What's The Point?

Dr. Thomas Armstrong lists and categorizes neurological strengths, from cognitive strengths to dexterity strengths. He argues that they should all be recognized as normal human differences individually, and that disabilities are often just strengths in the unsuccessful environments. His checklist of strengths includes characteristics like "has optimistic attitude toward life, "can easily calculate numbers in their head," "is good at sharing with others," and even "likes to find out about historical events around the world."

Neurodiversity: "An idea which asserts that atypical (neurodivergent) neurological development is a normal human difference that is to be recognized and respected as any other human variation."

5 Types of Diversities: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, Intellectual disabilities, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

In Nature: modifying environment to enhance survival. In Culture: same thing! Modifying environment to increase child's chances for success.

Principles of Neurodiversity: "The brain is a rainforest;" cultural values dictate disorders; success is adapting to environment; success is changing the environment; niche construction modifies the brain.

Positive niche construction: strength awareness, positive role models, assistive tech, strengths-based learning, enhanced human resources network, affirmative career aspirations, positive environmental mods

Strengths Checklists

Transcription below:

• Personal Strengths
  • Enjoys working independently
  • Has a good sense of personal strengths and weaknesses
  • Learns from past mistakes
  • Has persistence in carrying out assignments
  • Is courageous in dealing with adversity or the unknown
  • Keeps a personal diary or journal
  • Has a good sense of humor
  • Possesses sense of responsibility
  • Has strong opinions about controversial topics
  • Marches to the beat of a different drummer
  • Handles stressful events well (i.e. resilient)
  • Has good character (e.g. honesty, integrity, fairness)
  • Has the ability to set realistic goals
  • Has a sense of confidence or high self-esteem
  • Has good self-discipline
  • Has personal ambitions in life
  • Displays good common sense
  • Possesses personal vitality, vigor, or energy
• Communication Strengths
  • Explains ideas or concepts well to others
  • Asks good questions
  • Is a good storyteller
  • Is a good joke teller
  • Has good listening skills
  • Handles verbal feedback (especially negative) well
  • Has good articulation abilities
  • Is able to effectively use non-verbal cues to communicate
  • Is persuasive in getting someone to do something
  • Has good assertive skills without being pushy
• Emotional Strengths
  • Is emotionally sensitive to perceiving world around them
  • Has optimistic attitude toward life
  • Can tell how they're feeling at any given moment
  • Can easily pick up on the emotional state of another person
  • Is able to handle strong internal feelings in a constructive manner
  • Receives gut feelings about things
• Social Strengths
  • Has leadership ability
  • Has a good sense of empathy for others
  • Enjoys socializing with others
  • Is good at helping others
  • Is kind or affectionate toward others
  • Has at least one good friend
  • Prefers working with others
  • Likes to play board games and/or card games with others
  • Has skill in refereeing disputes between classmates
  • Is polite and has good manners
  • Is able to workout their own conflicts with others
  • Works well in groups
  • Volunteers their time in some worthy cause
  • Belongs to at least one club or social group
  • Has a good relationship with at least one family member
  • Is friendly to others
  • Is good at sharing with others
  • Follows class rules
  • Has a good relationship with at least one teacher in the school
  • Has good personal hygiene
  • Trusts others without being taken in
  • Is liked by peers
• Cognitive Strengths
• Cultural Strengths
• Literacy Strengths
• Logical Strengths
• Visual-Spatial Strengths