Uniquely human

Uniquely human is about embracing the many ways to be human, living on our own terms, and celebrating the stories we each bring to the world.

All neurotypes are simply different ways of being human rather than something that needs to be fixed or made “normal.” People with autism, like all humans, have their own qualities and strengths. We need a perspective that does not judge these differences but treats everyone as fully human.

If we see the person first, we can recognise that everyone has their own way of interacting with the world and deserves to be respected rather than pathologised. Our distinct qualities are part of what define our shared humanity.

Humans experience the world through our emotions, thoughts, behaviours, struggles, and joys. We all perceive reality, form relationships, and cope with challenges differently. This diversity of experience is central to what it means to be human. We are individuals within a shared humanity, balanced between our common emotional needs and our individuality, expressed through our personalities, talents, and life paths.

Human creativity, intelligence, and evolution in how we think, relate, and create all contribute to the broader human experience, whether through art, culture, technology, or social change. Part of being human is being imperfect and vulnerable. We all have quirks, weaknesses, and challenges, and by embracing them we come to understand humanity more deeply.

Being human is also about celebrating the complexity, depth, and variety of human nature, whether found in extraordinary individuals or in everyday life. In the context of autism, this means recognising that neurodiversity is part of the broader picture of what it means to be human, showing that differences rather than deficits are an expression of our shared humanity.

We are all human in our own way, regardless of neurotype or identity. Each person has their own path, perspective, and experiences, with their own truths, struggles, and ways of navigating the world. Being human isn’t about conforming to societal norms or meeting expectations but about being true to ourselves, embracing our individuality, and finding our place in the world.

Every person faces their own challenges, strengths, and ways of processing life. What makes us human isn’t about fitting into a box but about embracing diversity. Whether we are neurodivergent, introverted, extroverted, or anything else, our individuality is part of the essence of humanity.

There is a universal search for belonging among all identities and a shared desire to be understood, accepted, and seen. That is part of being human: to want to live as who we are and on our own terms. Every individual has a perspective and way of interacting with the world, even as we share common experiences. Society often categorises people into labels, which can limit how we see the human experience.

Being human is about rejecting these limiting labels and embracing the idea that each of us is evolving in our own way. While we share many traits, emotions, and desires, our expressions of them are endlessly diverse. Being human means discovering and expressing our true selves despite societal pressures, finding balance between individuality and shared humanity.

It’s important to find our own paths and allow others to do the same. Each person follows their own path, yet all contribute to our shared human story. Everyone, regardless of neurotype, faces challenges in defining and embracing their true selves in a world that often pushes conformity.

Recognising each person as human opens the door to compassion. It is about seeing others for who they truly are rather than expecting them to fit a mould. I invite readers not just to reflect on their individuality but also to accept the differences in others, so together we can build a compassionate world where those differences are embraced.