By Professor Charlotte Valeur

In recent years, the world around us has felt increasingly turbulent. Long-standing alliances are in flux, social progress is meeting resistance, and uncertainty seems to be the new normal. As I reflect on these changes from my perspective as a neurodiverse individual, I feel both the weight of the chaos and the hope that our shared humanity can guide us through it. In this personal reflection, I want to explore how today’s geopolitical tremors and DE&I backlashes impact people like me – and how unity, kindness, and conscious self-care can light a path forward for all of us.

Framing the Current Disruptions
The international order that many of us grew up with is shifting beneath our feet. The United States, once seen as a dependable ally and anchor for the free world, has been stepping back from some of its traditional leadership roles, contributing to a more fragmented and unpredictable global order . Power vacuums and new rivalries are emerging, leaving nations and communities unsure of what tomorrow might bring. Meanwhile, the push for diversity, equity, and inclusion – which made significant strides in the past decade – is facing a harsh backlash. In many organisations, bold commitments to DE&I are being rolled back at an alarming rate. What was recently celebrated is now questioned or even undone, as a wave of anti-DE&I sentiment leads major companies to weaken or abandon their inclusion initiatives. For those of us watching these reversals, it’s disheartening and disorienting. In the span of a few years, values and agreements that felt steady have been thrown into uncertainty.

This double disruption – geopolitical instability and social regression – creates an atmosphere of profound uncertainty. And uncertainty is something that neurominority individuals often struggle with more than most. I know that I, like many autistic people, thrive in structured, predictable environments where I can anticipate what’s coming next. Sudden changes in routine or unpredictable swings in the world around us can be overwhelming, heightening anxiety and stress. Research and personal experience alike show that autistic and other neurominority folks greatly benefit from predictability and clear patterns, whereas rapid change can trigger intense anxiety . When the news each day brings a new upheaval – a long-time ally wavering, or an inclusion policy here today but gone tomorrow – it can feel like the rug is constantly being pulled out from under us. The result is not just a general worry about world events, but a very personal sense of instability. It affects how safe we feel in our jobs, our communities, and our daily lives. In short, a chaotic world order isn’t abstract for us – it hits right at the core of how we function and flourish.

Unity and Kindness: Holding the World Together
Interlocked hands of diverse backgrounds symbolises the strength of unity. In these chaotic times, it is all too easy for fear and division to take hold. When things fall apart, human instinct often pushes us to find someone to blame or an “us versus them” narrative to cling to. But I firmly believe – and have witnessed – that unity and kindness are what keep the world from spiraling further. When we resist the pull of division and instead reach out to one another, we create islands of stability amid the chaos.

Simple acts of understanding, compassion, and solidarity can tone down the world’s volume when it gets too loud. Even a small gesture, like a neighbor checking in or a colleague offering support, reminds us that we’re not alone in the storm. Unity is built in these everyday moments of kindness. It’s the gentle word instead of the harsh reply; the willingness to listen instead of judge. This spirit of respect and empathy among individuals is contagious – it encourages others to respond in kind, literally kind-ness, and that can help keep our communities grounded when larger forces threaten to shake us.

Everyone has a role to play in maintaining a calm and respectful society. That includes those of us in the neurodiversity community – in fact, especially us. Neurominority people often have unique strengths that are desperately needed in times of turmoil. Many of us are deep thinkers and careful observers; we tend to analyse problems from different angles and can come up with creative, out-of-the-box solutions. We’re problem-solvers who aren’t afraid to ask “Why not try it this way?” when usual approaches aren’t working. We also know what it feels like to be marginalised or misunderstood, so empathy runs deep in our veins.

Some of the most empathetic and fair-minded people I know are neurominorities – perhaps because experiencing exclusion ourselves has instilled in us a strong desire to make others feel included.

These strengths – thoughtful problem-solving, creative thinking, a keen sense of fairness and empathy – are exactly what can help bridge divides in society. I’ve seen autistic and ADHD friends mediate conflicts with remarkable patience, or notice when someone is hurting when others failed to see it. In our own ways, each of us can use our strengths to foster understanding.
When we choose to apply our talents and our compassion, we become connectors. We show that despite different brains and different views, common ground can be found. In a very real sense, our human diversity, neurodiversity included, can be a source of unity rather than division, if we let it.

