Divergent Mind summary

Every human brain contains nervous system cells called neurons, which are incredibly adept at translating electrochemical signals into all the brain activity we rely on to live our lives. These neurons are further grouped into structures like the hippocampus or amygdala and make up both our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

For some, about 20 percent of the population, these systems may have quirks, sensitivities, or processing challenges not seen in the other 80 percent, but even within this grouping there’s a striking diversity of ways in which these challenges manifest.

Of those neurons which make up the human brain and nervous system, we have special ones, called mirror neurons that explain a lot of complex human behavior. First discovered in primates and later confirmed in humans, mirror neurons fire in the human brain simply by watching others perform a task. The same neurons will fire in the brain of the observer as if they were doing the same action as the person being observed.

The great number of mirror neurons in humans goes a long way toward explaining our social structures – humans look to mirror the behavior of others, whether or not it feels natural or normal within themselves. In female circles, where social interaction and collaboration are paramount from a very young age for social success, the desire to mirror and be mirrored by others is overwhelming.

When neurodivergent individuals start to unmask or stop trying to behave like everyone else, something remarkable can happen. Suddenly free to express their unique experiences, negotiate their sensitivities, and connect with others around them, they begin to thrive. No longer isolated, they can consult with fellow neurodivergents about coping strategies, and feel empowered to manage negative stimuli like noise, smells, or chaotic environments for their comfort.

Consulting with an occupational therapist familiar with sensory processing disorders can provide many additional coping strategies. From weighted blankets in a darkened room to soothe overstimulation, swings and hammocks designed to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, or rest-and-digest mode, there are many techniques to help stave off unwanted reactions.

When neurodivergence is accounted for within social, cultural, and institutional contexts, whole new groups of individuals can participate, and the whole culture thrives. If urban planning took more consideration of things like noise or visual pollution, access to natural areas, or small, quiet spaces to retreat for decompression, the world would become a friendlier place for many.

In recent decades, some supermarkets and shopping centers institute quiet hours for shoppers with sensitivities, and many find these hours easier and more pleasant to navigate. Giving travelers access to quiet pods in train stations or airports has encouraged them to care for themselves during long trips, and they also provide a lifeline for the sensorily challenged to decompress.