Breaking barriers: What psychology can teach us about inclusion

By Lisa Jacovsky 

Inclusion begins with understanding. Psychology reveals why we crave connection, how exclusion impacts our mental health negatively, and why embracing neurodiversity matters. By exploring these insights, we can learn to challenge bias, value differences, and build spaces where everyone feels seen and supported. Breaking barriers starts with knowledge and believing each of us has the power to make a difference. 

Belonging is a fundamental human need, as outlined in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. 

Once basic needs like food and safety are met, humans seek love and belonging through friendships, family, and social connections. When this need is unmet, people can suffer emotionally and psychologically. 

Inclusion fosters a sense of connection and validation. Feeling accepted and valued boosts mental well-being, encourages motivation, and increases productivity. Inclusive environments promote trust, creativity, and resilience, benefiting both individuals and the groups they belong to. Belonging isn’t just a “nice-to-have”; it’s part of how we were created as a species. 

Exclusion, on the other hand, goes against this need and will often lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Also, being left out or rejected activates the same brain regions as physical pain, showing how deeply social exclusion can affect us. Over time, it can contribute to depression, reduced motivation, and even physical health issues. 

The neurodiversity movement challenges traditional views in psychology that label certain brain differences as “abnormal.” Instead, it recognizes conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others as natural variations of the human brain, each with its strengths and challenges. This shift encourages a more inclusive understanding of mental and cognitive differences. In addition, there has been more acceptance of using the word neurodivergent rather than “abnormal”. 

Psychology now increasingly supports this perspective. The field encourages individuals to move away from pathologizing neurodivergent individuals. Instead to move toward valuing diverse ways of thinking and processing the world. Psychology recognizes that neurodivergent individuals bring unique strengths to their communities and workplaces. These strengths can include heightened creativity, deep focus, innovative problem-solving, and fresh perspectives. By embracing neurodiversity, we not only create more inclusive spaces but also tap into a broader range of talents and insights that enrich society as a whole. 

A great example is the incredible organization Brainstorm Productions. It was created for individuals who are neurodiverse and in their third year at the Center for Learning Unlimited. It is a career training program that prepares them for working in the animation and visual arts industry. The talented individuals in this program illustrate and design the layout of the majority of my children’s books. They are an inspirational example of what an inclusive environment can lead to. 

Each of us plays a role in building a more inclusive world. Start by challenging your own biases. You can do this by reflecting on your assumptions and taking implicit bias tests to uncover blind spots. You can also speak up when you witness exclusion or unfair treatment. Actively seeking diverse voices in your conversations, media, and teams can add positively to those interactions. Most importantly, create inclusive spaces in your school, workplace, or community by welcoming different perspectives and encouraging belonging for all. 

Psychology offers powerful tools to understand human behavior, dismantle harmful patterns, and build empathy. As we apply this knowledge, we move closer to a world where differences are not just accepted but celebrated. Inclusion isn’t a destination; it’s a lifelong journey that benefits everyone. When we break barriers together, we create communities that are stronger, healthier, and more connected.

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