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Background Information
Understanding Neurodiversity
Neurodivergent people are often misunderstood due to a lack of clear awareness and balanced representation. Because some dfiiculties related to neurodiversity is not always visible, differences in thinking, communication, or behaviour can be misinterpreted, leading to assumptions that do not reflect the reality of most people’s lives.
Media and Public Perception
From time to time, news stories highlight neurodivergent individuals who have committed serious offences. While these cases exist, they involve a very small minority. Unfortunately, such stories can receive disproportionate attention, which may unintentionally create the impression that these examples are typical. What is often missing is balance. The vast majority of neurodivergent people live law-abiding lives, contribute positively to their communities, support others, and work hard to achieve their goals. These everyday realities deserve far greater visibility.
In addition, some neurodivergent people face significant barriers to employment or to start a business, even when they are highly motivated, passionate and talented. Despite this, there has been extensive media coverage that presents a one-sided narrative. This narrative not only stigmatises neurodivergent people and those with other difficulties, but also frames them as a burden on society and the nation. Especially for neurodivergent people who have faced barriers into employment. Such portrayals ignore the complexity of accessing employment and the lack of appropriate support or reasonable adjustments.
There are also harmful suggestions that promote punishment, encourage lowering aspirations, or push neurodivergent people into unsuitable employment that does not align with their abilities, skills or talents.
Common Misunderstandings
Because neurodiversity is not always visible, people may struggle to recognise or understand it. This can lead to unfair doubt, where neurodivergent individuals are questioned, misunderstood, or even accused of exaggerating or pretending.
In some cases, neurodivergent conditions are wrongly linked to behaviours or interests that do not reflect most people. These misconceptions can influence attitudes and decisions, often without conscious intent.
Judgement and Its Impact
When a small number of negative examples are allowed to define a much larger group, unfair judgements can follow. Neurodivergent people may be wrongly viewed as untrustworthy, unreliable, or risky, despite having no evidence to support these assumptions. Also ambitious & passionate neurodivergent people can be wrongly not taken seriously and be judged as deluded.
The sigma can be double or even worse for neurodivergent women along with neurodivergent men and women from a multicultural background. In reality, most neurodivergent people are responsible, capable, and thoughtful. They value trust, safety, and positive relationships just as much as anyone else.
Attitudes and Responses
When negative stories involve neurodivergent individuals, responses often focus heavily on mental health challenges or support needs, while overlooking context, personal growth, and future potential. Support is important, but so is recognising accountability, resilience, and the ability to move forward.
A more balanced response helps separate individual actions from wider assumptions about neurodiversity as a whole.
Everyday Challenges
Stereotypes and misunderstandings can create real-world barriers. Some neurodivergent people experience teasing, exclusion, or subtle bullying, which in some cases can escalate into exploitation, abuse and hated (including gaslighting and abuse including so-called “mate crime”).
Online spaces can also present challenges. Neurodivergent bloggers, advocates, and campaigners may face harassment or targeted abuse, often driven by misconceptions rather than facts. These experiences can be deeply discouraging.
In one example highlighted in a television documentary, labels such as “high neurotic traits” were used in dating contexts, leading to rejection or exclusion. Traits such as anxiety, sensitivity, caution, or social discomfort (common across society) can be framed negatively and disproportionately affect neurodivergent people. As a result, many neurodivergent individuals choose not to disclose their neurodivergence, fearing judgement, embarrassment, or misunderstanding.
Why This Matters
If these misconceptions continue, they can quietly limit opportunities. Neurodivergent people may be overlooked for jobs, excluded from social or professional environments, or doubted in relationships (not because of ability, but because of stigma).
This can lead to isolation, reduced confidence, and unnecessary harm to wellbeing and quality of life.
A More Positive Way Forward
A more thoughtful, balanced, and realistic approach can make a meaningful difference. Moving away from stereotypes and focusing on individuals rather than labels allows trust and understanding to grow.
By recognising the many neurodivergent people who live positively, act responsibly, care deeply about others, and contribute to society in diverse ways, we can replace fear and misunderstanding with inclusion, respect, and opportunity.
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