Neurodivergence in Interpreters: Impact on Cognitive Processing, and Recall Skills.

Every Interpreter uses various cognitive processing skills during the interpretation process, but they each have their own unique way of using these skills and processing the interpretation. Many Interpreters are also neurodivergent, which can affect their cognitive processing and visual recall. The purpose of this study is to research and describe the various skills required for the interpreting process, while studying how these processes may be affected or changed due to neurodivergence. Other themes analyzed through previous research will be strategies, strengths, and self-care for neurodivergent interpreters to continue to develop and improve their cognitive processing skills. This theoretical study will be conducted in the United States, through surveys sent out to various online interpreting groups. These overall themes will be analyzed through the research including, 1) cognitive processing skills, 2) understanding strengths and weaknesses, 3) neurodivergence in interpreting, 4) expanding the visio-spatial sketchpad, and 5) mental fatigue. The purpose of interpreting is to provide communication access to the Deaf community. Through interpreters learning about their strengths and weaknesses, they can use their knowledge for the better to provide the best communication access possible. Findings of this study will be used as a resource to encourage neurodivergent interpreters, and to assist them in learning their strengths and weaknesses, along with strategies for improving cognitive processing skills, and self-care to avoid mental fatigue. Suggestions for future research include further studies into the cognitive processes during interpreting, and research into how neurodivergence directly affects these processing skills.