Thinking a Little Differently: A Member Reflects on Life as a Neurodivergent Physiologist

The document is a personal reflection by Michael B Vaughan, a neurodivergent physiologist, on his experiences with dyslexia and ADHD in the field of research. Vaughan discusses the concept of neurodiversity, which views neurological differences like autism and ADHD as normal variations in the human genome, rather than conditions to be cured. He cites evidence showing the genetic advantage of ADHD traits in ancient societies, suggesting these traits are better suited to hunting and gathering rather than modern tasks like spreadsheet maintenance. Vaughan shares how his neurodivergence has shaped his research life, leading him to explore various disciplines and bring a creative, chaotic energy to his projects. However, he also acknowledges the challenges he faces, such as difficulty with task completion and communication. To address these issues, Vaughan and his supervisory team restructured his work planning and execution, and made accommodations in his lab environment. Vaughan encourages others to consider accommodations for neurodiverse individuals in their own environments, emphasizing the importance of patience and understanding in communication.