"Neurospicy" or Neurodivergent?
This weekend, I went to visit my cousin and her husband. I brought my whole family and we played a lot of the games I have reviewed here. We had an awesome time. During one of the games, Max said "this game doesn't pair well with my flavor of neurospiciness". Although I had never really heard that term before, I was able to pick up what he was putting down pretty quickly. He was using it as a more playful term for being neurodivergent *(See definition below). As soon as he did, a light bulb went off. This explains all of my interactions with Matt over the past nine years. He had never told me he was neurodivergent or that he had ADHD or was on the Autism Spectrum. I am guessing because those terms are just too clinical and formal. It makes it sound like he has a serious disease. Although Autism Spectrum Disorder can be extremely serious, it is a spectrum. So by definition there is going to be varying degrees of one's symptoms. But talking about "symptoms" and "disorders" is not very pleasant or fun. It is not easy to work into a game while everyone is laughing and having fun. But "neurospicy"... that easily fit right in-between the laughs. And it immediately signaled to us what Max needed at that moment. He needed a game that better matched his "Spice rack".
On his rack were things like ADHD, being over stimulated, and an aversion to being touched. So a game where he had to keep track of multiple things and at certain points you all slapped hands as you tried to grab a single card did not mix well with his "spices". Luckily my kids knew the term "neurospicy" so they immediately got that we needed to change games so max could feel comfortable and valued. We quickly switched games and continued the fun. So without Max using that term "neurospiciness" we would have been accidentally making him feel incredibly uncomfortable.
This term also allowed us to have a safe and approachable conversation with him about his "spices". he was able to easily tell us what was tough for him. I honestly think the informality of the word, unlock the ability for us to discuss it much more comfortably. I honestly wish this term existed nine years ago. because he does such a good job of masking, I never really picked up on the fact he was neurodiverse. But now I understand why he would not play certain games over the years. I understand why he would not eat certain things. I understand why he would not speak to certain people. I understand why he didn't like shaking hands. I understand why he would show me his rock collection. I understand why he would gravitate toward me, the special education teacher. I understand.
So using the term "neurospicy" was a huge positive this weekend. It was like a cheat code to quickly understand Max's awesomeness. The word was more approachable, avoided negative stereotypes, and was super relatable. Thinking about his individual traits like "spices" just made it so easy to understand. And now I have a shortcut to ask him what he needs. From now on I can simply say ,"Does this game, food, or conversation pair well with your neurospiciness"? And if it doesn't, we don't do that thing. Simple. It's kind of like if someone has a fear of heights. If they do, you don't ask them to go to the top of a lookout tower with you. Instead you do one of the other 1 million fun things there are to do.
But here's the problem, some people find the term "neurospicy" offensive. I was planning to put up a sign in my classroom that said something like "In this classroom we celebrate neurospiciness". But before I did, I wanted to do a little research and found that some people think it trivializes the struggles of people who are neurodivergent. Others think it is just some cutesy internet fad that is being used to label any type of quirk. Others worry that it is being misinterpreted by people outside of the neurodivergent community.
None of this is a problem with Max. He has already showed that this is the terminology he personally prefers, so I will easily use it with him. But that doesn't mean everyone is comfortable with it. It is very easy to be respectful... call people what they like to be called. But I don't know my students yet. I don't know if students who are neurodivergent will appreciate that I know the lingo and will feel comfortable knowing I get it... or if they will think I am trivializing their situation.
So I ask any of you who are neurodivergent... what are your thoughts on the term "neurospicy"?
*Neurodiverse means that people’s brains can work and think in different ways. Some people might learn, think, or act differently, and that’s okay. Neurodiverse people may also experience the world in their own unique way. For example, they might be more sensitive to things like loud sounds, bright lights, or how clothes feel on their skin. Some sounds that seem normal to others might feel too loud or annoying to them. They might also have strong likes or dislikes for certain foods because of how they taste or feel. Being neurodiverse includes things like autism, ADHD, and learning differences. It just means their brain works in its own special way.
I think that nothing trivializes Social Anxiety Disorder as much as being labelled "shy". Except when medics who really should know better, replace that with the dismissive "white coat syndrome".
So I'm happy to be called neurospicy. And I actually feel like it is a better term for general use.
But which spice shall I identify with?
!BBH
I hear you. Social anxiety is real and it is a true struggle. Far too many people dismiss it as something people just need to “get over”. Do people need to “get over” a broken leg? Mental health is health.
