
I was folding clothes the other day and listening to my YouTube shows. One ended and another began. This show was about evolutionary perspectives on autism and ADHD by the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland.
They had a discussion with Dr. Annie Swanepoel—who in my opinion is extremely knowledgeable about all things neurodivergent. She is especially educated in medications for patients with Autism and ADHD. I have tried medications a few times and have had absolutely no luck with finding one that works for me. I would love to meet with her for some advice and input—just throwing that out into the universe 👀
Anyway, this discussion intrigued me because the focus was on the evolution of our environment and how individuals with ADHD and high functioning autism have basically been screwed by this.
Dr. Swanepoel explains that back in the day—like when most of us were part of nomadic tribes, individuals with high functioning autism and ADHD were able to find a purpose and adapt to the environment. And it’s due to the fact that it was a fast paced history. So someone with ADHD was useful because they never stopped moving or thinking and those qualities are necessary for survival. You would send the person in your tribe with ADHD for food or to navigate a new area for settlement.
The person with high functioning autism would make tools or focus on timing or weather. They would keep the tribe safe. Their neurodiversity wasn’t an issue because it was adaptive to the environment.
Dr. Swanepoel continues to explain that today our environment has evolved. We no longer are in constant fight or flight mode. We don’t have to keep moving. In fact, our school systems force kids to sit for six hours a day. Which is difficult for a neurotypical child. Imagine someone with a brain wired to move!
This of course leads to lots of frustrated parents and teachers. And ultimately kids who think they stink and can’t “be normal”.
Swanepoel’s suggests to add additional movement into schools and I couldn’t agree with her more. I work as a paraprofessional and this year I’m in the kindergarten class. We take three movement breaks plus we have gym and recess. I think it makes a world of difference.
When I was in school—back in the 80s and early 90s, my teacher told my mom she was going to duct tape me to my seat. We didn’t have movement breaks at all. So I was reprimanded A LOT!
Even with the many movement breaks during school I still think we could use a couple more. I know from personal experience that I focus much more right after I work out on my treadmill. It’s honestly a world of difference. I also get my best writing ideas while moving on the treadmill. It’s like my brain is happier and more efficient with additional stimulation. And it makes things less mundane and more exciting.
I agree with Swanepoel’s theory of changing our environment in order to adapt to the diversity of our minds instead of trying to force squares into round holes. She stresses the importance of recognizing differences in order to place neurodiverse individuals into accurate work environments and utilizing their strengths correctly. I also agree with this as well—even for neurotypical students. Not everyone is college material. And we need people in all types of jobs in order for survival. I would take it a step further and suggest teaching children to have respect for all careers. And to appreciate everyone’s abilities.
I will attach the link to the YouTube video here so you can watch it in it’s entirety. I highly suggest you watch it if you’re in education. There’s a ton of helpful information and tips for anyone working with neurodiverse students.
Stay Squirrely!
Dana
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