Neurodivergent in Our Society, Nigeria

Abstract

Neurodivergent is a social classification comparatively as in gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, sexual orientation, or disability. This happens when a difference in performance or cognition of the brain occurs, used to describe the uniqueness in people’s brain, which can be in terms of social preference. The distinctiveness is revealed through special ways of learning, communicating and/or ways of perceiving the environment. Globally, in every 7 individuals, there is 1 person who has neurodivergent condition for example, TS (Tourette syndrome), Autistic Spectrum, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) etc. Sadly, people assume people diagnosed with mental health and neurodivergent are the same, this created the rationale for this research. Many Nigerians live undiagnosed, some are diagnosed but live without treatment, some receive one off treatment but cannot afford to continue with follow up treatments especially therapy sessions, some receive wrong treatment, some die unnecessary death or killed, and some end up in prison because their brain functions differently as neurodivergent. This paper considered mental health in Nigeria, Nigeria health care system, culture, education, political influence, and lack of awareness of neurodivergent in our communities. Secondary data from 4 case studies were used, which revealed lack of awareness of neurodivergent population, their struggle and how they cope in Nigeria. Paper revealed lack of expertise in identifying young children who have neurodivergent from preschool ages to access specialist health care system and avoid deterioration of functioning of their brain into adulthood. The Paper concluded that increase in humanitarian actors, NGOs (non-governmental organizations), CSO (civil society organizations), private sectors etc. have not impacted in making Nigerians aware of neurodivergent population in the communities and how to relate with them. It provided recommendation including collaboration of all types of treatments incorporating joint work with health system, native doctors, spiritualist, judicial system, education, family, and the humanitarian actors/NGOs.