Understanding the Neurodiverse Mind: Insights into Non-Autistic Cognition

Being autistic or neurodivergent has been the only way of life for me for the past three decades. It serves as my baseline understanding of how a mind operates. However, I often wonder, can I truly fathom how a non-autistic brain works? This article delves into the intricacies of describing the mind of non-autistic individuals based on my unique perspective as an autistic individual. We will explore the differences and similarities, providing insights from the autistic viewpoint.

The Baseline: An Autistic Perspective

My world, while complex and interconnected, also has clear distinctions between 'thinking' and 'feeling.' However, those very non-autistic worlds might seem indistinguishable to me. To understand the non-autistic brain, it's essential to recognize that the experiences might be unique or different for each individual. Moreover, the theories about this diversity of experiences are continually evolving, and contributions from the community are always welcome.

For non-autistic individuals, the question may be just as intriguing: how does my brain work? If you can answer this, please do share your thoughts in the comments section.

A Descriptive Exercise

It's important to recognize that describing an autistic brain is difficult because I only know about the non-autistic brain from my perspective. For this article, I aim to provide a general description of the non-autistic brain based on my observations, to help autistic readers better understand what it might be like.

The Messy Mind

Non-autistic minds can be described as messy. They blend feelings and thoughts so seamlessly that often, the line between them is blurred. This can also mean that their emotions, although powerful, might be less intense compared to those experienced by autistic individuals.

Contrarily, the intensity of emotions can sometimes feel overwhelming. They are not just surface-level expressions but can profoundly influence their decisions and interactions. Emotions can drive their responses in a way that can seem almost irrational to those around them. However, these emotional reactions to everyday events don't usually cause distress, unlike how my intense emotions can sometimes do.

The Dominance of Emotions

In the non-autistic mindset, emotions hold significant sway over thoughts. A person's emotional state can deeply affect their judgment, leading them to agree or disagree with a point based on the person's emotional state. In contrast, while I feel emotions, they rarely dictate my actions or decisions to the same extent.

Furthermore, non-autistic individuals seem to thrive on feelings of social ranking, which can drown out any lack of intellectual stimulation. This social engagement can be a source of immense satisfaction, often filling the void where more complex cognitive processes might be lacking.

Resistance to Change and Paradigm Shifts

Another interesting aspect is the resistance to paradigm shifts. When a core belief is challenged, the emotional response often overrides the logical reasoning. The idea is that emotions are so powerful that they can disrupt any cognitive adjustment and turn it into a personal attack on one's identity. As a result, non-autistic individuals may deny or avoid new information that conflicts with their existing beliefs, leading to feeling lost and dissociative.

Conclusion

It's important to emphasize that these descriptions are based on observations rather than personal experience. Understanding neurodiversity requires a shared effort and perspective from all individuals, regardless of their neurotype. If you found this article helpful or have any thoughts to share, do leave your comments below!

Thank you for reading!