Why “My Neurodivergent Condition is My Superpower” is a Harmful Narrative
Bridgette Hamstead
The phrase “my neurodivergent condition is my superpower” has become increasingly popular in discussions about autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other forms of neurodivergence. While it is often used with good intentions—aiming to empower neurodivergent individuals and highlight their strengths—the reality is that this narrative can be harmful. It oversimplifies the experiences of neurodivergent people, erases struggles, and places unrealistic expectations on those who may not fit the "superpower" mold.
For many neurodivergent individuals, life is not about having a special gift that offsets their struggles—it is about navigating a world that was not built with them in mind. The “superpower” rhetoric ignores the systemic barriers that neurodivergent people face and can make it harder to advocate for necessary accommodations, support, and recognition of genuine difficulties. Instead of pushing a one-dimensional, overly positive narrative, society should focus on acknowledging both the strengths and challenges of neurodivergence in a way that respects the full reality of neurodivergent existence.
The Pressure to Be Exceptional
One of the biggest problems with the “superpower” narrative is that it implies neurodivergence is only valuable if it comes with extraordinary abilities. This places immense pressure on neurodivergent individuals to prove that their differences make them exceptional rather than simply valid. For example, autistic individuals are often expected to have savant-like talents in math, music, or memory, while ADHD individuals are assumed to be boundlessly creative and energetic. This ignores the vast diversity of neurodivergent experiences—many autistic and ADHD individuals do not fit these stereotypes, and that does not make their neurodivergence any less real or meaningful.
This kind of messaging can be especially damaging to neurodivergent children and young adults who struggle with executive dysfunction, sensory sensitivities, or social challenges. When they are repeatedly told that their neurodivergence should be a "gift," but they continue to face immense difficulties in school, work, and relationships, they may internalize the belief that they are failing at being neurodivergent “the right way.” Instead of helping, the superpower narrative can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration.
Erasing the Reality of Systemic Barriers
The superpower narrative also ignores the systemic barriers that make life more difficult for neurodivergent people. A person with ADHD may be creative, but that does not change the fact that they live in a world that punishes them for struggling with time management, organization, or task initiation. An autistic individual may have a deep focus on their interests, but that does not erase the fact that they often have to mask their natural behaviors to avoid being excluded from workplaces, social circles, or educational settings.
Neurodivergent people are often denied jobs, educational opportunities, and basic accommodations because their challenges are not taken seriously. By framing neurodivergence as a superpower, the narrative implies that those who struggle simply have not "harnessed their gifts" effectively. This places the burden on the individual rather than on society to create more inclusive and accommodating environments.
Invalidating Those Who Need Support
Not all neurodivergent people experience their condition as a net positive, and that is okay. Many individuals require support in their daily lives, whether that is through assistive technology, therapy, medication, or community services. The superpower rhetoric can make it harder for those who need these supports to ask for them without feeling as though they are failing to be “empowered.”
For those with higher support needs, the message that neurodivergence is a superpower can feel alienating. Non-speaking autistic individuals, those with co-occurring disabilities, or those who struggle with severe executive dysfunction may feel that their experiences are erased when the dominant narrative is one of exceptional ability rather than genuine support and inclusion.
The Danger of Inspiration Porn
The idea that neurodivergent individuals should be admired for their perceived superhuman abilities also plays into the harmful trope of “inspiration porn.” This is when disabled or neurodivergent individuals are used as motivational figures for neurotypical audiences, often framed as overcoming their “deficits” through sheer willpower. These narratives do not foster true acceptance; rather, they set unrealistic expectations that neurodivergent people should either be extraordinary or invisible.
Instead of framing neurodivergence as something that exists to impress or inspire others, society should work toward genuine inclusion. This means making workplaces, schools, and public spaces accessible and accommodating without requiring neurodivergent individuals to be “exceptional” in order to be valued.
A More Balanced Approach: Acceptance Over Exceptionalism
Rather than promoting the idea that neurodivergence is a superpower, a more affirming approach would be to advocate for neurodiversity acceptance in all its complexity. This means acknowledging both strengths and struggles without forcing neurodivergent individuals into a narrow framework of what it means to be valuable.
A more inclusive approach would emphasize:
Accommodations and Accessibility: Instead of expecting neurodivergent people to thrive in systems that do not support them, we should focus on changing those systems to be more inclusive.
Respect for Different Experiences: Neurodivergent people experience the world in diverse ways. Some may embrace their neurodivergence as a strength, while others may struggle significantly. Both perspectives are valid.
Self-Determination: Each neurodivergent person should be allowed to define their own experience, rather than being pressured into a narrative that does not fit their reality.
Genuine Inclusion Over Tokenism: Neurodivergent individuals should be valued for who they are, not just for how well they fit into neurotypical expectations of success.
Embracing Neurodivergence Without Superpowers
Neurodivergence is not a superpower, and it does not need to be in order to be respected. Framing autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent conditions as gifts ignores the challenges that many face and puts unnecessary pressure on individuals to be extraordinary just to be accepted. Instead of pushing a narrative that forces neurodivergent people into unrealistic expectations, society should focus on acceptance, support, and genuine inclusion.
Every neurodivergent person deserves to exist as they are—without having to prove their worth through exceptionalism. Neurodivergence is not about being superhuman; it is about being human, in all its complexities, struggles, and strengths. By moving away from the superpower narrative and embracing neurodivergence as a natural and valid way of being, we can create a world where neurodivergent individuals are valued not for their ability to impress, but for their right to exist, be supported, and thrive on their own terms.