You're Not Broken: An Ancestral View of Neurodiversity

Neurodivergence is often stigmatized in Western mental health. Autism & ADHD are seen as pathologies in need of a “cure.” But what if we viewed neurodiversity through a curious & affirming lens, acknowledging both the challenges AND gifts?In this episode, I explore an alternative to the pathology-based approach: an affirming, ancestral lens that views the individual within the context of their environment & community. We’ll explore how neurodivergent traits (like stimming, repetitive behaviors, or “inability to focus”) are not “deficits” – they are adaptive behaviors that make sense within a collective context, in which each person has a role & gifts to offer to the community. In other words: the traits that make us different, “weird,” or inconvenient for capitalism, may have allowed our ancestors to survive & thrive generations ago.This episode invites us to imagine a world where we embrace difference & live in relationship with each other, with nature, and with the wisdom of our nervous systems. 00:00 Intro00:23 What if we viewed neurodiversity through a curious & non-pathologizing lens?02:07 How is autism defined in Western mental health?04:12 How is ADHD defined in Western mental health?05:25 Neurodiversity-affirming & Indigenous perspectives on autism & ADHD07:38  Medical vs. social models of disability11:11 Indigenous perspectives on disability14:10 The importance of a community-based, non-pathologizing approach16:02 What do I mean by an ancestral lens on neurodiversity?16:18 Autistic traits through an ancestral lens19:33 ADHD traits through an ancestral lens21:51 Navigating the diagnostic system23:24 Mindfulness practice: vision of ancestral past & futureQuote: “We are not saying that neurodivergent & disabled people do not experience any challenges whatsoever. We are saying that it is not necessary to pathologize the people who experience these challenges.”>> Click here for episode transcripts & citations.🌿 About the HostLiz Zhou is a neurodivergent therapist of color, coach, & speaker based in Colorado (MA, LPC, she/her). She helps highly sensitive, neurodivergent adults & couples heal their nervous systems and connect with their authentic selves. Her specialties include: Brainspotting, EMDR, IFS, Psychedelic Integration, and Nervous System Intensives (deep-dive, accelerated therapy). Liz’s services are available online in Colorado & worldwide.🌿 Connect with Liz>> Subscribe to Liz’s Neurodivergent Letters.>> Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/liz.holistic.therapist>> Visit my website: www.seasonsofgrowthcounseling.com🌿 Options to Work Together>> To work 1:1 with Liz (adults & couples): book an intro call here.>> To hire Liz for speaking & workshops: submit an inquiry form here.