Later life

“We should not fit our life to the demands of social conformity; we can’t find a model to live by from others, we can only find that within ourselves.”

“We do not think of the neurodiversity movement as one that seeks to integrate neurominority people into all the existing ways of living in the world as a human being.”

“There is a certain way of being human that is our way. We want to be free to live our life in our way, and not in imitation of other’s life.”

LIVING A FULL LIFE

Learning and affirming our neurodivergence can lead to greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and a stronger sense of community. When we learn, affirm, and accept our own neurodivergence, we can develop a positive self-image, a sense of pride in our identity, and a greater understanding of our strengths and challenges. This can lead to greater self-confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Additionally, when we accept our own neurodivergence, we are more likely to advocate for our own needs and to seek out accommodations and support that can help us thrive. This can help us achieve our full potential and contribute our unique talents and perspectives to our communities and society

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LATER IN LIFE

It is important for us to learn, affirm, and accept our neurodivergence and find community, even when our personal generational cultures have stigmatized disability and we are reluctant to identify as different into our senior years, because doing so can lead to greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and social support. Many cultures have historically stigmatized disability and neurodivergence, which can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and reluctance to identify as different. However, when we learn, affirm, and accept our neurodivergence, we can develop a positive self-image, a sense of pride in our identity, and a greater understanding of our strengths and challenges. This can lead to greater self-confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being, regardless of our age. This can be particularly important in later life, when social networks may become more limited, and individuals may experience greater social isolation. By connecting with others who share similar experiences, individuals can find a sense of community and support that can enhance their overall well-being.

Become a member of ION

Become a member of ION and join our global community, as we collaborate in creating systems, spaces, access and equity for the NEUROCOMMUNITY across the world.

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