We’ve all heard about neurodiversity, but awareness alone doesn’t create real-world understanding. Many individuals—neurodivergent or not—find it difficult to connect, despite good intentions. This gap often comes from what Dr Damian Milton called the “double empathy problem”, which shows that both neurodiversel and neurodivergent people can struggle to understand one another due to different lived experiences, communication styles, and social expectations.
🔍 What This Means for Us
Lots of misunderstanding isn’t just down to one side—it’s mutual. In school, at work, at home, both sides can feel puzzled or dismissed. Recognising this means shifting from “fixing” someone to creating mutual respect and curiosity.
🌱 Turning Awareness into Action
As ordinary community members, we have the power to bridge this gap—and here’s how:
Start Small, Think Big:
Host a local discussion group or mini-workshop on neurodiversity.
Listen more than you speak to understand different perspectives.
Build Inclusive Spaces:
Organise meet-ups with clear communication—no jargon, visual aids, subtitles.
Encourage multiple ways to engage (quiet spots, sensory breaks, group chatting).
Partner with Local Groups:
Work with schools, councils, charities (like Cocreating Inclusivity CIC) to build awareness campaigns or training sessions.
Share lived stories—yours and theirs—to humanise the issue.
Be Persistent:
Culture doesn’t shift overnight. Encourage ongoing relationships, not one-off events.
Celebrate each small step—when someone feels heard, understood, or accepted.
🌍 Why It Matters
A society that truly values each mind—regardless of how it works—is richer, kinder, and more resilient. It’s not about “raising awareness”—it’s about raising understanding through shared effort.
👉 Your Invitation
Feeling inspired? Join us. Host a mini-event. Bring a friend. Help set up a conversation space. When we come together—neurodivergent, neurotypical, parents, professionals—we begin to close the empathy gap and create a community that listens, adapts, and truly belongs to everyone.
Recent Comments