Autism. Asperger’s Syndrome. Dyslexia. Dyspraxia. Cerebral Palsy. AD(H)D. Tourette’s Syndrome.
When a human brain develops in an unusual way, these and many other conditions can be the result. But they are NOT diseases. They are simply different ways that a brain can be. Another form of diversity. These conditions can cause differences in perception, expression, and internal cognitive processing. They can bring challenges in interacting with the rest of the world. Sensory overload. Unusual ways of moving, speaking, thinking, and behaving. But these idiosyncracies are NOT defects. Such brains merely have different ways of functioning and relating to the world. Brains of this sort are no better or worse than brains with more typical neurology. And many people with such conditions would not want a “cure” if it were available. These differences can often bring significant strengths along with their challenges. And challenges can themselves be a source of strength, inspiring one to push harder and achieve more in life. Many would not want to trade these strengths in order to conform to conventional social behavior. With simple understanding, compassion, and consideration, many of these types of challenges can be compensated for with simple adjustments to one’s sensory and social environment. Simple measures such as dimming lights or lowering voices, allowing a little extra personal space, or giving someone a little extra time to form a thought and finish a sentence, can make an enormous difference in the quality of life of a neurodivergent person. Every brain is different, with different ways of adapting to the world, and it is ineffective and cruel to force each one to behave like a typical brain would. By working with these conditions instead of against them, they can enrich our world with their diverse ways of thinking, perceiving, and expressing themselves.
EVERY BRAIN IS BEAUTIFUL!
NEURODIVERSITY WITH PRIDE
The first part would be in 36 point font, the bulk of the text in 24 point, and the taglines at the bottom would be 48 point. There would also be a url below the taglines, also in 48 point, to a (not-yet-existing but coming soon) website. The front of the t-shirt would have the image I described earlier, a stylized rendition of a brain seen from above, with the proportions slightly distorted to give a circular shape rather than an elliptical one (to evoke the circular shape of other activist symbols, such as the peace sign or the anarchy symbol). [EDIT: Another thing I forgot to clarify; the contours of the cerebral cortex in that image would be filled in the colors of the rainbow, to represent diversity.] Around this image would be the tagline text "Every Brain is Beautiful."
What do you think? Questions? Comments? Suggestions?