Written by Ryan K. Litchfield, AC, CCC

Before we go forth in understanding the analogous combination of alchemy and neurodiversity, we need to understand the meaning and context of alchemy. What exactly is Alchemy?

Alchemy is a craft that originated during ancient times that was practiced in continents such as Africa, Asia, and Europe. Alchemy can be broken down into several different components: a science, a philosophical notion, and a form of spirituality. Science allows us to identify behaviors, observations, patterns, and trends of the two realms: the natural world and the physical world. When we think about the art of alchemy in the context of science, we refer to chemistry. Chemistry is the science of understanding how matter interacts with other forms of matter, and this includes energy. The idea of alchemy in this context is to try to transform one element into a different element, for example, lead into gold. Even medicine was made by transforming different elements to try to increase mortality in some ancient practices.

What is the philosophical viewpoint of alchemy? First, we need to understand the meaning of philosophy. Philosophy is the practice of inquiring the fundamental origin of how we acquire knowledge. Philosophers are also known for questioning the fundamental origins of reality and existence. Alchemy as a philosophical tool can be utilized to decode how the universe is connected and the transformative power that it can have on every day phenomenon that helps us to make sense of the meaning of the word, “life”. People come and go with a wide array of experiences, languages, minds, values, and other essential elements that define their purpose of existence. Alchemy may even in a philosophical context help mankind uncover the truth and reasoning of why we are real and to perhaps answer this question, “Is there a purpose for us being real?”

Spirituality is another common factor when looking into alchemy. Alchemy can help us to identify that something is greater than ourselves. What can that be though? The possibility that faith may play a pivotal role in the transformative power that extends beyond the compatibilities of human existence. Perhaps there is more to one individual than just recognizing the meaning and purpose of life. What about just one’s own life? Spirituality also involves the connectedness of others. Do connections have the transformative power to strengthen existing connections and grow new connections? I think this is possible indeed. We also have the strength and will power to establish inner peace and well-being within ourselves and amongst others.

Prior to making the connections between alchemy and neurodiversity, we need to ask ourselves, what is neurodiversity? What does it mean to be neurodiverse? Let’s put it this way, being neurodiverse does not mold us from a person into an element. Being neurodiverse does not doubt nor question the reality and existence of being a part of the whole. Being neurodiverse does not take away connections nor accessibility to inner peace and well-being. Being neurodiverse means to think and respond to our own existence and realities in our own different and unique ways in the context of our own individualized lives versus all of mankind. ADHD, autism, dyslexia, learning disabilities, what do all these things have in common? Commonalities in strengths and hardships that are similar to that of all mankind. Attention difficulties and impulsiveness, social, communication, and relationship challenges, difficulty with reading and writing, difficulty with math. While these may be the hardships encountered here and more, let’s view the strengths: being detail-oriented, creative, innovative, memory, and yes there are more we could count.

Circling back to what I mentioned in the beginning, why and how are alchemy and neurodiversity analogous? Let’s break it down. Looking at alchemy and neurodiversity at a scientific lens, we are primarily focused on the brain. The brain is a structure that represents both the natural world and the physical world. The brain also has chemistry! Neurodivergence transforms the various brain structures of different abilities and components which has the power to promote amazing and powerful energy to brighten and contribute to the individual, others, and everything around them. When some parts of the brain are not in full capacity, we can always compensate and utilize other parts of the brain to transform problems into solutions and ideas into realities.

What about through a philosophical lens? The most beautiful notion of neurodivergence is the beauty and magnitude of acquiring experience, knowledge, and wisdom in a variety of formats and methodologies to help enhance what we know, and to know what we don’t know. Neurodivergence is beautiful in that it is the fundamental component that makes up the whole of reality and existence in this world. What if neurodivergence never existed? We would only be seeing parts of reality and existence. Neurodivergence is real, that is truth. However, neurodivergence is one of the greatest gifts that can be given to mankind, especially when we all have differences in experience, language, cognition, values, personalities, and other common traits. I believe there is a purpose for neurodivergence. Mankind needs to understand what they know and what they do not know about different abilities and mindsets to gain a clear image of, “this exists, this is real, and there is nothing wrong with being different.” The reality is that some of us are open-minded, and others are rigid, and in truth, the more open we are to accept and value the different abilities and mindsets of others, we are going to be able to generate brighter, stronger, and lasting realities and existence of all that come to contact with both the natural and the physical world.

Let’s look at alchemy and neurodiversity in a spiritual lens. Neurodivergence can and will bring out the best in people despite their differences in the ways one thinks and responds to their surroundings. Neurodivergence has been known in the wakes of history and time past, current, and future, awaken the successes and triumphs of those with the gifts of perseverance and resilience, even with faith. Neurodivergence says, “We may see the world differently, but we are open to trying new things and learning from the experiences”, and it makes those experiences stand out when we have the power to believe. Neurodivergence is truly a magnificent gem in that talents and gifts are shared with all mankind. Neurodivergence strives to make as many connections as possible to make life meaningful. Neurodivergence allows those to be at peace and accept themselves for who they are, and when individuals can do that, they have the strength to walk through life.

Wherever you, the reader, are at in your life, know this. Alchemy has the methodologies of science, philosophy, and spirituality to help form and create the reality that we live in. That in itself is transformative power. How about a new term, “neurodivergent alchemy” as the title states? If I were to write a definition of neurodivergent alchemy, I would write the following below:

Neurodivergent alchemy: The implementation, practice, and recognition of recognizing individualized different abilities and mindsets utilizing scientific, philosophical, and spiritual methodologies to understand the formation, knowledge, and faith that help to bring a transformative power to events, places, and things for the purpose of acquiring the lessons of life and the existence and meaning of neurodivergence.