Neurodiversity in India
Neurodiversity in India
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human neurological development. This concept recognizes that differences in the way individuals process information and perceive the world around them can be a strength, rather than a deficit. It recognises and accepts that neurodiverse people's brains work differently than a neurotypical's brain. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the importance of neurodiversity in children, and the need to support and celebrate the diversity of all children's neurological experiences. An neurodiverse individual is also called neurodivergent.
Neurodiversity in Children
Neurodiversity in children can manifest in a variety of ways, and can include conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and Tourette's syndrome, among others. These conditions are not deficits or disorders, even though their name implies it, but rather represent different ways of experiencing and processing the world. For example, an autistic child may experience sensory input in a different way than a neuro-typical child, which can lead to differences in behaviour and communication. A child with ADHD may have difficulty focusing on tasks that are not engaging or stimulating, but may excel at tasks that require quick thinking and problem solving.
To best support and understand neurodivergent individuals, we must understand their brain works differently. It is key to identify their strengths and use them to build on further skills. For an example of embracing neurodiversity at a journalist's office, identify the autistic person's strength - let's say it is to work with numbers and he is good at using computers. Then use that strength and assign him tasks that involve complex numbers like data cleaning and data analysis of the previous century's criminal reports.
It's important to note that the concept of neurodiversity is not limited to diagnosed conditions or disabilities. People whose profiles have neurological experiences, and may process information and perceive the world in different ways. For example, some children may have a natural aptitude for music, while others may struggle with auditory processing. Some children may excel at visual-spatial tasks, while others may have difficulty with spatial awareness.
Identifying Neurodiversity vs Neurotypical since Childhood
Are you reading this blog because you suspect your child or a child you know could be neurodiverse and are unsure which signs to look out for?
Here you go.
We have laid out the top 5 most common neurodiverse conditions reported in India, their prevalence and the signs to look out for. While there is limited data available on the prevalence of neurodiverse conditions in India, here are the three most common conditions that are known to affect Indians:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. According to the Indian Journal of Pediatrics, the prevalence of ASD in India is estimated to be around 1-2%.
Delayed Speech: Autistic people may be slow to develop language skills. They may not speak at all or have limited vocabulary, and may have difficulty communicating their needs or feelings.
Lack of Eye Contact: Autistics people may avoid making eye contact or have difficulty interpreting facial expressions and social cues. Note, forcing them to engage in eye contact will not help, it may even be painful to make eye contact for some individuals.
Repetitive Behaviors: Autistic kids may engage in repetitive behaviors, such as flapping their hands, rocking back and forth, or repeating words or phrases. Note, stopping them from doing this will not help, they could be doing this for various reasons- releasing stress, gaining sensory input or for gaining control and alleviating anxiety stemming from uncertainty in non-repetitive actions.
Difficulty with Social Interaction: Autistic children may struggle with social interactions and have difficulty making friends or playing with other children. They may also have difficulty understanding social cues and nonverbal communication.
Sensory Sensitivities: Children with autism may have hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to certain sensory stimuli, such as sounds, smells, or textures. Listen to your child's cues for which of the environmental elements cause distress or pain to them.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: This is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. While data is limited, it is believed that the prevalence of ADHD in India is similar to that in other countries, with estimates ranging from 3-7%.
Inattention: Children have difficulty paying attention and may be easily distracted, forgetful, or prone to daydreaming.
Hyperactivity: Children may have excessive energy and may be restless or fidgety. They may also have difficulty sitting still or waiting their turn.
Impulsivity: Children may act without thinking and may have difficulty controlling their impulses. This can lead to impulsive behavior, such as interrupting others or acting out in social situations.
Lack of Organization: Children may have difficulty with organization and planning. They may struggle to complete tasks or assignments, or have difficulty keeping track of their belongings.
Difficulty with Social Interaction: Children may struggle with social interactions and have difficulty making friends or understanding social cues. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions, which can lead to impulsive or aggressive behavior.
Dyslexia: Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects reading, writing, and language skills. It is estimated that dyslexia affects 5-10% of children in India. Here are some signs to look out for in dyslexic children:
Delayed Speech: Children with dyslexia may have difficulty with language development and may be slow to learn how to speak. They may also have difficulty with phonemic awareness, which is the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in words.
Difficulty with Reading: Children with dyslexia may have difficulty learning to read, and may struggle with decoding words, recognizing sight words, and reading fluently. They may also have difficulty with reading comprehension and may struggle to understand what they have read.
Spelling Difficulties: Children with dyslexia may have difficulty with spelling and may make frequent spelling errors. They may also have difficulty with written expression and may struggle to organize their thoughts and ideas.
