Embracing Neurounique Minds: Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month Rethinking Labels: Neurouniqueness Instead of “Autism”

While the term neurodivergent (less “pathologizing” than autism) has been valuable in creating visibility and advocacy, I’ve always struggled with the word itself. Divergence carries, to me, an energy of separation — a path that moves away from the center, away from others, as though those labeled this way are drifting further and further from connection. It implies distance, otherness, and a kind of exile from the shared human experience. Even the term “being on the spectrum” for me, has been collectively imbued with a heavy energy that doesn’t feel uplifting when said out loud. But what I see and feel is the opposite: these minds are deeply connected, often overwhelmingly so. They don’t move away from the whole — they expand it. That’s why instead of seeing this as an “autism” diagnosis or the word neurodivergent, I prefer words like neurounique, neuroexpansive, or neuro-limitless — language that reflects inclusion, potential, and the richness of differences. Those words celebrate diversity and connection rather than separation. They remind us that brains work in rich, varied ways — each a unique tapestry of strengths and sensitivities. Embracing terms like these helps feel included in a multicolored family of thinkers, not defined by a deficit or disorder. For example, people often say:

• Neurodifferent: Brains simply process the world differently, without implying anything is wrong.

• Neurounique: Each person’s mind is one-of-a-kind and valuable.

• Neuroexpansive: a perception beyond typical boundaries and abilities to see new possibilities.

• Neuro-limitless: a potential and creativity that have no fixed limits.

The Sensory Strength: Radar-Like Perception

Neuroexpansive minds often function like finely tuned radar systems, picking up subtle signals that others might miss. They notice delicate changes in tone, the texture of a light breeze, or intricate patterns in music or art. This heightened sensitivity can be a real superpower. Many and I feel I belong to this colorful tribe, have amazing pattern recognition, seeing connections that others overlook. We can hyper-focus on interests for hours, producing deep expertise and creativity. Our keen empathy and intuition help us understand people and ideas deeply, even when conveyed without words. In short, our neurounique brains offer extraordinary strengths, for example:

• Keen Observation: We perceive details and patterns (in nature, art, data) that others might overlook.

• Deep Empathy: Sensing subtle emotions and moods can make us compassionate friends, psychologists, physicians and storytellers.

• Intense Focus: Becoming engrossed in a subject allows us to develop rich skills and insights.

• Creative Thinking: Our minds often make unconventional connections, fueling innovation in art, science, and technology.

The Hidden Struggle: Overwhelm and Masking

Our beautiful sensitivities sometimes intense, can also bring challenges if they aren’t understood. Loud noises, even a baby crying, bright lights, or chaotic environments can feel overwhelming — like our radar is overloaded with signals. To cope, many people learn to mask: hide their natural reactions and mimic what others expect so they won’t stand out. This constant effort to fit in takes a heavy toll. It can lead to anxiety, burnout, or depression, even though we are perfectly healthy at heart. None of this means we are broken — it means society hasn’t yet built the right understanding or accommodations for us. Common struggles include:

• Sensory Overload: Everyday inputs (sound, light, touch) can be painful or exhausting when our brains process them so intensely.

• Masking Burnout: Pretending to be “typical” takes constant effort and leaves us feeling drained. This realization can take decades.

• Misunderstanding and Isolation: When others don’t see our struggles or strengths, we can feel profoundly alone or anxious.

• Emotional Distress: The gap between who we are inside and who we have to pretend to be can cause real pain.

Understanding these challenges is crucial. A simple act — like giving someone noise-canceling headphones or allowing them to stim (rock, fidget, move) — can validate their needs and ease their discomfort or even suffering.

There is more and more acceptance and use of behaviors turned into practices that neurouniques do naturally- somatic exercises, somatic release, sound healing, and musical therapy and so many other techniques, for me, all carry those elements.

A Multicolored Family of Creators and Thinkers

Our neurounique community is vast and beautifully diverse. I strongly believe that a vast majority of poets and painters, programmers and architects, scientists and musicians, doctors and healers can find themselves within this realm when masks are down. For me it totally includes those labeled as non verbal. Each person adds a different color to the tapestry. Some well-known examples include innovators like Temple Grandin (a renowned animal scientist) who embraced her neurounique perspective, and countless artists and writers who channel their intense focus and sensitivity into moving creations. In everyday life, our ranks include:

• Artists and Writers: People who translate their deep perceptions into powerful art, music, literature, or design.

• Engineers and Scientists: Those whose ability to see patterns and detail leads to breakthroughs in technology and research.

• Advocates and Educators: Individuals who use their empathy to teach, advocate for others, or raise awareness about inclusion and mental health.

Every one of us — artist, engineer, teacher or friend — is a unique shade in this community of shining minds. Our differences have fueled progress and beauty in countless fields.

Embracing and Accommodating Unique Minds

Autism Acceptance Month is more than awareness — it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder to accommodate, understand, respect, and celebrate neurodifferent minds in our daily lives. Here are some ways to make a difference:

• Listen and Respect: Accept that people may express themselves differently. Give them time to communicate and value what they say.

• Adapt Environments: Offer sensory-friendly spaces (like quiet corners or gentle lighting) at home, school, and work. Small changes — such as providing headphones or fidget tools — can help immensely.

• Encourage Strengths: Celebrate special interests and passions. A person who loves math, trains, or animation is showing incredible ability, not a problem.

• Be Patient and Flexible: Allow extra time for processing or transitions. Avoid forcing eye contact or strict routines; respect each person’s unique rhythm.

• Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge all wins, big or small — whether it’s a scientific discovery, a beautiful drawing, or simply getting through a challenging day.

Each act of understanding brightens the picture we all share.

In the end, Autism Acceptance Month is a celebration of neuroexpansive minds everywhere. Let’s move beyond outdated labels and misconceptions to a vision of true inclusion. When we treat these differences not as deficits but as powerful forms of intelligence and connection, we all flourish. Every neurodifferent mind is a gift — a brilliant burst in the rainbow of humanity.

Written by Dr. Eva Coulibaly