Dyslexia, ADHD, Autism: Overlooked Then, Dismissed Now
Life in a neurodivergent household is creative, energetic, and never boring!
For decades, neurodivergence was ignored. Today, many dismiss the rise in dyslexia, ADHD, autism and other diagnoses, saying, “It all just seems like a fad.” But neurodivergent people have always been here - society just didn’t recognise us.
This week, we recognise International Neurodiversity Celebration Week - a chance to challenge outdated perceptions and highlight the strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to our communities.
For generations, neurodivergent children who struggled in school were labelled disruptive or lazy. Others, like me, didn’t fit the expected mould - high-achieving but still facing unseen struggles. I was a straight-A student, so my dyslexia wasn’t identified until my final year of high school. Some teachers adapted to help me; others dismissed the idea altogether. It wasn’t until one teacher, alongside my parents, advocated for me that I was finally assessed and diagnosed.
Now, as a parent of two neurodivergent children, both diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD, I see the same misconceptions persist. I've met educators who still struggle to see neurodivergence as more than a passing trend. I’ve had to fight for basic support for my children. And I’ve heard too many people ask, “Why are so many kids and adults suddenly being diagnosed now?” The answer is simple: this isn’t new - this is the medical and education sectors finally catching up.
According to a 2024 Ministry of Health briefing, the Neurodiversity in Education Coalition estimates that one in five young people in New Zealand are neurodiverse. That’s a significant portion of our population - yet too many still struggle to access support.
Families face long waitlists, fragmented services, and financial barriers. Without support, too many neurodiverse individuals struggle to find stable employment. The cost of inaction isn’t just personal - it affects us all.
For those left undiagnosed, the consequences can be lifelong. Many grow up believing they aren’t good enough, battling self-doubt, mental health challenges, or turning to self-medication. Undiagnosed ADHD, in particular, is linked to higher rates of substance abuse.
“Neurodivergence isn’t a deficit - it’s a different way of thinking. ”
Neurodivergence isn’t a deficit - it’s a different way of thinking. Tasks like reading fluently, staying focused in a noisy room, or following long instructions can be exhausting. But where neurodivergent people struggle in some areas, they often excel in others. Creativity, problem-solving, innovation, and empathy are often hallmarks of neurodivergent minds, and I’ve found these attributes invaluable in my work - first as a business owner, and now as a Hastings District councillor.
Some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs also attribute their achievements to neurodivergence, including Sir Richard Branson, Sir Peter Leitch (the “Mad Butcher”), and Jamie Oliver. What’s more, research shows that organisations embracing neurodivergent thinkers are more innovative, productive, and financially successful.
Parents shouldn’t have to fight every step of the way to get their children the support they need. Educators shouldn’t be expected to meet neurodivergent students' needs without proper training or resources. Employers shouldn’t miss out on the financial and competitive advantages of harnessing neurodivergent talent. With the right tools and resources, they can build stronger, more innovative, and more productive workplaces.
At a policy level, we must remove barriers to timely assessment and intervention, ensuring financial background isn’t a determining factor. Investing in training for educators, workplace inclusion, and long-term strategies that harness neurodivergence as a strength will benefit us all.
That’s why International Neurodiversity Celebration Week matters. It’s not just about awareness - it’s about action. We must work together to ensure better understanding, better systems, and better opportunities. Neurodivergent minds aren’t broken - they are brilliant.
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