Neurodiversity in Space

It can be difficult for neurotypical people to understand or relate to the issues that neurodivergent people can face on a daily basis. In a world not tailored to their needs, neurodivergent people often feel ostracized or unincluded. Nowhere is this more true than in professional fields like astronomy or others in the sciences. Fields like aeronautical engineering or the astronautical field create unique challenges such as loud noises or sensory issues that may drive neurodivergent people away.

Around 15 to 20% of the global population exhibits some form of neurodivergence. It encompasses conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia and others.This neurodiversity can bring enhanced capabilities including strong pattern recognition skills, analytical thinking, deep focus and enhanced memory.The challenge associated with neurodiversity in the form of reading and writing, social interaction and communication, coordination and motor skills.

The causes for neurodivergence are generally unknown and there are no treatments that fully eliminate the traits or symptoms associated with it– assuming that neurodivergent people would want that. Neurodivergence is not necessarily a disability but a difference in how the brain works. It means the person has different strengths and struggles from those whose brains work more typically.

Despite the challenges present in astronomical fields, neurodivergent astronauts and notable figures have succeeded in and revolutionized the space industry in the past and present. Lack of records and past knowledge on this topic make it difficult to say for certain where historical figures fell on the spectrum, and even modern figures’ diagnoses sometimes remain vague due to stigma. However, neurodivergent people have always existed and made contributions to the world of great importance.

Figures like Scott Kelly, Stephen Hawking, and Lisa Knowak have demonstrated that neurodiversity can be a key asset in today’s ever changing world. As technologies like AI and quantum computing continue to evolve, the demand for creative and unconventional thinking becomes more necessary. Diversity of thought and the ability to innovate is a necessity for survival.

The advantages and obstacles of neurodiversity in astronomy

Cognitive diversity can be critical in driving new ideas when people who perceive and process the world differently are included. Research shows that inclusive organizations are 75% more likely to see ideas become productized, 87% more likely to say they make better decisions, and are likely to recognize higher revenues.

Research done on the link between ADHD and creative cognition demonstrates statistical linkages between ADHD and the three elements of creative cognition: divergent thinking, conceptual expansion, and overcoming knowledge constraints. People with ADHD are able to consider a multitude of ideas emanating from a single point more easily than traditional thinkers, enabling them to be critical enablers for brainstorming and idea generation.

Similar research focused on dyslexia finds a heightened ability to visualize the bigger picture, as well as a greater notice to visual diversions in one’s environment. While a study of astrophysicists found that those with dyslexia were better able to spot black holes within the static of space-related data.

Another benefit is that neurodiverse professionals are generally more accustomed to solving problems because they must often do so regularly to navigate a world that’s not always designed for them. This means that they are more comfortable challenging the status quo and breaking groupthink, the tendency for cohesive groups to prioritize consensus over critical evaluation

With these benefits also come difficulties specific to neurodiverse individuals. Heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli like light, sound, and texture. Busy or noisy environments like observatories or classrooms, among others, can lead to difficulties in focusing and feeling comfortable in the workspace. This heightened sensitivity can lead to sensory overload which transforms routine environments into realms of discomfort and stress. Accommodating these sensory needs is essential to fully allow neurodiverse individuals to perform at their highest potential.

Traditional academic settings often prioritize standardized approaches to learning and problem-solving, which can challenge or ostracize neurodiverse individuals who may have different learning styles or strengths. These traditional settings are also commonly social centers which many neurotypical people can feel isolated in if they struggle with social cues, hindering their ability to participate fully in research or professional development.

Scott Kelly

A prime example that neurodiversity is no hindrance to achieving one’s goals is Scott Kelly, an American engineer, retired astronaut, and naval aviator. Famously known as the first astronaut to spend a full-year in space, he has rightfully received innumerable praise for his intelligence, talent, and willpower in the pursuit of his goals. However, what many don’t know about Kelly is that as a child, he thought being an astronaut wasn’t an option because of his attention issues.

Kelly was born in 1964, years before ADHD was officially recognized. It wasn’t until 1980 that “ADD” first appeared in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), a handbook used by mental health professionals in the United States and many other countries for diagnosing mental disorders. Yet another example of how neurodiverse people may have slid under the radar for years due to a lack of terminology and education.

When asked about it in the Santa Barbara Independent he said “If I was a kid today, I would have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. It was impossible. Every year, I thought, ‘This is the year I’m going to start paying attention and doing my homework.’ And that would last all of two days.”

Stephen Hawking

One of the most renowned theoretical physicists and cosmologists, Stephen Hawking, lived with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which led to significant physical limitations, but made noteworthy contributions in his lifetime to science and became a prominent advocate for disability rights. While completing his graduate work at Cambridge in 1963, he was diagnosed with the motor neuron disease which gradually, over decades, paralysed him.

Hawking's scientific works included gravitational singularity theorems in the framework of general relativity, and the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, often called Hawking radiation. In 1970, Hawking postulated what became known as the second law of black hole dynamics, that the event horizon of a black hole can never get smaller. Much to his annoyance three years later while studying quantum mechanics and gravity, his much-checked calculations produced findings that contradicted his second law, which claimed black holes could never get smaller. He presented his results in 1974 theorizing that black holes emit radiation.

His theoretical predictions were at first controversial. However, following the publication of further research, the discovery was widely accepted as a major breakthrough in theoretical physics. Hawking was the first to set out a theory of cosmology explained by a union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. He ultimately died at the age of 76, having lived more than 50 years following his diagnosis of motor neurone disease, a prime example of the genius present in the neurodiverse and disabled community.

Stephen Hawking — Image credits: Newscientist.com

Lisa Nowak

Lisa Nowak is an American aeronautical engineer, former NASA astronaut, and retired United States Navy officer. She served as naval flight officer and test pilot in the Navy, and was selected by NASA in 1996. During the STS-121 mission, she manned the robotic arms of the shuttle and the International Space Station.

After being involved in an incident where she accosted and pepper-sprayed Colleen Shipman, a U.S. Air Force captain romantically involved with astronaut William Oefelein, who had been in a relationship with Nowak, Nowak was evaluated by two psychiatrists who diagnosed her with obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCD) and Asperger’s syndrome. Despite this incident, Nowak was an incredibly accomplished woman who provided decades of support to both the US Navy and NASA.

Neuro-Inclusivity today

As more and more astronomical innovators recognize the value of neurodiversity within their offices and labs, more pathways have been opened up to guide and encourage young neurodiverse people to pursue their dreams.

NASA's Neurodiversity Network (also called N3 program) is one such initiative that was funded in 2021 by NASA's Science Activation program. The goal of the program was to provide a pathway to NASA participation and STEM employment for neurodiverse learners with a particular focus on autistic people. The N3 program has two main components: the summer high school internship program, and the co-design of existing NASA resources for use with autistic learners

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has made similar strides in recent years. In their Accessibility Plan (2023-2025) they outline their commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace. They also mention their aim to support employees with disabilities, including those who are neurodiverse, to contribute their full potential.

A space that is inclusive to the neurodivergent minority not only includes them, but adapt to their needs as well. As the astronomical field becomes more accessible to all people, innovation increases and new ideas are discovered.

Yours truly,

Fatima Ka

Writer, Editorial team