JRS Educational Therapy

Friday, January 12, 2024 by Julie Stoner | Identity Work

Internalized Ableism

“Internalized ableism is when a disabled person discriminates against themselves and other disabled people by holding the view that:

• disability is something to be ashamed of, 
• or something to hide,
• or by refusing accessibility or support.”

It manifests when individuals with disabilities internalize negative societal perceptions and biases about their own abilities, reinforcing a sense of inferiority or inadequacy.

When students with disabilities absorb negative stereotypes and believe in their own limitations, it hampers their self-esteem and hinders academic and social development.

Great Videos on the Topic:

Internalized Ableism & How to Cope Sydney Zarlengo

https://youtu.be/3YhUGaF_E8o?si=pZxJzz_VUxQlX8AN

Internalized Ableism Purple Ella

https://youtu.be/6f9VFMIhAxs?si=k86uKyT8wkDfVs6z

 The Chronic Notebook 

https://youtu.be/94j9MV0l-94?si=1l3HEDZzQVUIFbdI

 A Guide to Ableism Sydney Zarlengo 

https://youtu.be/eFefext8Amk?si=z3AzIjvUbMzc3Ykm

 Ableism PBS Wisconsin Education 

https://youtu.be/FDsx6TJmx8Q?si=yOJ05FJAHb3mgz1s

 Multicultural Autism Activist Network 

https://youtu.be/269OJTXffnc?si=sWAJpYoBqPl-b_HO

To counter internalized ableism, schools need to implement strategies that foster a positive self-image and promote the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. This includes  incorporating diverse and representative content in the curriculum, providing accessible learning resources, and cultivating a supportive and inclusive community.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Raise Awareness: Acknowledge and confront ableism in both societal structures and within yourself. Awareness is the first step towards challenging and transforming our perspectives and reactions.

Embrace Support: Encourage individuals with disabilities to shed any feelings of shame when seeking the help and support they rightfully deserve. Personally grappling with this challenge highlights the need to dismantle societal stigmas surrounding asking for assistance.

Strength in Seeking Support: Recognize that seeking support is not a sign of weakness or personal failure. Instead, it reveals the systemic weaknesses inherent in an inequitable system. People with disabilities exhibit tremendous strength by navigating and thriving in a system not inherently designed to accommodate them.

Beyond Productivity: Challenge the notion that personal worth is tied to productivity or output. You are not defined by what you do; your value transcends societal expectations of productivity. Embrace your inherent worth beyond conventional measures.

Monday, November 6, 2023 by Julie Stoner | Identity Work

Neurodivergent Masking

Neurodivergent masking, often referred to as "camouflaging" in the context of conditions like autism and ADHD, involves concealing or suppressing one's neurodivergent traits, behaviors, or characteristics to blend in with the neurotypical majority or societal expectations. While masking may sometimes be a coping strategy for individuals to navigate social situations more comfortably, it can also be harmful for several reasons: 

Mental and Emotional Strain: Masking requires significant mental and emotional effort. Individuals may constantly monitor and adjust their behavior, often leading to exhaustion, anxiety, and stress. The ongoing effort to fit in can be emotionally taxing and contribute to mental health challenges.

Authenticity and Self-Acceptance: Masking can lead to a sense of disconnection from one's true self. It may create a gap between how individuals present themselves to the world and who they genuinely are. This disconnection can impact self-acceptance and self-esteem.

Burnout: Prolonged masking can result in burnout. Individuals may reach a point where they can no longer sustain the effort to conform to neurotypical norms, leading to a breakdown in mental health and well-being.

Missed Support: When individuals mask their neurodivergent traits, they may not receive the understanding and support they need. This can be especially detrimental in educational, professional, or therapeutic settings where accommodations or interventions are necessary.

Social Isolation: Masking can isolate individuals from their peers. They may have fewer opportunities to connect with others who share their neurodivergent experiences, leading to social isolation.

Delayed Diagnosis and Intervention: Effective intervention and support often rely on accurate identification and diagnosis of neurodivergent conditions. When individuals mask their traits, it can lead to delayed diagnosis and, consequently, delayed access to appropriate interventions and accommodations.

Impact on Mental Health: Prolonged masking can contribute to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. The stress of concealing one's true self can take a significant toll on overall well-being.

Reduced Innovation: Embracing neurodiversity can lead to unique perspectives and creative problem-solving. When individuals feel compelled to mask their differences, society may miss out on the valuable contributions neurodivergent individuals can provide.

Stifled Self-Expression: Masking restricts individuals' ability to express themselves authentically. This can hinder personal growth, creativity, and self-discovery.

Sustainability: Masking is not a sustainable long-term solution. Over time, the effort required becomes increasingly burdensome and detrimental to an individual's overall quality of life.

Recognizing the harm of neurodivergent masking is a crucial step in fostering acceptance, understanding, and support for individuals with neurodivergent conditions. Encouraging a more inclusive and accommodating society can alleviate the pressure to mask and improve the well-being and success of neurodivergent individuals.

Thursday, November 2, 2023 by Julie Stoner | Identity Work

Embracing Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity celebrates the vast spectrum of human neurological variations, rejecting the idea of a one-size-fits-all brain. It encourages society to recognize and value the differences in individuals' neurological makeup. Coined by Judy Singer in the late 1990s, the term suggests that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia, are natural variations rather than disorders to be corrected. Embracing neurodiversity involves breaking stereotypes, promoting inclusivity, and unleashing the unique potential of neurodivergent individuals.

The Impact of Neurodiversity

Fostering Innovation: Embracing neurodiversity taps into the wellspring of creativity within the neurodivergent spectrum, leading to groundbreaking discoveries.

Reducing Social Isolation: Acceptance of neurodiversity combats the isolation neurodivergent individuals often face, contributing to improved mental health and well-being.

Enhancing Workplace Diversity: Companies benefit from a diverse workforce by gaining a wide range of skills and a more adaptable work environment.

Challenges and Roadblocks

While the neurodiversity movement has made progress, there are still challenges, including resistance to change and a lack of understanding. Continued education, awareness, and inclusive policies are crucial to building a more accepting society.

Final Thoughts 

Embracing neurodiversity is a step toward appreciating the diversity of human minds. By challenging stereotypes, promoting inclusivity, and unleashing the potential of neurodivergent individuals, we create a more innovative, diverse, and accepting society. Let's celebrate neurodiversity and ensure every individual has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their neurological makeup.