The Need to Take Lived Experiences Seriously: Neurodivergence and Co-Occurring Physical Health Challenges

In the movie “A Matter of Faith”, there is a debate on “evolution versus creation”. One professor made a point that neither evolution nor the creation of the world by God can be scientifically proven, as no one was present to witness these events. Thus, both become a matter of faith. 

This led me to an insight about neurodivergence and the connective tissue disorders, like hEDS, which many neurodivergent people experience. Often, these difference or conditions are not identifiable through traditional methods like brain scans, blood tests, or genetic testing. Additionally, even when physical conditions are testable, not everyone has access to definitive diagnosis.

This leads to a critical question: Are medical professionals willing to trust our experiences without tangible evidence? Essentially, faith becomes vital in the clinical acknowledgement of neurodivergence and its many co-occurring physical conditions. Recognizing these differences and challenges, often invisible in one's appearance and undetectable by standard medical tests, depends on believing in the authenticity of our lived experiences.

I hope that clinical professionals will gain a greater understanding of neurodivergence and co-occurring physical health challenges, and that they will intently listen to us and those who know us well, such as family members.

We all, including myself, need to delve deeper than mere appearances. By focusing solely on external looks, we risk overlooking not just the underlying reasons for challenges, such as hEDS and neurodivergence, but also the true beauty that lies within each person.