In understanding neurodivergence, it is essential to explore how neurodivergent traits manifest differently in three layers of identity: the Self, self-image, and masking. These layers provide a framework to understand the interplay between one’s authentic nature, perceiving oneself, and navigating societal expectations. Each layer shapes how neurodivergent individuals experience and express their uniqueness daily.
The Self: The Source of the Aliveness of Authenticity
The Self, as described by Carl Jung, is like the complete picture of who a person is. It includes the parts of ourselves we know about and the parts we might not realize yet. For neurodivergent people, traits in the Self are natural and authentic to who they are. Outside pressures don’t shape these traits but come from how their brains are uniquely wired. They are a key part of a person’s identity and stay with them no matter what happens around them.
The phrase "The Self: The Source of the Aliveness of Authenticity" fits well with Jung’s ideas about the Self. He saw the Self as a central part of the mind that moves all the pieces of who we are toward awareness and acceptance of what lives inside a person in all if its vast diversity.
The Self is often thought of as the source of aliveness, energy, and purpose. When people align with their Self, they feel more connected to who they are uniquely inside. Jung believed that the journey to understand and become one’s true Self—a process he called individuation—was essential for feeling this kind of vitality.
Authenticity happens when someone’s actions and feelings match who they are inside. This authentic way of being feels “alive” because it connects what’s happening inside a person with how they live and interact with the world around them.
How the Phrase Could Be Misinterpreted:
If "aliveness" is interpreted purely as emotional or outward energy, it might oversimplify the Self's deeper psychological and spiritual dimensions in Jung's framework. It’s important to note that the Self is not just about feeling "alive" in the energetic sense but about embracing a meaningful, integrated existence.
Therefore
"The Self: The Source of the Aliveness of Authenticity" is an elegant and accurate way to encapsulate Jung’s views on the Self, as long as "aliveness" is understood in the context of deep psychological integration and authenticity. It aligns well with the sources in your memory, particularly Jung's emphasis on wholeness and the vitality that emerges from learning what makes you unique and being okay with it, even if it’s different from others.
Examples of Neurodivergent Traits in the Self
ADHD: An individual’s spontaneity and creativity, driven by their brain’s tendency to seek stimulation, might be a core part of their authentic Self.
Autism: A natural affinity for patterns, systems, or intense focus on specific interests reflects how the mind instinctively engages with the world.
Dyslexia: Unique problem-solving approaches, such as visual-spatial reasoning, might shape how they inherently process information.
How This Functions in Daily Life
In daily situations, neurodivergent traits in the Self manifest organically. For example, a person with ADHD might energize group dynamics with humor and quick thinking. At the same time, an autistic individual might excel in detail-oriented tasks that align with their natural focus.
Self-Image: Conscious Identity and Perception
Self-image refers to how a person consciously perceives and defines themselves. For neurodivergent individuals, self-image involves an awareness of their unique traits and how they align with their sense of identity. Self-image is shaped by personal reflection, societal feedback, and life experiences. Whether neurodivergent traits are embraced or resisted often depends on the individual’s environment and the messages they’ve received about their differences.
Examples of Neurodivergent Traits in Self-Image
A person with dyslexia might view themselves as a “creative thinker” who innovatively approaches problems.
An autistic individual might embrace the label of “detail-oriented” or “deep thinker” as a source of pride.
Someone with ADHD might describe themselves as “spontaneous” and “full of ideas.”
How This Functions in Daily Life
Positive self-image enables neurodivergent individuals to advocate for themselves and pursue opportunities that align with their strengths. For instance, a person with ADHD who views hyperfocus as a superpower might choose a career that allows them to dive deeply into areas of passion, leading to professional and personal growth.
Masking: Navigating Societal Expectations
Masking involves suppressing or altering neurodivergent traits to conform to societal norms and expectations. While masking can help individuals navigate environments that may be less accommodating, it often leads to emotional and mental strain. Masking creates a divide between the authentic Self and outward behavior, leaving individuals disconnected or unseen.
Examples of Neurodivergent Traits in Masking
A person with ADHD might suppress their urge to move or speak impulsively during meetings to appear “professional.”
An autistic individual might mimic neurotypical social behaviors, such as maintaining eye contact or engaging in small talk, even if it feels unnatural.
Someone with sensory sensitivities might endure overwhelming stimuli in public to avoid appearing “difficult.”
How This Functions in Daily Life
While masking can smooth social interactions or help individuals succeed in structured environments, it often comes at a cost. For example, a person with autism who spends all day masking at work might feel drained and require significant alone time to recover. Over time, chronic masking can lead to burnout and a diminished sense of self.
How These Layers Interact
Understanding the interplay between the Self, self-image, and masking is crucial for supporting neurodivergent individuals:
Alignment: When self-image aligns with the authentic Self, individuals can live authentically and experience greater clarity, purpose, more well-being, and degrees of fulfillment.
Conflict: When masking becomes dominant, it creates a disconnect from the Self, often leading to anxiety, depression, or burnout.
Growth: Encouraging positive self-image and reducing the need for masking can help neurodivergent individuals embrace their authentic traits as strengths.
Therefore
Neurodivergent traits appear in different ways in the layers of the Self, self-image, and masking. These layers affect how a person sees the world and experiences life. By understanding the differences between these layers, we can create spaces that help people feel accepted for what they experience and the diverse elements of their inner world. This means encouraging a way to be more compassionate in a way that reduces the pressure to fit in when it feels unnatural. For neurodivergent individuals, this approach can lead to more confidence in addressing life circumstances that lean and favor the unique strengths of their minds while accepting and managing the more challenging ones.