🚨Myth-Busting Monday: The Genius or Struggle Stereotype 🚨

Welcome to another edition of Myth-Busting Monday, where we challenge stereotypes and replace them with understanding. Today, we’re tackling a particularly persistent and misleading myth:

❌ Myth: Neurodivergent people are always either geniuses or struggle significantly.

This black-and-white thinking does a disservice to the rich diversity of neurodivergent experiences. Let’s unpack the truth.

✅ Fact: Neurodivergence Exists on a Spectrum

Neurodivergent individuals—those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences—are not defined by extremes.

Just like neurotypical people, they have a range of strengths and challenges that vary from person to person.

Some may excel in certain areas like memory, creativity, or pattern recognition, while finding other areas—like executive functioning or sensory regulation—more difficult.

Others may not fit either extreme and instead experience a more balanced mix of abilities.

Why This Myth Is Harmful

The “genius or struggle” stereotype:

• Oversimplifies complex experiences

• Creates unrealistic expectations for neurodivergent individuals

• Invalidates those who don’t fit the extremes, making them feel invisible or misunderstood

• Discourages proper support, especially for those who are “high-functioning” but still need accommodations

  
  

Embracing the Full Spectrum

Understanding that neurodivergence is a spectrum helps us:

• Support individuals more effectively

• Celebrate diverse ways of thinking

• Challenge ableist assumptions that equate value with productivity or intelligence

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Have you encountered this myth before?

💬 Share your experience in the comments.

📢 Help spread awareness by sharing this post with your community.

Together, we can move beyond stereotypes and toward a more inclusive, nuanced understanding of neurodiversity.