Why Neurodivergent People Can Be 'Canaries in Coal Mines'
Psychology Today
by Ludmila N. Praslova, Ph.D.February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism or ADHD, often serve as "canaries in coal mines," sensing environmental or social threats long before others. This metaphor highlights their unique ability to detect problems in systems—whether it’s harmful school policies, toxic workplace cultures, or sensory overload—which can have severe consequences if ignored. These individuals are not weak but possess heightened sensitivity that makes them particularly attuned to danger, both physical and psychological.
Historically, canaries were used in coal mines to detect carbon monoxide, as their sensitivity allowed them to react before humans. Similarly, neurodivergent people often act as sentinels for societal issues. For example, they may notice patterns of injustice or toxicity in institutions that others overlook, such as bullying in schools or exclusionary workplace norms. Their early warnings are often dismissed, leaving them vulnerable to harm and pushing them out of environments that fail to accommodate their needs.
Research supports the idea that neurodivergent individuals process information more intensely, making them highly sensitive to environmental stimuli. This heightened awareness can lead to stronger reactions to sensory overload or toxic social dynamics. However, this sensitivity is not a defect—it’s what allows many neurodivergent people to excel in areas like attention, memory, and pattern detection. Their unique strengths could be harnessed to improve environments for everyone, but too often, their warnings are ignored or met with exclusion instead of action.
The societal response to these "canaries" is problematic. Instead of listening and adapting systems to protect neurodivergent individuals, institutions
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Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/20/2026