Avoiding Reading: Children with dyslexia may avoid reading activities and may have negative attitudes towards reading. They may also avoid writing activities and may have difficulty with written expression.
Difficulty with Sequencing: Children with dyslexia may have difficulty with sequencing, which can affect their ability to follow instructions, remember steps, and organize their thoughts.
Difficulty with Rhyming: Children with dyslexia may have difficulty with rhyming, which is an important phonemic awareness skill that is necessary for reading and writing.
Poor Handwriting: Children with dyslexia may have poor handwriting and may struggle with fine motor skills. They may also have difficulty with spatial awareness, which can affect their ability to write letters and words.
If you suspect that your child may be autistic, it's important to speak with your child's pediatrician or a specialist in child development. An early diagnosis can help ensure that your child receives the support and resources they need to thrive. There are a variety of treatments and interventions available, including behavioral therapies, medication, and educational supports, that can help children with autism and ADHD reach their full potential.
Supporting Neurodiversity in Children at Home
Recognizing and supporting neurodiversity in children is critical for promoting their well-being and success. Here are some ways that parents and caregivers can support neurodiverse children:
Create a Positive and Inclusive Environment: Children should be celebrated for their strengths and differences, rather than stigmatized or ostracized for them. Parents and caregivers can help create a positive and inclusive environment by encouraging empathy, kindness, and acceptance.
Provide Accommodations and Support: Children with neurodiverse profiles may benefit from accommodations and support to help them thrive. This may include things like assistive technology, sensory supports, or extra time to complete tasks.
Advocate for Inclusive Education: Inclusive education that supports the needs of all children, regardless of their neurological profile, is critical for promoting neurodiversity in children. This may involve advocating for accommodations or modifications to the classroom environment or curriculum.
Encourage Self-Advocacy: Children with neurodiverse profiles should be empowered to advocate for themselves and their needs. Parents and caregivers can help teach children self-advocacy skills, such as how to communicate their needs and preferences effectively.
Emphasize Strengths and Interests: Focusing on a child's strengths and interests, rather than their challenges, can help build self-esteem and promote a positive self-image. Parents and caregivers can help children identify and develop their strengths and interests, and find ways to incorporate them into daily life.
Neurodivergent Children at School
Here are some evidence-based strategies to support neurodivergent kids in school:
Use explicit instruction: Explicit instruction is a research-based teaching method that breaks down complex skills into smaller, more manageable steps, and provides direct, systematic instruction for each step. This method has been shown to be effective for people with autism.
Provide visual supports: Visual supports, such as pictures, diagrams, and graphic organizers, can help students with neurodivergent conditions understand complex information and stay organized. Research has shown that visual supports can improve academic outcomes and behavior for neurodivergent people.
Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement, such as praise and rewards, can help students with neurodivergent conditions build self-esteem and motivation. Research has shown that positive reinforcement can improve behavior and academic outcomes for neurotypical and neurodivergent students.
Implement assistive technology: Assistive technology, such as text-to-speech software, electronic organizers, and apps, can help students with neurodivergent conditions overcome barriers to learning and stay organized. Research has shown that assistive technology can improve academic outcomes and independence for students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and other conditions.
Use mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, can help students with neurodivergent conditions manage stress and regulate their emotions. Research has shown that mindfulness and relaxation techniques can improve behavior and academic outcomes for all students.
Implement social skills training: Social skills training can help students with neurodivergent conditions develop social skills and build positive relationships with peers. Research has shown that social skills training can improve social skills and behavior for autistic individuals.
Provide sensory supports: Sensory supports, such as weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, and fidget toys, can help students with sensory processing issues regulate their sensory experiences and stay focused. Research has shown that sensory supports can improve behavior and academic outcomes for autistic and ADHD children.
Neurodiversity in Adults
Historically, members of the autistic community in India were unable to identify their symptoms early on and did not get enough support. They were, however, taught how to conform to the rules that society has placed on them, how to talk in a setting, how to make eye contact and how to not engage in repetitive behaviours. But all this did, was teach them how to mask.
What's masking?
Masking is a term used to describe when an autistic individual hides their true thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to fit into social situations or meet the expectations of others. Masking can be exhausting and can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. Autistic individuals may mask their differences by mimicking the behavior of neurotypical individuals, such as forcing eye contact or suppressing stimming behaviors. While masking can be a useful coping strategy in certain situations, it is important to recognize that it can be harmful in the long term and that individuals should be supported to be their authentic selves.
Research has shown that masking is a common experience for autistic individuals, particularly for females and those with higher levels of social awareness. Masking can make it difficult to identify autism in some individuals and can also impact the diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions. It is important for individuals and professionals to be aware of the impact of masking and to create environments that promote acceptance and understanding of neurodiversity.
