Mental wellness is not a one-size-fits-all experience. While some people find peace in stillness and solitude, others find balance through stimulation, movement, or structure. For neurodivergent individuals — those whose brains function differently than the typical model — mental wellness might look unconventional, but it is just as valid.
For example, someone with ADHD may find peace through creative bursts of productivity, or by alternating between movement and focus. They may struggle with consistency but thrive with novelty. Autistic individuals might experience wellness when they have control over their routines, access to sensory-safe environments, and freedom from social masking.
Mental wellness for neurodivergent people often means freedom from judgment — not trying to appear “normal” or “calm” in ways that don’t align with how their brain naturally works. It includes having tools for regulation that respect their processing style — whether that’s using noise-canceling headphones, taking breaks without explanation, or stimming to self-soothe.
Unfortunately, mainstream wellness narratives often ignore this. The focus is too often on mindfulness apps or “quieting the mind,” which may not be helpful — or even accessible — to all brains. That’s why at Behold Your Wonder™, we emphasize a pluralistic approach to wellness: one that recognizes different brains need different paths to peace.
Mental health is not the absence of stress or neurodivergence — it’s the presence of support, awareness, and space to be yourself. The more we normalize this, the more healing becomes possible.
For someone with ADHD, wellness could mean working in sprints and then taking breaks. For someone on the autism spectrum, it may look like predictability, control over their environment, or reducing social expectations. These needs differ, but they all serve the same purpose: helping the individual feel grounded, balanced, and well.
Unfortunately, many wellness messages ignore this variety. Mainstream solutions tend to push “calmness” or silence, which can be stressful — even harmful — for some. Instead, we must adopt a more pluralistic model that respects what works for each brain.
"Wellness isn’t about doing what works for everyone — it’s about doing what works for you. That might look messy to others, and that’s perfectly fine."
We need to challenge the assumption that there’s a single way to be “well.” Mental wellness is personal, cultural, sensory, and behavioral — and it must include diverse neurotypes.
Wellness for different brains means offering choices, not prescriptions. At Behold Your Wonder™, we advocate for practices that empower people to understand their needs and build routines that nourish them, not change them.