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Neurodiversity

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Blurry photo of a coastal scene with sandy beach rocks ocean and cloudy sky conveying a sense of motion or abstraction.

Neurodiversity

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I have no mind’s eye: let me try to describe it for you

With aphantasia, my mind’s eye sees only darkness, not images. It’s like missing a sense, and only imagination can compensate

by Neesa Sunar

Photo of a kitchen with word magnets on a fridge and two people in the background at a table.

Autism

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Autistic people challenge preconceived ideas about rationality

While cognitive biases commonly sway decision-making, Autistic people might be less susceptible to such biases

by Liron Rozenkrantz & Anila D’Mello

Pastel painting of a smiling man with a moustache and a cat on his shoulder, set against a yellow background.

Neurodiversity

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When the mind is dark, making art is a thrilling way to see

For aphantasic artists with no mind’s eye, creating paintings is a way to experience the mental pictures they can’t see

by Adam Zeman

Photo of people in winter clothing exiting a tram at a busy station.

Autism

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Late autism diagnosis: it’s a relief, but who’s behind the mask?

By the time an adult learns they’re autistic, they have often been covering up for years. A period of self-discovery awaits

by Leonie Mercedes

Abstract painting of a river with geometric, brightly coloured buildings and trees on the riverbank and a bridge in the background

Creativity

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A key part of creativity is picking up on what others overlook

We all constantly filter a flood of details coming in. This process helps explain what gives some brains a creative edge

by Madeleine Gross

Photo of pinned insects on display, with a magnifying glass highlighting a large yellow and black beetle.

Neurodiversity

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Why neurodiversity and entomology so often go together

Science has neglected to study the passions of autistic people like me. Here’s why so many of us are drawn to insects

by Alice Laciny

Side profile of a bearded person with sunlight creating multicoloured rainbow flares across the image and a blurred garden background.

Neurodiversity

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Psychedelics could give a mind’s eye to those who’ve never had one

Case reports suggest psychedelics might reverse aphantasia (a lack of mental imagery), but is that necessarily a good thing?

by Shayla Love

Photo of a child and adult blowing dandelion seeds in a green outdoor setting, both looking joyful and focused.

Neurodiversity

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Autistic people shouldn’t have to use ‘camouflage’ to fit in

If society were more tolerant and understanding of autistic people, they could ditch their camouflage and be themselves

by Francesca Happé

A train arrives at a busy subway station. Many different people on the platform wait to get on the train. Some are blurred as they are caught by the camera mid-motion.

Neurodiversity

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Adapting to the neurotypical world is not the same as conforming

As an autistic person, this is how I draw the line between adapting in a way that’s good for me and simple conformity

by Jack Ori

A smiling neurodiverse child holds a red balloon. In the background people hold balloons of various colours

Neurodiversity

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Essentialism is insidious – but it might also be helpful

Stereotypes are obviously bad, but believing you share an essence with others could help people who feel marginalised

by Ariana Orvell & Alexa Lebrón-Cruz

Blurry photo of a vibrant bar scene with a table of drinks, red lighting and indistinct figures moving around.

Neurodiversity

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Living without mental imagery may shield against trauma’s impact

Discovering I have aphantasia helped me understand my response to being assaulted and why I wasn’t debilitated by PTSD

by J B Smith