My Brain is Different: Stories of ADHD and Other Developmental Disorders [Manga] Review - A Very Insightful Read

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A Very Insightful Read

• Mangaka : MONZUSU
• Publisher : Seven Seas Entertainment
• Genre : Autobiography
• Published : April 12, 2022

Developmental disorders, which include ADHD and autism, are being brought into the limelight in recent years largely thanks to society’s advancement in research. While more and more people with these conditions feel empowered nowadays, there is still a large population feeling the stigma affiliated with these conditions. Despite the availability of information through the net, there are also others who are generally unaware of these conditions, especially in more conservative countries where being different is frowned upon. My Brain is Different: Stories of ADHD and Other Developmental Disorders tackles the reality of living with such conditions, and here’s what we think about it.

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Discussion Time

My Brain is Different: Stories of ADHD and Other Developmental Disorders is a manga anthology of nine stories of people, including the author herself, living with different developmental disorders. The stories tell the hardships these individuals face on a daily basis. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into the review.

Why You Should Read My Brain is Different: Stories of ADHD and Other Developmental Disorders

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1. Eye-Opening

Knowledge about developmental disorders can easily be stumbled upon in today’s society. There are even various series, films, and other media covering it. The problem with these illustrations, however, is that they tend to focus on the extreme ends of the spectrum. When it comes to autism, it’s almost always about someone with an incredulous thinking or memory skill. If not like that, it’s someone with very obvious manifestations. However, the reality is that there is more to it than that, and My Brain is Different: Stories of ADHD and Other Developmental Disorders perfectly shows that to its readers. Developmental disorders come in a wide spectrum. That means that, even though some may manifest similar characteristics, what they experience – and more importantly, their identity as a person – are vastly different. They are, after all, people. Just like any other people, they have different preferences, hobbies, and whatnot. Interestingly, some, like the mangaka herself, are borderline – for the lack of a better term – normal. Because of that, it makes detecting the condition a bit arduous.

2. Empowering

Being different in a judgmental society can be really hard. There are people who will even go out of their way to berate you, and more often than not, there is the foreboding feeling of not being accepted. That’s exactly the reason why My Brain is Different: Stories of ADHD and Other Developmental Disorders is so empowering. It gives readers who have similar conditions something to relate to - something that reminds them that they are not alone. Highroad-san’s anecdote is a good example of this. Despite the supposed edge he has – an incredibly efficient memory – he still struggles with socialization. He borderline fits societal expectations, but he himself knows that there is something different about him. Similarly, Iku-san’s positive experiences with medication may hopefully resonate with others in similar situations. Though it may not be much, we wholeheartedly believe that taking any sort of medication doesn’t make anybody lesser in any way.

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Final Thoughts

My Brain is Different: Stories of ADHD and Other Developmental Disorders shows us the world from a new perspective. Since the stories are told by the individuals with these conditions themselves, everything, including the thought processes, is detailed. Because of that, we find it important to leave a warning. While these stories are obviously representations of different developmental disorders, it is in no way acceptable to treat it as a diagnostic tool. If you think you or someone you know presents similar characteristics as shown in the manga, seek professional help. On the other hand, patience and understanding are always welcome behaviors, not only toward people with these conditions, but also to other people in general. What do you think about My Brain is Different: Stories of ADHD and Other Developmental Disorders? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below!

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