It has been long established in science that the physical attributes of humans are directly correlated to the environment. As animals, we hold an ability to alter our physical selves through the beauty of evolutionary mutation to ensure our survival as a species. For example, our skin pigmentation. Why are certain individuals darker in pigmentation and others lighter?. This is primarily due to the environment. Darker skin has a number of attributes, such as being a barrier to water loss, greater cohesiveness and provides an antimicrobial defense. Darker skin also prevents the breakdown of folic acid, which is an essential nutrient in reproduction. As humans moved north from the equator, our bodies no longer needed to divert energy and resources toward making darker skin because the environment no longer demanded it. Over the course of thousands of years, a mutation allowing for lighter skin tones emerged.  In the case of neurodiversity, it is thought environmental factors may also play a significant role in creating neurodiverse individuals. What is neurodiversity? What can it look like in some individuals? What are some ways you can demonstrate being a diversity ally to neurodiverse individuals? Stay tuned! 

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                                                                          References

Armstrong, T. (2011). The Power of Neurodiversity: Unleashing the Advantages of Your Differently Wired Brain (published in Hardcover as Neurodiversity). Hachette Books.

Doyle, N. (2020, September 30). Neurodiversity at work: a biopsychosocial model and the impact on working adults. NCBI. Retrieved April 22, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7732033/

Nelson, K. (2023, February 10). Masking at Work for Neurodivergent People. Verywell Mind. Retrieved April 22, 2023, from https://www.verywellmind.com/neurodivergence-at-work-to-mask-or-not-to-mask-7108000

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD): Symptoms & Treatment. (2022, August 30). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved April 22, 2023, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24099-rejection-sensitive-dysphoria-rsd