Miss Universe Fatima Bosch was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia when she was six. Today, she shares the role nutrition, routines and mindset played in her journey of thriving. A clinical nutritionist lays out six straightforward, research-backed rules that anyone can use to improve focus and energy, mood stability and overall well-being with neurodiversity at its core.
Neurodiversity is a way of thinking about the wide variety of human brains and how they work. ADHD and dyslexia are not deficits — they’re just different forms of cognition with their own strengths. A lot of neurodiverse people are extraordinarily creative, intuitive, emotionally intelligent and innovative. Yet, many of them have problems with attention, memory, reading, executive function and emotional regulation. But with appropriate coping strategies, they can do well in school, work and relationships — as well as avoid anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
Miss Universe Fatima Bosch was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder and dyslexia as a six-year-old. For her, it was a time of frustration, self-doubt and academic challenges but with the help of psychologists, educators and mentors, she mastered tools for boosting her focus, and self-confidence. Today, she shares her journey to inspire other children and adults with the same story.
“No single technique will work for everyone, but simple daily practices can make a huge difference in mental clarity, overwhelm reduction and boosting emotional resilience,” says Dr. Naina Verghese (PhD Clinical Psychology), Founder & Lead Psychologist, MindBalance Therapy Centre.
Here are six practical rules for neurodiverse people to help them gain confidence and navigate the daily challenges:
Create Predictable Daily Routines
The neurodiverse mind craves structure. Maintaining regular schedules results in less stress and improved concentration, both of which help daily tasks feel more manageable. For emotional stability, the rituals of morning and bed time are key.
Break It Down Into Little, Manageable Parts
Large tasks can feel overwhelming. Breaking them down into small, clear steps can help boost motivation and stave off shutdown. It gives confidence as you celebrate each completed step.
Leverage Visuals for Learning and Organization
Charts, colour-coding, sticky notes, checklists and visual timers can be all that is needed to offset memory and focus difficulties. Visual models make goals more concrete and reduce the mental burden of keeping all of it straight.
Engage in Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation Skills
These are the small tips and tricks which train a busy, working mind to be more peaceful. Simple breathing exercises, grounding techniques or taking time for short mindfulness meditations can calm an overactive or anxious mind. These tactics help bring emotions back into balance and sharpen our decision making on a daily basis.
Build a Supportive Environment
Family, teachers, peers or mentors are key to the support. Positive reinforcement and empathy decrease shame and allow neurodiverse people to demonstrate their strengths instead of masking weaknesses.
Focus on Strength-Based Development
Rather than steering traditional pathways, psychologists are urging the development of natural inclinations — creativity, problem-solving, storytelling, leadership or visual thinking. Strength based development breeds confidence and long-term success.
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FAQs on neurodiverse conditions:
1. What are neurodiverse conditions?
Conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia that reflect natural differences in brain functioning.
2. Are neurodiverse conditions considered illnesses?
No, they are variations in the brain; not illnesses, though some people may need support.
3. How do neurodiverse conditions affect daily life?
They may influence learning, communication, focus, or sensory processing—each person is unique.
4. Can neurodiverse individuals succeed academically or professionally?
Absolutely—many have strong strengths such as creativity, problem-solving, and hyper-focus.
5. How can we support neurodiverse people?
By offering understanding, accommodations, flexible environments, and celebrating their strengths.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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