summary ofDivergent MindBook by Jenara Nerenberg

first KEY POINT

When it comes to brain function, we’re not all the same

The dictionary definition of “neurodivergent” means differing mental or neurological functions from what is considered normal. Some people get used to their neurodivergence and live well with it, while others don't know how to handle it properly. Even though all genders can be neurodivergent, women with the condition are mostly taken as a joke. However, since the 20th century, information has been published about how women have been ignored in neurodivergence research.Why is this so? It's mainly because most neurodivergent women and girls are fond of masking their feelings and hiding their symptoms to blend in. Many neurodivergent women experience depression and anxiety due to their “abnormal” personal experiences. They appear to function normally on the outside but are in despair within. The major problem is that most of them haven't been able to pinpoint exactly what is wrong with them. And this lack of awareness is primarily due to neglect on the part of researchers.

Bottling emotions seems like a heroic act that protects mental health. But it's always advisable for neurodivergent people to let their guard down by refusing to mask their symptoms. Thus, this summary encourages readers (women especially) to be true to themselves and avoid living their lives based on society's judgment.The fields of psychology and psychiatry use sensitivity to affect people's lives. This summary teaches how to relate to people with sensory differences by latching onto that idea. There are four types of neurodivergence linked with sensitivity and mentioned in this text: HSP, ADHD, SPD, and autism.The following chapters will help you learn about what some people go through and how being sensitive can help you discover and help them. It will also enlighten you on the differences between neurodivergent patients, which is important because most of these conditions are similar in assessment and diagnosis.