What is Neurodiversity?
The term Neurodiversity was coined by Australian Sociologist Judy Singer in 1997 to refer to the infinite neurocognitive variability within the human population (Doyle, 2020).
Borrowing from the concept of Biodiversity (which argues that natural variation exists for the purpose of conservation of a species), proponents of Neurodiversity argue that every human being has a unique nervous system and combination of abilities and needs based on natural variation in the brain (Masataka, 2017).
The current accepted definition for Neurodiversity is “individual differences in brain functioning regarded as normal variations within the human population; the concept that differences in brain functioning within the human population are normal and that brain functioning that is not neurotypical should not be stigmatised” (Merriam-Webster, 1998).
Singer originally used the term in relation to Autism, with the aim of shifting public perception that autistic people are “disordered” or “defective” (Doyle, 2020). In the early 2000s, many advocates within the Autistic community began to refer to themselves as being Neurodivergent, highlighting that autistic brains differ or “diverge” from the brains of non-autistic people. People whose brains were considered as being “average” or “normal” began to be referred to as “Neurotypical” within Autistic communities (Doyle, 2020).
Fast forward 20 years and the concept of Neurodiversity is now widespread. (Yay!) The term Neurodivergent is now commonly used to refer to a wide range of neurological differences including:
- Autism/ASD
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Dyspraxia
- Dyslexia
- Tourette Syndrome
- Dyscalculia
Whilst Neurodivergence is most commonly used in relation to neurodevelopmental ‘disorders’, some advocates also include schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar, trauma-related disorders, and other mental health conditions in the definition of Neurodivergence, due to differences in the brain associated with these conditions.
Current thinking…
The idea that there is no one type of “correct” brain has been a revolutionary concept for Neurodivergent people and has supported increased self-acceptance. There are now increasing pushes from advocates for a universal shift in the way we understand and talk about disability and difference to create less stigma for Neurodivergent people.
The Neurodiversity paradigm has now become a social movement, known as the Neurodiversity-Affirming Movement (NAM) where difference is accepted as being normal, not indicative of defectiveness (Botha & Gillespie-Lynch, 2022).
Proponents of the NAM argue that predominant models of supporting Neurodivergent people placed responsibility on the person with the difference/disability to change their behaviour or seek treatment in order to be more like a neurotypical person (considered the “standard” for acceptable human behaviour).
However, the view adopted by the NAM is that Neurodivergence does not need to be changed or eradicated. Instead, people who are Neurodivergent require support and environmental adaptations aligned with their brain in order to function in a society that was designed based on the needs of neurotypical people (Dallman et al., 2022).
The NAM seeks to support Neurodivergent people to understand their differences through a strengths-based model, and asks society as a whole to change the way disability/difference is perceived, rather than placing the burden of change on Neurodivergent people (Silberman, 2015).