Learning to Appreciate the Mind Not Forcing It to Conform

In collaboration of

International Science Partnerships Fund supported by British Council

Anglia Ruskin University

Sampoerna University

The Open University

Dyslexia

Misconception

Myth 2

Myth 3

Myth 4

Myth 5

“Neurodivergent people lack empathy.”

Myth 6

“Only boys are neurodivergent.”

Truth: Girls/women are underdiagnosed due to masking (copying social behaviors) or stereotypes (e.g., ADHD in girls labeled as "daydreaming")

Myth 7

“Neurodivergent people can’t succeed in school or careers.”

Truth: With accommodations (e.g., flexible deadlines, quiet workspaces), they excel. Many innovators (Daniel Radcliffe, Temple Grandin) are neurodivergent.

Myth 8

“Stimming (e.g., rocking, hand-flapping) is bad behavior.”

Truth: Stimming regulates emotions and sensory input. Suppressing it can cause distress.

Myth 9

“They don’t want friends—they prefer to be alone.”

Truth: Many crave connection but struggle with social norms. Inclusive environments help them build relationships.

Takeaways

Is neurodiversity a disability? No, it is not a disability. Rather, it represents the unique cognitive process on how a person understanding their world.

Here are some suggestions of what we should do regarding neurodiversity:

Best Practices for Success

To ensure the best results and a smooth workflow, we recommend following these established guidelines. They are designed to improve clarity, efficiency, and the overall quality of the final outcome.




  1. Always start with a clear and concise plan.
  2. Maintain consistent communication with all stakeholders.
  3. Document every step of the process for future reference.
  4. Regularly test and iterate on your work.
  5. Prioritize accessibility and user experience in all designs.
  6. Seek feedback early and often to avoid major revisions later.