These are the first time I've heard these terms and in this case I read them as "Neurospicious" or "Neurodivergent" so I will try to find more information about them and get to understand them.
How good for you, my friend, that you understood these somewhat complicated terms for those of us who aren't well-read. But understanding them helps integrate all the people who, let's say, have a different spectrum.
I did not know those symbols existed and I love them XD
even though I will never use them - I'm the infinity butterfly and the broken calculator - I might use the inifinity butterfly because I like butterflies
The first time I heard "neurospicy" was from someone else spicy and I definitely didn't take offence to it XD very much the opposite in fact (I find it cute and funny and much more fun than neurodivergent without losing accuracy/meaning). The spicies I know and their families and the psych clinics they use seem to use/prefer that to neurodivergent (but still might have to use neurodivergent in papers (I am very behind on a lot of reading so I d on't actually know what's in scientific papers these days).
I personally prefer "glitchy" will describe issues as "glitches" and anything happening as "glitching"/"glitched" and while most people have been amused by it there have been some that prefer to be offended
I guess the usual "it depends" on who's getting offended, but I think some people (regardless of whether they're affected by something or not) just want to see negative connotations in everything so they can be outraged about it.
I wonder if those people also get upset over spoon theory (which I'm reasonably sure is actually a metaphor/analogy not a theory but theory just rolls off the tongue nicer I guess)
Thank you so much for replying! I was really hoping to hear from actual people who could use one of the terms. It really helps to know that you see it as as a safe way to describe yourself. That is what I'm hoping for. I just want to show kids that I see and value them.
I think the word Neurospicy may be fun and acceptable to many, but it may not be applicable to everyone. It's certainly fine to use it with someone who likes it, but before using it on someone new, you should find out if they like it. And while you shouldn't always use trendy words, the main goal should be respect and understanding.
Really enjoyed reading this! I love how you made “neurospicy” feel so fun while creating space for everyone to feel comfortable and understood.
I really enjoyed reading your experience with the term "neurospicy." I loved the way you explained it in a simple, fun, and respectful way.
I'm starting to notice that I don't want to communicate with my compartment mates, with new people on the train. Is this neurodivergence or old age?
Hmmm I sometime feel the same way.
I like the simple and beautiful way you explain "neurospicy".
I'll have to talk to my wife about this. It's interesting the things that offend people these days. I mean some of them I get, but others I just can't wrap my head around. As a school social worker my wife deals with a lot of this stuff on a daily basis, so my knowledge has grown as well. Similar to how her technology skills have grown simply from being in my orbit!
Good morning. These games are interesting.
"The word 'neurospicy' is really great—it opens up the way for understanding in a playful way, while also teaching us to accept individuality with respect. But the most important thing is to understand everyone's likes and dislikes."
I like how it can make people feel more comfortable talking about what works for them without making it sound scary or too serious. But I also get why some people might not like it — everyone’s experience is different, so it’s really about asking first and respecting what each person prefers
The issues that every person faces in life are different from one person to another, but if we all always respect each other, our issues will be difficult, but with the passage of time, they will start to become easier. If we do not respect each other and keep fighting with each other, then in the future, things will become even more difficult and then it will become impossible to live in this world. It's just like that, we are laughing but there are many things going on in our minds. Now, the way your cousin's whole story has come before you, this is also a disease and problems keep coming up in life in this way, so many things have to be understood and solved.
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I like how you explained the term “neurospicy” in such a friendly and easy way. It really can make talking about neurodivergence feel more open and comfortable. I get that not everyone may like the term, but I think it’s a nice step toward understanding each other better.
I personally wouldn't use neurospicy.. as the term spicy also is used to describe people who are more lewd or lack boundaries etc. So when ever I here it I just think the person is going to act in a way that will make me uncomfortable.
Neurodivergent is perfectly fine descriptor, we really don't and shouldn't be subsituting words to make them.. more palatable or whatever, there is no need imo.
Thanks for your take on this. This is exactly why I asked. I want to make kids feel valued and seen. Sometimes a quick slang term can help that. But other times it may seem trivializing. For now I am putting up signs that say "embrace neurodiversity" and I will see if a specific kid like the term. If it helps them feel understood, I'll use it. If not I won't.
I love how you explore the idea of "neurospicy" and how a simple word can open doors to understanding. Your story with Max demonstrates the power of language that is both respectful and playful. It's incredibly valuable that you pause to consider whether the term is appropriate for your classroom, showing your empathy. It's an important debate, and your reflection addresses it in a very personal and honest way.
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