Protecting Our Well-Being in a Changing World
With so much change and negativity swirling around, protecting our mental and emotional well-being has become more important than ever. I’ll be honest: there have been days when the headlines and the uncertainty have kept me up at night. Over time, I’ve learned a few practical strategies that help me find balance. I’d like to share them, in hopes they might help you too:

Belong to a Supportive Community: Don’t face the chaos alone. Find a group or community where kindness and respect are the norm, and where you feel you truly belong. For me, this has been the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION) – a community founded on acceptance and understanding. Whether it’s a formal group like ION or an informal circle of friends, having a tribe where you can be yourself and feel supported is invaluable. In a safe community, you can share worries, celebrate little wins, and be reminded that there is good in the world. Belonging fights off the isolation and anxiety that thrive in uncertain times.

Limit Overexposure to Distressing News: It’s important to stay informed, but there’s a fine line between being informed and being inundated. The 24/7 news cycle can easily consume us with doom and gloom. I’ve learned to set boundaries – for example, I check the news once in the morning and once in the early evening, and avoid constant alerts on my phone. Give yourself permission to step away from the barrage of news when it’s weighing on you. It’s not about sticking your head in the sand; it’s about recognising your limits and caring for yourself. Try curating your media intake with a balance of reliable news and positive or constructive content. And remember, it’s okay to take a break entirely for a day or two. The world will keep turning, and you’ll be better equipped to engage with it after recharging.

Focus on Your Local and Personal Impact: When global events feel overwhelming, refocus on what’s within your own reach. You might not be able to singlehandedly broker peace between nations or stop a multinational policy change, but you can make a difference in your immediate world. Channel that restless energy into your community, workplace, or family. Is there a neighbor who could use help with groceries? A local charity that needs volunteers? Maybe just a friend or family member who would love a phone call. By doing tangible good in your own backyard, you counteract the feeling of powerlessness. You’ll see the direct impact of your actions, which is empowering, grounding and uplifting. Big change is built on countless small actions – and those are within all of our control.

Practice Daily Acts of Kindness: This is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools I rely on. Every day, aim to do one small kind act. It could be as simple as complimenting a coworker on a job well done, sending a thank-you note, or holding the door for a stranger. These might seem like tiny, insignificant gestures in the face of global chaos, but I truly believe they create ripple effects of positivity. Kindness is infectious; one act can inspire another. Moreover, focusing on being kind shifts your attention away from anxious thoughts and toward uplifting ones. It’s a reminder of the kind of world we want to live in. When you act with kindness, you also affirm your own values despite what’s happening around you. It’s a way of saying, “I choose to add good to the world today.” And that choice, made daily by many, is what ultimately keeps society civil and compassionate.
By incorporating these practices into my life, I find that the world’s upheavals feel a little less daunting. They create a buffer of resilience. It’s not about ignoring the problems – it’s about strengthening ourselves so we can face them without drowning in anxiety.

A Call to Action: Choosing Respect and Inclusion
The world may be changing in big, unpredictable ways, but the values we carry in our everyday interactions don’t have to change with the winds. In fact, now is the time to double down on them. I want to encourage each of you – and remind myself as well – to consciously practice respect, inclusion, and kindness in your daily life. Grand policies and global leaders will do what they do, but the soul of society is in our personal actions. Change truly starts with individuals choosing to treat others with dignity, no matter how much external chaos there is. We can decide, each morning, that we will be the reason someone feels welcomed, heard, or safe that day. We can decide that even if the news out there is harsh, the environment around us will be a little gentler.

In the face of forces that seek to tear us apart, our best counterstrategy is to stay connected and engaged with one another. Don’t withdraw in fear or cynicism – reach out in hope. Continue talking to people who are different from you, and be curious rather than judgmental. Stand up for someone who’s being treated unfairly. Celebrate differences