It’s taken me a while to realise this, but almost all of my favourite people are neurodiverse. And it makes perfect sense—because I am too.
For a long time, I didn’t put much thought into why I connected so deeply with certain people. I just knew that with them, I felt safe. I could be myself without overthinking every word or action. There was an unspoken understanding, a shared rhythm in how we saw and experienced the world. It wasn’t until I started learning more about my own neurodiversity—about being autistic, having ADHD, and living with dyslexia—that the pattern became clear.
The people I feel most at home with are wired like me.
A World That Makes Sense
Growing up, I struggled to fit in. Social interactions felt like walking through a maze blindfolded, never quite knowing the rules or why they seemed to change without warning. I masked a lot—hiding the parts of me that felt “too much” or “not enough.” But with the people I love most, there’s no need for that.
When I’m with my neurodiverse friends and family, conversations flow in a way that feels natural. There’s no pressure to make small talk when we’d rather dive into deep discussions or focus on our special interests. If one of us needs a moment of quiet, we understand. If someone info-dumps about a topic they love, we listen with genuine enthusiasm. The give-and-take of our interactions feels intuitive, not forced.
The Power of Shared Experience
One of the biggest joys of being around neurodiverse people is the sense of validation. We get each other’s struggles—whether it’s sensory overwhelm, executive dysfunction, or the exhaustion of navigating a world designed for neurotypicals. There’s no need to explain why certain textures, lights, or noises feel unbearable, or why an unexpected change of plans can throw the whole day off.
It’s not just about the challenges, though. We also celebrate the way our brains work differently. The creativity, the hyperfocus, the deep empathy that so many neurodivergent people have—it’s all appreciated in a way that feels rare outside of this space.
Finding My People
Realising that most of my favourite people are neurodiverse has been a huge moment of self-acceptance. It’s reinforced that I’m not “too much” or “not enough”—I just needed to be around people who see the world the way I do. It’s also made me more intentional about the spaces I choose to be in. I no longer feel the need to force connections that don’t come naturally. Instead, I gravitate towards those who truly understand me.
And honestly? That’s been one of the most freeing, affirming things I’ve ever done.
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit, I encourage you to look at the people who make you feel safe, seen, and valued. You might just find that, like me, you’ve been surrounded by your neurodiverse tribe all along.
If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear about your own experiences of finding your people! Leave a comment, share this with a friend, and don’t forget to subscribe for more content on neurodiversity and parenting.
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