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A thought I had this morning about neurodivergence and the modern world - opinions appreciated!

Loz

I hope this comes across the right way - I’m asking this out of curiosity and reflection, not to minimise anyone’s struggles.

I was thinking this morning about how the world today isn’t very accessible for a lot of people, especially those of us who are neurodivergent. The pace, noise, pressure, constant changes… it all feels designed for a certain type of brain, the "neurotypical" brain.

It made me wonder:

If we lived in a much earlier, slower world — before all the hustle and bustle — would traits linked to ASD or ADHD actually have been less of a difficulty? Or maybe even strengths?

I’m not questioning whether the struggles are real (they absolutely are). I’m more thinking about how different environments can either support or clash with certain traits, and how our modern world often makes things harder than they need to be.

I’d love to hear other people’s thoughts on this idea and I hope I am clear in expressing myself.

Parents

  • I have this thought all the time! When I find something impossible to navigate and try to break it down I can't help but notice that 1) the difficult bits are all entirely manmade and 2) they are often things invented in the last century

    Then I think of all the things that exist now that actually help me cope with the world. I'm grateful for these and they make me somewhat functional. But would I even need them if society hadn't made life so complicated?

    At this point I usually grab my dog's lead and head into the hills. If it wasn't for the need of basics like shelter, clean clothing and food, I'd probably not keep coming back

  • in reply to Monkeyclogs

    You could say if it weren't for modern life you wouldn't be able to function on your own.

    Which raises the question:

    Since we have made it possible,  is it answering a need or is it all dysfunctional?

    Is this isolation what we want because it is easier, or just a seductive poison, like too much sugar? You know it's bad but you can't stop?

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  • in reply to Monkeyclogs

    You could say if it weren't for modern life you wouldn't be able to function on your own.

    Which raises the question:

    Since we have made it possible,  is it answering a need or is it all dysfunctional?

    Is this isolation what we want because it is easier, or just a seductive poison, like too much sugar? You know it's bad but you can't stop?

Children
  • in reply to Stuart333

    reminds me of something  which please excuse my joining in to share.

    My lovely sister is type 1 diabetic - at xmas she picks a chocolate from the tub - mentally goes "hmm yes that I remember to be lovely" then puts it back... She's the last of her cohort of people of her age locally who is still alive.  for a good reason I suspect :-)