Neurodivergence and Trauma

Gabor Maté’s book Scattered Minds has stirred intense discussion, and as a coach with both personal and professional ties to neurodivergence, I find this conversation invaluable. The book, which examines ADHD through the lens of trauma, has been both praised and criticized, often for its approach to understanding neurodiversity. But is Scattered Minds really about “blaming” parents, or is it attempting something deeper? In this post, I’d like to explore what I think Maté is getting at, especially in the context of his latest work, The Myth of Normal, which delves into societal trauma and its far-reaching effects.

Neurodivergence and Trauma: More Than Just Overlapping Traits

Maté’s work suggests that neurodivergence and trauma may share overlapping pathways—not in a way that diminishes neurodivergent identities but as a framework for understanding how our minds adapt to our environments. The question isn’t whether neurodivergent traits are valid but how they may be influenced by the conditions in which they arise. From an epigenetic standpoint, environments can shape gene expression, potentially leading to traits that help people adapt and survive challenging conditions. Neurodivergence, therefore, may not be a “deficit” but a spectrum of adaptive traits.

For many neurodivergent individuals, the traits they express serve important functions in today’s world—creativity, hyper-focus, and the ability to think outside the box are increasingly valued in modern workplaces. But these traits also come with challenges, especially when they’re misunderstood or unsupported. By framing neurodivergence as potentially adaptive rather than merely “disordered,” Maté opens a door for a more compassionate and inclusive view of the neurodivergent experience.

Societal Trauma and the “Myth of Normal”

In The Myth of Normal, Maté explores the concept of societal trauma and the impact it has on all of us. Trauma, in his view, isn’t limited to major life events but can encompass a society-wide “misattunement” to human needs. A culture that emphasizes relentless productivity, narrow definitions of success, and rigid social roles can contribute to feelings of alienation and stress, especially for those whose minds naturally work differently.

For neurodivergent individuals, societal expectations can become a source of ongoing friction and frustration. When society is structured in a way that favors certain types of cognition or behavior, those who operate differently may feel pressured to “fit in” or hide their authentic selves, leading to stress and even burnout. Viewed this way, neurodivergence may be less about individual limitations and more about a collective misalignment.

Neurodivergence as an Evolutionary Adaptation?

If we consider neurodivergence as an adaptation, perhaps it evolved as a survival strategy—one that’s uniquely suited to certain environments and needs. Traits associated with ADHD, for instance, such as quick responsiveness, creative problem-solving, and high energy levels, may have once served crucial roles within early human communities. In today’s rapidly changing workplace, these traits are often sought after and rewarded, though they must also be managed to prevent burnout and overwhelm.

Coaching neurodivergent clients has shown me that these individuals bring profound strengths and perspectives to their work, but they also face unique stressors, especially in settings that demand constant conformity. Just as adaptability is a hallmark of neurodivergent minds, the environments around us must also adapt to foster a balance that supports neurodivergent traits without exploiting or overtaxing them.

Moving Beyond the Blame Game

A common critique of Scattered Minds is the perception that it places undue responsibility on parents. But to reduce Maté’s work to parent-blaming is to miss a broader and more compassionate message: that our environments, not just in the home but across society, deeply shape how we develop. He advocates for greater awareness and alignment within families, workplaces, and communities to support neurodivergent individuals. Blame has no place in Maté’s approach; instead, it’s about recognizing how environmental factors influence development and what we can do collectively to create supportive spaces.

Embracing Neurodivergent Strengths in a Compassionate World

For me, Maté’s work is a call to action for all of us to understand neurodivergent experiences in more depth. By moving beyond labels and pathologizing narratives, we can start seeing neurodivergence as a spectrum of valuable adaptations—traits that enhance our workplaces and communities. But these strengths need balanced, supportive environments to thrive. When neurodivergent traits are nurtured, they bring remarkable benefits; when they’re misunderstood or overextended, they can lead to burnout and stress.

As a coach, my focus is to help neurodivergent clients harness their unique abilities in ways that serve their goals without sacrificing well-being. Rather than seeing neurodivergence as something to “fix,” I see it as something to honour and understand, both for individuals and the society that surrounds them.

In embracing neurodivergence as part of the human experience, we can move closer to a world that values each person’s unique strengths. Maté’s work, for all its complexity and nuance, is a valuable contribution to this understanding.

This angle balances appreciation for Maté’s work with an exploration of neurodivergence as an adaptive, rather than deficient, response to environmental demands. It acknowledges the role of trauma and societal influences without suggesting blame, providing a framework for seeing neurodivergence as both a challenge and a source of profound strength.