Read about masking in the point of view of an adult with neurological differences:
"As an autistic individual, masking can feel like a constant struggle to fit in and be accepted by others. It takes a tremendous amount of energy to hide my differences and try to appear "normal," and the longer I mask, the more it takes a toll on my mental health. It can feel like I'm constantly living a double life, trying to navigate the expectations of others while also trying to be true to myself. While masking can be a useful coping strategy in some situations, I wish that society would be more accepting and understanding of neurodiversity so that I could feel comfortable being my authentic self."
So you got a brief insight into an autistic person's dilemma:
Should I follow society to be accepted in society but feel pain doing so OR should I express myself freely?!
Many neurodivergent adults in India may not receive a formal diagnosis or appropriate support, which can lead to challenges in accessing services and accommodations. Additionally, social and cultural attitudes towards neurodivergent individuals in India can often be negative, leading to isolation, bullying, and exclusion. It is important for society to recognize the diverse strengths and capabilities of neurodivergent individuals and work towards creating more inclusive and supportive environments for them to thrive in.
Neurodiverse Workforce
Let's say you do have a neurodiverse employee in your company, what support systems could you employ in your company to promote inclusivity?
Here are some ways to promote support systems:
Accessibility adjustments: The first step in identifying neurodiverse supports at the workplace is to ensure that the workplace is accessible to all employees. This includes physical accommodations such as wheelchair accessibility, but also amendments for neurodivergent individuals, such as noise-cancelling headphones or adjustable lighting.
Employee resource groups: Many workplaces have employee resource groups (ERGs) that are designed to support employees with diverse backgrounds and identities, including neurodivergent employees. These groups can provide support, mentorship, and advocacy for neurodivergent employees.
Sensitivity training: Sensitivity training can be an effective way to create a more inclusive workplace for neurodivergent employees. This can include training on neurodiversity, how to recognize and support neurodivergent individuals, and how to create a more welcoming and accommodating workplace environment.
Flexible work arrangements: Flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible scheduling, can be beneficial for neurodivergent employees who may struggle with a traditional 9-to-5 schedule or working in a busy office environment.
Clear communication: Neurodivergent individuals may struggle with certain types of communication, such as sarcasm or indirect language. To support neurodivergent employees, workplaces can make an effort to communicate clearly and directly, and avoid using language that may be confusing or misleading.
Mentoring and coaching: Mentoring and coaching can be an effective way to support neurodivergent employees in the workplace. This can include pairing neurodivergent employees with mentors who have similar experiences, providing coaching on job skills or communication, or providing additional training or resources to help neurodivergent employees succeed.
Accommodations for cognitive differences: Neurodivergent employees may have cognitive differences that require specific accommodations, such as providing written instructions rather than verbal instructions, or allowing for extra time on tasks. Employers can work with neurodivergent employees to identify these accommodations and ensure they are provided in the workplace.
Remember, creating a more inclusive workplace for neurodivergent individuals requires a holistic approach that involves everyone in the organization. Employers should make an effort to educate themselves and their employees about neurodiversity and how to support neurodivergent individuals in the workplace, and work closely with employees to identify and implement accommodations and supports that meet their individual needs.
Neurodiversity Movement in India
The neurodiversity movement in India is gaining momentum in recent years, as people are becoming more aware of the diverse range of neurological conditions that exist. The movement is rooted in the idea that neurodivergent individuals should be celebrated for their unique strengths and abilities, rather than stigmatized or pathologized for their differences.
Several organizations and initiatives in India are working towards promoting neurodiversity, such as the Autism Club of India and the Indian Association of Autism Parents. These groups aim to provide support and resources for neurodivergent individuals and their families, as well as raise awareness about neurodiversity and advocate for greater inclusion and acceptance in society. However, there is still much work to be done in terms of breaking down stereotypes, increasing access to resources and accommodations, and creating truly inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals in India. By continuing to raise awareness and advocate for neurodiversity, we can work towards creating a more equitable and compassionate society for all.
In conclusion, neurodiversity in India is an emerging topic of discussion and advocacy. Despite the many barriers that exist for neurodivergent individuals, there is growing awareness and support for inclusion and acceptance. Through the efforts of individuals, organizations, the neurodiversity movement and the government, progress is being made towards creating more inclusive education, employment, and healthcare systems. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of breaking down stigmas, increasing access to resources and support, and creating truly inclusive communities for neurodivergent individuals. It is important for everyone to recognize the diverse strengths and abilities of neurodivergent individuals and to work towards creating a society that values and embraces neurodiversity. By doing so, we can foster a more equitable, compassionate, and understanding world for all.