment? Who ran it, and what was their agenda?
In our quest to define what’s normal and abnormal, we often overlook the fact that these terms are highly subjective. They’re shaped by cultural, societal, and historical contexts, and are influenced by the perspectives of those who hold power and authority. In reality, the concept of a “normal” mind is just a construct, created to establish a baseline against which we can measure our own experiences and those of others. Yet, this baseline is constantly shifting, as our understanding of the human mind expands and evolves.
The danger in clinging to the notion of “normal” is that it can lead us to oversimplify the complexities of human behavior and mental health. We may end up ignoring or dismissing the experiences of those who don’t fit neatly into our preconceived categories, and we may inadvertently stigmatize those who deviate from the norm. In doing so, we risk perpetuating a culture that prioritizes conformity over curiosity, understanding and acceptance.
Instead of striving to identify the “normal” mind, perhaps we should be embracing the beautiful diversity of human neurology. Each person’s brain is a unique masterpiece, shaped by a myriad of genetic, environmental, and experiential factors. Recognizing and celebrating this diversity can help us cultivate empathy, promote mental health, and foster a society that is more inclusive and understanding of our shared human experience.
Ah, but of course, these self-proclaimed neurotypicals don’t need to worry about such trivial matters. They’re perfectly content basking in the glow of their self-assured normalcy. I mean, why bother with self-discovery when you can just declare yourself the epitome of mental health and well-being? It’s so much simpler that way.
As we pause for a moment and consider the intricacies of the human mind, a more empathic and complex solution emerges. We all have our unique ways of processing the world around us, and what works for one person might be completely foreign to another. While labels can indeed help us find community and shared experiences, they are not without a tradeoff, and we must wield them carefully to ensure a net benefit. By acknowledging the limitations of labels and embracing the vast spectrum of human neurodiversity, we can cultivate a society that values understanding, empathy, and acceptance, fostering a world where everyone can flourish, regardless of the peculiarities of their mind.