Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity
brain formed out of words

Neurodiversity

May 2022 | Issue #31

Can you imagine a rainbow with only one color? A rainforest comprised of only one species of tree? What about a jukebox that repeatedly played only one song? Even if you can imagine a world with that amount of simplicity, would you want to live in it? Fortunately for us, we don't have to. Some would say that what makes our world fascinating is the plethora of opportunities we have to experience within a lifetime. So how did we get so lucky? Perhaps the diversity of our brains creates the environment for such variety.

The term neurodiversity, coined by Sociologist Judy Singer in 1996- 1998, first sought to celebrate the differences of the mind. Neurodiversity is, according to activist Nick Walker, "the diversity of human brains and minds – the infinite variation in neurocognitive functioning within our species." It supports the mindset that differences are not deficits, nor is acceptance contingent on your ability to contribute to society. Current data emphasize that the percentage of the population that is thought to be neurodiverse falls between 30%-40%. Some neurodiverse conditions include ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and Tourette syndrome.

How we define groups, individuals, and ourselves is often complicated. Neurodivergent is a term used to describe people who process information and behave in a way that differs from the actual or perceived norms of a particular culture. Some people who have or/and those who provide care for people with disabilities prefer to be described using the person-first model. Person first model is a linguistic practice that puts a person before a diagnosis. Person- first language was proposed in the 1970s as an alternative identifier for "disabled" to highlight that a disability is one component of a person's identity. This represents what a person "has" rather than asserting what a person is. Within the neurodiversity movement, identity-first language is the preferred model for describing a person with a disability. In this case, the descriptor is first, and the supporting thought behind that is celebrating the disability and showing pride in having it. Like the disability rights movement, the neurodiversity is dedicated to eliminating stigmas associated with neurological differences. Although each model takes different viewpoints, each model's core concept is that individuals with disabilities deserve to be respected. It is important to note that it is best to ask a person or group how they wish to be identified whenever you are unsure of what to say and when it is appropriate.

Resources on Neurodiversity