👉This information quotes and draws from the works of Judy Singer, who coined the term. Be aware of ChatGPT and other sources: Judy’s definition is the only right one, and can be read here.
Neurodiversity refers to the limitless variety of human minds on the planet, in which no two minds can ever be exactly alike.Diversity is a measurement of the the degree of variability in a specific location.
Neurodiversity is a subset of Biodiversity.Just as Biodiversity refers to ALL the species in a specific location or ecosystem, Neurodiversity refers to ALL Humans (the species Homo Sapiens) in a specific location, the Planet Earth.
Just as Biodiversity was coined for a political purpose, to advocate for the conservation of the environment, Judy Singer intended the term Neurodiversity specifically for an advocacy purpose:
1. Implicitly to suggest a Banner or Umbrella term for an emerging Human Rights Movement based on the pioneering work of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Movement which was being joined by other Neurological Minorities with medically-labelled conditions such as ADHD, the “Dys”abilities and Tourette’s Syndrome .
2. To add Neurodiversity to the intersectional categories of Class, Disability, Ethnicity, Gender, since Disability” was limited inadequately to “Physical Disability, Intellectual Disability” and “Mental Illness”.
- Usage:
- A synonym for ALL Humanity
- To name the Neurodiversity Movement, a civil rights movement for psycho-medically labelled minorities and their allies
- A category of Intersectionality
Misusage: Does not mean “Neurological Disability/Otherness”
The word “Neurodiverse” refers to a place, not an individual. A person cannot be neurodiverse. A place, for example the planet, or a group, for example all of humanity, can be neurodiverse. The word “neurodiversity” and “neurodiverse” are complex, and widely misunderstood and misused.
Its for this reason, the Neurodiversity Foundation, has the slogan; “Neurodiversity, means all of us.” It’s a call to discontinue the “othering” of individuals, and include interpreting everyone, as a person of worth, regardless of their unique brain configurations.
The concept of “neurodiversity” used by the “Neurodiversity movement” refers to the idea that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, should be considered variations in human diversity, rather than a disorder or a deficit. This perspective emphasizes the importance of accepting and valuing the unique strengths and abilities of individuals with neurological differences, and providing them with the support and accommodations they need to thrive.
The origings of the concept of neurodiversity has its roots in the disability rights movement, which has long advocated for the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities. The idea is that just as society recognizes and values diversity in areas such as race, gender, and sexual orientation, it should also recognize and value diversity in the ways that people think, learn, and communicate.
The word “Neurodiversity” simply names an indisputable fact about our planet, that no two human minds are exactly alike, and uses it to name a paradigm for social change.
One of the key principles of the neurodiversity paradigm is that individuals with neurological differences should be treated with respect and dignity, and not be subject to discrimination or stigmatization. This includes providing accommodations and support that are tailored to the individual’s specific needs, rather than trying to force them to conform to a one-size-fits-all model of a imaginary “normal.” The words “normal” or “natural” should therefore never be in the definition of the word.
Another important aspect of neurodiversity paradigm is the idea that individuals with neurological differences should have a say in the decisions that affect their lives. The phrase “nothing about us, without us”, has become an important call for change, used often by the Neurodiversity Movement, or those underlining the Neurodiversity paradigm. This idea includes involving them in the development of policies and practices that impact their lives, and giving them the opportunity to speak for themselves and advocate for their own rights.
In terms of education, this means recognizing that students with neurological differences have unique strengths and abilities, and that their education should be tailored to their individual needs. This may include providing accommodations such as extra time on tests, or using alternative teaching methods that are more effective for the student. It also means creating an inclusive and supportive classroom environment that values and respects the diversity of all students.
Overall, the concept of neurodiversity promotes the acceptance and inclusion of individuals with neurological differences, and recognizes that diversity in the way we think, learn and communicate is a fundamental aspect of humanity. It is important to understand that everyone is different, and that is okay. The Neurodiversity movement supports the move towards receiving the right support and accommodations for individuals with neurological differences, in order for them to lead fulfilling and successful lives.
