What is ‘Neurodiversity?’

You might have heard the term ‘Neurodiversity’ being used and wondered what it means. The word “neurodiversity” aims to capture the diverse neurological variations that make up the human population that includes a range of neurological conditions, developmental differences, and learning abilities. The term aims to advance the notion that neurological variations should be appreciated and acknowledged on par with other human variations.

Neurodiversity is not a disease or disorder, but rather a different way of being. Neurodiversity includes people who identify as autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia, bipolar disorder, and many more.

Recognized conditions associated with neurodiversity include:

History of Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity as a concept is not new. The phrase was first used in the 1990s by sociologist Judy Singer, who is autistic. The idea that autistic people are disabled was challenged by Singer. She believed that autistic brains simply functioned differently from other brains.

Neurodiversity is first and foremost about social justice and inclusivity. Neurodiversity research and education are becoming increasingly significant in how physicians understand and treat some impairments and neurological diseases.

Celebrating Neurodiversity

The idea of neurodiverse individuals is to celebrate and be proud of one’s reality, even if it is different from what society deems as “normal”.

Neurodiversity is not just about people with disabilities – it can also be about people who are gifted in some way because of their neurological differences. Neurodiverse people can be more creative as they have access to different perspectives that would not be available otherwise. This has also led employers to think about the benefits of a neurodiverse workforce, looking at it much like other forms of diversity in the workplace.

Challenges for neurodiverse individuals

Neurodiverse children may have trouble in the classroom and may need therapy or other special education to help them learn effectively. Neurodiverse individuals may also struggle in social situations and in the workplace. Neurodiversity is often not visible, which means someone looking at a neurodiverse individual may not be able to identify them as such. On the other hand, neurodiverse individuals may not be comfortable disclosing their neurodiversity due to fears about how they may be perceived.

What is ‘Neurotypical’?

The opposite of neurodivergence is the term neurotypical (NT). Being “neurologically typical” refers to falling within the normal (average) range for human neurology.

The word is used to denote a person whose brain development and state are typical, adhering to what most people would view as normal, and it was first used in the autism community to refer to non-autistic people. Those with unusual neurological development are referred to as “neurodivergent” individuals.

Inclusivity

Advocates for neurodiversity promote inclusive language. While many disability advocates favour identity-first language, such as “an autistic person,” others favor person-first language, such as “a person with autism,” or “a person with Down syndrome.” Therefore, it is courteous to directly ask about someone’s preferred language and how they’d like to be addressed. Clinicians must be aware of neurodiversity and should strive to use correct language in order to address the mental and physical health of those with neurodevelopmental variations.

Neurodiversity and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with differences in the way a person communicates, behaves, and learns.

Every autistic person is different, which means there is a wide range of different needs, but also strengths and abilities. Many autistic people have the ability to speak verbally and have an IQ of 100 or more, but may struggle in other areas like communicating their needs and feelings. They may also struggle with harmful behaviors that impact their safety and well-being.

Moreover, for some autistic people, their disorder does not cause them to directly suffer. Instead, the suffering they experience is a consequence of society’s treatment of neurodivergent individuals, leading to less opportunities in work, life, and relationships.

Diagnosis and clinical treatment are important for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In British Columbia, a formal diagnosis enables access to social and therapeutic services. A diagnosis can facilitate connections throughout the community and aid the individual or their family in understanding their differences. To maximize their quality of life and developmental potential, it is important that individuals who require behavioral supports or interventions to advance communicative, social, intellectual, and daily living abilities have access to those services. Tailored goals are key to intervention as every person has unique needs, interests, and goals.

Conclusion

All in all, Neurodiversity is an important term and a helpful and inclusive way to view those who don’t necessarily think the way a ‘typical’ person might. At Arbutus Speech Therapy, our therapists believe in the importance of inclusion while also understanding that providing support to neurodivergent individuals can help them reach their potential.

We would be happy to chat if you have questions about neurodiversity? Reach out here, or if you are in British Columbia, book a free consultation with an SLP today!