Neurodivergence and Disability: Beyond the Checkbox Trap

Key points

Societal structures demand clear-cut “boxes” for who is and is not disabled. But humans don't fit into boxes.

Neurodivergence can be a non-apparent disability, apparent disability, or not a disability at all.

True human thriving comes from honoring everyone's dignity, not fighting over labels.

People often ask me if neurodivergence is a disability. The answer is not a "yes" or "no"—the issue is quite complex.

Individuals and community groups fight about whether neurodivergence is disability, a difference, or perhaps a superpower. In the larger culture, school systems, employers, governments, and parking lot vigilantes insist on developing clear-cut “boxes” for who is and is not disabled.

But humans don't fit into boxes. And forcing us into artificial categories causes