The Edges of Neurodiversity

Soft Edges: The Dyslexic Experience

Individuals with dyslexia often experience the world with soft, blurred edges where boundaries between concepts naturally blur. This creates:

  • Intuitive connections across seemingly unrelated ideas

  • Creative synthesis that generates innovative solutions

  • Conceptual thinking that grasps the big picture

  • Challenges with sequential processing and detail management

Hard Edges: The Autistic Experience

Those on the autism spectrum typically perceive with hard, defined edges, seeing clear distinctions and patterns that others might miss:

  • Precise pattern recognition and categorical thinking

  • Detailed observation and information retention

  • Logical consistency and systematic analysis

  • Challenges navigating social ambiguity and shifting contexts

Fluid or Absent Edges: The ADHD Experience

Individuals with ADHD experience the world with fluid or absent edges, where attention flows freely between stimuli without typical filters:

  • Dynamic awareness of multiple environmental factors

  • Spontaneous creativity and divergent thinking

  • Adaptive responsiveness to changing situations

  • Challenges with sustained focus and sequential task management