The concept that all brains are different—neurodiversity—is not new, nor is the awareness that some brains operate outside of our concept of typical. “Neurodivergent” is not a specific diagnosis but rather refers to the range of brains that fall outside of the neurotypical scope. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that 20 percent of the population is neurodivergent in some way, and many who are neurodivergent have more than one form of neurodivergence.

Neurodivergence and neurodivergent individuals have historically been seen as a problem in need of fixing, with the “solution” usually being conformity to neurotypical mannerisms and behaviors. While many neurodivergent people require support that differs from neurotypicals, in recent years, many neurodivergent communities have pushed to reconceptualize neurodiversity as a natural part of human diversity. We provide support but do not see neurotypical-ness as a cure or end goal.

There is always resistance to systemic change, and "different" can be scary. Here are three reasons why neurodiversity-affirming care should be embraced and can improve the mental health system.

1. It works to improve trust in providers and the mental health system.

Since 2020, trust in the American healthcare system and its providers has plummeted, with a recent survey showing that six out of 10 Americans do not have faith or trust in their providers.

Of course, there are many intersecting causes for mistrust of the system; the

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