Rethinking ‘Normal’: Am I weird? Yes, probably.

Christina is a speech therapist, mother, friend, and neurodivergent thinker.

As a speech-language pathologist, I've spent years supporting individuals with a wide range of communication styles, learning challenges, and cognitive processes. Through this work, I've developed a perspective that might seem a bit unconventional: I sometimes struggle to separate the concept of "neurodiversity" from being human.

Neurodiversity refers to the variation in how brains work. While the term is often linked to autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other diagnosed differences, I often find myself wondering—aren't we all part of this spectrum of cognitive differences in some way?

This also brings up the question: What is normal? In our society, we often define "normal" as a standard to strive for, whether in behavior, communication, or cognitive processing. But when we take a closer look, it becomes clear that "normal" is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Each person, regardless of diagnosis, experiences the world in their own unique way. Some may struggle with challenges, but they also bring their own strengths to the table.

Honestly, this is something I've thought about on a personal level, too. Sometimes I wonder — Is it just me, or does everyone feel a little bit "different" in their own way? Maybe feeling a little weird, a little quirky, or a little out of place isn’t the exception — maybe it’s the norm. The more I’ve reflected on this, the more I’ve realized that what makes us feel different is often the very thing that makes us interesting, relatable, or even exceptional.

I don't mean to minimize the experiences of those with formal diagnoses. These individuals often face real challenges that require support, accommodations, a lot of extra hard work, and advocacy. But what I've observed and experienced is that every person—whether they have a diagnosis or not—has their own unique strengths, struggles, and ways of processing and interacting with the world.

Ram Das, an American spiritual teacher, psychologist, and author best known for his book Be Here Now, presents the idea that people can be seen like trees. Just as no one expects a tree to be anything other than what it is—whether it’s tall, twisted, or leaning to one side—we can approach people with that same sense of acceptance. We are what we are. Each person’s way of thinking, learning, and connecting is simply part of who they are.

From my perspective as an SLP, this mindset has helped reshape how I approach therapy. Instead of asking, "How do we make this person fit into a typical mold?" I ask, "How can we encourage their strengths and provide tools to support their uniqueness in a way that is authentic for them?" This doesn’t mean that we leave functional goals behind — it just means that we support progress in ways that are unique to each person we work with.

As an SLP, I bring a relevant perspective to this conversation because my role requires me to observe not just the communication challenges but also the intricate ways in which language, cognitive processes, and social interactions intertwine. I see how individuals express themselves through language, and I witness the complexities of how they process information and engage with others. Because of this, I often question the conventional definitions of what is "typical" or "normal." Every person’s brain works differently—some may have diagnoses, others may not, but that doesn’t mean that one brain is more "normal" than another.

Working in private practice gives us the unique opportunity to support clients of all kinds—some with formal diagnoses and some without—and to tailor therapy to their individual needs. While I believe everyone’s brain is unique, I also recognize that there are many individuals that face distinct challenges that require specific support and accommodations.

Growth happens when we create environments where everyone feels seen, understood, and valued. Whether a person is navigating life with an official diagnosis or has their own unique quirks and strengths, the goal is the same: to support them in making meaningful progress that improves their overall quality of life — in a way that feels fulfilling and authentic to them.

If this perspective resonates with you, I encourage you to lean into curiosity. Ask questions, celebrate differences, and consider how neurodiversity might be showing up in your own life. After all, we're all wired a little differently—and that’s what makes our world beautifully complex.

If you're looking for support in navigating your strengths and abilities, we're here to help! Don't go it alone — we love working with individuals of all ages and abilities.