The concept and importance of diversity has been a hot topic as of late. The word diversity is brought up in various contexts, but especially on college campuses. For those of you who recently applied to college, you can probably attest to this. For those who are about to begin the process, diversity is one of those key points that schools tout about themselves, or that you might want to emphasize in a college interview.

Diversity is a word that is, in general, seen in a fairly positive light. College campuses want more diversity; it looks good for them. Whether people themselves appreciate diversity is a question of personal values and morals, but overall diversity is something to strive for and its implications are far-reaching and extremely important.

When I finally made it to college, I was introduced to a slightly different spin on the word diversity: neurodiversity. Neurodiversity is a lesser-known concept; however, I would argue that it is just as important as diversity itself. Neurodiversity is the idea that our neurological differences are relevant, normal, and should be respected. It takes the emphasis and stigma of disability and negativity off of certain labels, diagnoses, and conditions such as ADHD, autism, and even mental illnesses that have genetic implications like depression and anxiety. Instead of being a handicap or a limitation, these things are instead considered as normal variations in the human genome. In other words, just like our race or ethnicity, our neurodiversity can be celebrated and respected as an integral part of who we are.

To be different, in a variety of ways, always seems to carry a stigma or act as a burden. But our differences are what make us strong. Fear, judgement, and hatred are our greatest handicaps, our most significant limitations. When we rid ourselves of these barriers, we open ourselves up to learning about others’ experiences, to considering different perspectives, to understanding and acceptance. In what world could more love and acceptance possibly be a bad thing? Neurodiversity is a step in the right direction.

Let’s work to take away the purely negative connotations regarding these so-called “disorders” and “illnesses.” Yes, no one can deny that living with any of the diagnoses above can be beyond difficult, and certainly not a positive experience; however, we cannot change what is different about us, but we can attempt to find the positive and work to reduce the negativity and stigma surrounding our differences. I would love to see more discussion around the concept of neurodiversity because I truly believe that if we can learn to accept one another, our differing perspectives, backgrounds, physical and mental characteristics, our flaws, our strengths, we can begin and further a journey to a better world.