Neurotypical (adjective). Not affected with a developmental disorder and especially autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Exhibiting or characteristic of typical neurological development.
That is the Merriam-Webster official definition of neurotypical, a word used to describe individuals who are not on the autism spectrum. As a neurotypical person, I would not have known the advantages I have if not for my brother, Luke. While science can try and explain the differences between us, it cannot explain how having an atypical brother has taught me. One of those things is what it really means to be neurotypical.
“Neurotypical” is being able to ask – and answer – questions.
Questions are a necessary part of life. It was and continues to be a privilege to be able to help other students with homework, give advice or just be a shoulder to cry on. What I realized, though, is that no one goes to Luke for advice. Sure, one of his classmates might ask him about how to do a math problem or what the technical name for seed corn is, but Luke and other people with ASD are not often associated with giving great advice.
Ultimately, this comes down to being able to read social cues, which my brother really struggles with. He continues to go to speech therapy; not because he has trouble speaking, but because he doesn’t understand nonverbals. Being able to read those is a distinct advantage that I would have taken for granted without Luke.
“Neurotypical” is being embarrassed.
I grew up outside a small town in the middle of nowhere, Iowa. My closest neighbors were my grandparents, and I remember in my childhood always being embarrassed of my brother because I knew he was different. I did not understand what autism was, but I remember that his floppy hands and sing-song voice were not normal.
Growing up, I wanted to be normal, and I feared that being around Luke too long would make people think that I was not normal. Now I know that Luke is exactly the way he’s supposed to be.
“Neurotypical” is having the ability to advocate for others.
Individuals with ASD are more than capable of advocating for themselves, and it is significantly more powerful when you hear someone on the spectrum talk about their own experiences. However, behind every successful person – atypical or neurotypical – there was someone or a band of people who believed in them. We can help individuals with ASD by being a rock, someone they can talk to or ask questions openly.
Ask yourself: did you help someone today? How? Why didn’t you? What will you do tomorrow to increase understanding?
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