Tolerance and celebration of individual differences is the fire that fuels lasting love. 

                                                                                                     —Tom Hannah

No two people are alike. This means that no two bodies, minds or brains are the same. Right? That, at Unhurry®️ is the core of our beliefs. We ended 2023 with The Restore Awards®️, our biggest Mental Health, Sustainability and Neurodiversity event that celebrated mental health, sustainability champions and neurodivergent individuals on a global stage and were endorsed by the United Nations, hugely supported by Tata Power. The event turned out to be a big stepping stone in our mission to spread awareness about Neurodiversity. However, some of us still don’t completely comprehend Neurodiversity. So, let’s get into it. Devised in 1998 by an Australian Sociologist Judy Singer, neurodiversity is describes the many ways in which each person’s brain functions.

Even though everyone’s brains may develop in a similar manner, they are not the same. As a result, neurodivergent individuals face challenges in certain aspects of life but also acquire extremely unique talents and perspectives about the world. 

There are a number of conditions which fall under the umbrella of Neurodiversity. These influence the way people process information. Some examples include Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and so on. This month, we explore and understand the many components of Neurodiversity via science backed research. We also celebrate individual differences, this will aid neurotypical people who can benefit viewing situations from a different lens. For instance, new research shows that organisations benefit from hiring more neurodivergent people because they are less likely to be affected by the bystander effect. 

Neurodivergent individuals are winning in each field, whether it is sports, science, arts or the corporate world. Simone Biles is an Olympic gymnast who holds 7 Olympic medals, 4 of them being gold. She also holds 25 world championship medals. In 2022, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Joe Biden. Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, and Albert Einstein were autistic. Bill Gates had Dyslexia & ADHD.

There is space for all of us to dream and fly. Let’s just be more inclusive, kind and respectful towards our differences. After all, Molly Seidel has ADHD, OCD and eating disorders. Despite this she’s still winning at the Olympics. Let’s win with her.