Our brains are unique and multidimensional and some of us innately have aspects of our functioning that differ greatly from average. This necessitates some unconventional adaptations that can be incomprehensible and upsetting to parents and schools. We will talk about people with autism, attention issues and learning difficulties. Some folks acquire neurodivergence through physical brain trauma, and are faced with a new, unfamiliar experience of how it feels to be themselves.
We will explain the brain circuits involved in the different types of neurodivergence (ND), examine their evolutionary purpose, and how it feels to have those networks function both in the average range, as well as way above or below. Then we’ll see how these highs and lows, and the the environmental responses to them, impact the limbic system, causing strong reactions of fear, pain and thus anger, and how the whole nervous system must react to compensate. We will also illustrate the neuro-chemical disruptions following brain trauma and how this is subjectively experienced and reacted to.
The essence of psychoanalytic work is understanding the inner world of the other, so using the voices of ND folks, we will describe their experiences and behaviors, not as troublesome symptoms to be gotten rid of, but rather as adaptive response to relatable states of mind. When we listen and explore what we see and hear, it turns out that the seemingly strangest behavior and speech have a specific purpose: either to improve brain functioning in the moment or to communicate with others. And when we learn the person’s ‘language’, we can relate in ways that are supportive, helpful and healing.
ND people live in social systems, which may or may not provide a favorable environment. In order to help them we have to know how to join in with the family or school, and facilitate empathy and understanding. We will talk about the most effective ways to resolve resistances to differences and to create a positive learning experience for all concerned.
The ever plastic brain also grows from being exercised through movement, games and other neurologically challenging activities, that add helpful wiring and connections. Struggling nervous systems also benefit from nutrients and substances such as oxytocin and cannabinoids that help with inflammation, cellular support, clean up and repair, neurotransmitter balancing, and the overactive stress response.