In this post, I want to share how my brother and I, both of us with neurodivergent brains, have different strengths while growing up in the same household. My brother is an amazing problem solver who can tackle any problem thrown at him, while I tend to get overwhelmed and rely on him for help. On the other hand, I excel at creating routines, organizing, and making plans to get things done strategically. We balance each other out, and I consider him not only my best friend and brother but also my better half, second only to my husband.
In the past few years, I have dabbled in gardening, but my brother has been honing his skills every year. He has embraced hydroponics, a method that involves setting up a well-oiled system with pumps, water, and chemicals. This year, I have chosen to stick with traditional gardening methods using soil. As I step back and reflect, I realize that our different skills play significant roles in our gardening processes. I enjoy planning and organizing, so I strategically plan my pots and watering schedule, considering when and how much to water. On the other hand, my brother uses a system that requires problem-solving solutions to help the plants grow bigger and faster. Both are effective in completing the job but vastly different.
I’ve come to realize that it’s important for us to celebrate our differences. I strongly believe that as neurodivergent individuals, it’s crucial for us to recognize our potential rather than seeing ourselves as individuals who need to be tolerated or shamed. By supporting and complementing each other, we can demonstrate to our children that it’s more than okay to be different and teach them to take pride in their valuable skills. Embracing all our differences and collaborating to build better communities, regardless of how our brain functions, will guide us to a brighter future for ourselves and our children.