Finding Your Identity When Your Brain Works Differently

Your brain is amazing, and the way it works is unique. That’s something to celebrate! As everyone’s mind operates differently, diversity makes the world more vibrant. The more colors you use on a painting, the more exquisite it becomes. Your brain’s thoughts and feelings help form your identity. Understanding who you are is a huge part of developing as a teenager. 

A medical diagnosis does not define your identity – you determine your identity. While a medical diagnosis can help you understand yourself better, it doesn’t define you. You are so much more than a label. Think about the dreams, passions, and values that make you. These things shape your identity, not a word on a piece of paper.

Find Your Interests 

Your interests help define your identity. Look for things that excite you. Try hobbies that appeal to you so much you lose track of time. Discover interests that help you feel good inside. 

Ask Yourself Questions

What motivates you? What are your dreams? Exploring these questions helps you uncover your purpose. Next, communicating your desires is called self-advocacy and is essential. Self-advocacy helps others support you in meaningful ways.  If you don’t share your thoughts and feelings with trusted individuals, it will be hard for others to know how to help you. 

Use the Support of Others

No one can grow and develop alone. Surround yourself with people who appreciate your strengths and celebrate your differences. The beauty of neurodiversity is that individual differences are considered beneficial, however, it can be nice to find role models who are also neurodiverse and seek to learn from them the good things they are bringing to the world. Finding mentors and role models who can guide you as you navigate your identity is valuable. These individuals can often be parents, teachers, coaches, and friends who help make a strong support system to cheer you on during good times and bad.

Celebrate the Steps

Learning how your brain works is an ongoing journey. Too often, we fall into the trap of relating our worth to meeting others’ expectations. Remind yourself every small step towards understanding your identity is worth celebrating.

Your brain is constantly changing, which helps identify your neurodiversity. A medical or mental health diagnosis is just one piece of the puzzle. If you have a diagnosis, it’s part of your story but doesn’t define you. You are also in good company. According to the US Department of Health almost half of your friends have dealt with or are dealing with some type of mental health challenge. Now is the time to embrace your unique and powerful brain, connect with other amazing brains, and continue on your journey of discovering your identity together.   

This article was written by Dr. Eric Flake. Eric Flake is a developmental behavioral pediatrician that celebrates neurodivergence. For over 20 years he has worked to help military families get the necessary support and education to help their children.