What is Neurodiversity? (For absolute beginners!)
So, you’re DEFINITELY certain there’s something wrong with how our society treats autistic people and ADHDers, but you find yourself confused and overwhelmed by the language in advocacy spaces. Fret not! Here’s a handy-dandy dictionary of the most essential terms to know when it comes to neurodiversity and autism/ADHD. (For example, did you know autism and ADHD are NOT the only forms of neurodivergence? Read on to learn more!)
Neurodiversity
A term referring to the diversity of human neurology.
Neurodiversity is a fact of life in the same way that racial diversity and biodiversity are facts of life.
People are made differently, and this includes our brains.
The Neurodiversity Paradigm
The neurodiversity paradigm is a political view that argues the natural diversity of human brains should be embraced and respected.
Proponents of neurodiversity believe that instead of trying to make autistic people, ADHDers, and other neurodivergent folks “indistinguishable from our (neurotypical) peers”, our society should support neurodivergent people in creating lives that work for our unique brains.
This paradigm challenges the dominant paradigm of neuronormativity.
Neuronormativity
The dominant cultural idea (and the structural forces + individual actions that upload the idea) that there is a “normal”, ideal way for the human brain to function.
People with brains outside of this idealized norm—such as autistic people, ADHDers, and other neurodivergent folks—are often viewed as flawed, broken, less worthy of success, and often less human. This harmful view is perpetuated in schools, places of employment, the media, and in medicine/psychiatry.
Poor neurodivergent mental health outcomes are widely blamed on inherent inferiority (“Just put your mind to it”, “Autistic people are dysfunctional”, etc.) rather than on neuronormativity. This view allows oppressive forces such as underemployment, poorly-designed services, and one-size-fits-all education to continue unchecked.
The Deficit View of Autism and ADHD
As a result of the paradigm of neuronormativity, autism and ADHD have widely been misunderstood as a series of “deficits” in communication, sensory processing, etc. Our society locates the “problem” of disability—the source of an individual’s struggles—in the individual’s sensory system, ways of communicating, need for predictability, signs of distress, etc.
The goal of programming based on the deficit view is to make an autistic person “indistinguishable from their peers.”
Neurodivergent
A sociopolitical identity (not a specific diagnosis!) rooted in divergence from the culturally-prescribed “normal brain.”
Neurodivergent people experience oppression for the ways in which our brains function. By calling ourselves “neurodivergent” (as opposed to something more negative, like “neurodeficient”) we call attention to and challenge the ways in which certain brains have been normalized and others stigmatized.
Some neurodivergent people want their condition to be cured and some do not. All neurodivergent people deserve to be included in communities that value their lived experience and provide equitable support.
Neurotypical
A sociopolitical identity (not a diagnosis!) rooted in relative adherence to the culturally-prescribed “normal brain.”
“Neurotypical” is not an insult! If you identify as neurotypical, it simply means you do not experience systemic oppression for the way your brain functions.
A neurotypical person may still be marginalized or oppressed in other ways, such as for their gender, race, income, sexuality, or physical disability. They may also become neurodivergent through an acquired brain difference, such as a serious injury or emotional trauma.
“Neurodivergent” is an umbrella term!
All autistic people are neurodivergent…
but not all neurodivergent people are autistic!
Although autistic advocates have gained a lot of traction for the neurodiversity movement and the concept of neurodivergence, “neurodivergent” is an umbrella term for all neurological conditions that differ from the idealized “norm.” This can include permanent identities like autism and ADHD, acquired conditions such as brain injuries, stigmatized mental health struggles, and more!
As an autistic neurodiversity consultant, my lived experience and expertise specifically involves autism, not each and every form of neurodivergence.
"Hold on... isn't this a bit unrealistic?"
If you’re new to applying the neurodiversity paradigm to autism and ADHD, the whole thing can totally sound a bit “sunshine and rainbows.” After all, autistic people and ADHDers often struggle massively throughout our lives, and many parents nearly bankrupt themselves trying to help! Doesn’t that mean SOMETHING needs to be fixed?
It absolutely does! Proponents of neurodiversity believe the problem in need of fixing is our ableist society—NOT autism or ADHD.
With that in mind, here are some quick clarifications.
The Neurodiversity Paradigm Does NOT Mean… 👎
The Neurodiversity Paradigm DOES Mean… 👍
And there you have it!
By now, you should understand the basics of the language employed and ideologies embraced by proponents of the neurodiversity paradigm.
For help with applying this paradigm to how you support the autistic people and auDHDers in your life—whether they’re your students, clients, loved ones, or your own self—reach out for a consultation!