Beyond the Label: Understanding the Power of Neurodiversity
Overview: This article introduces the term neurodiversity ~ what it means, the current cultural movement recognizing neurodiversity, and struggles and challenges common to many neurodivergent individuals.
Neurodiversity is a term that is showing up increasingly in our daily lexicon. It’s difficult to spend any time on social media without the word appearing somewhere. We see the word, we read it, we may even use it, but do we really know what it means? This article is a primer on the etymology of the term, complete with examples and an editorial explanation of why it is an essential aspect of the human condition.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the naturally occurring variability between how brains work, leading them to experience and interact with the world in different ways. While the term neurodiversity technically refers to the vast array of neurological presentations – including those who are “neurotypical” – it is commonly associated with a range of conditions such as autism, dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia, and others. These are largely genetic conditions that affect the structures and functioning of the brain. It is estimated that 15-20% of the world’s population shows some form of neurodivergence (Doyle, 2020). Neurodiversity is not a synonym for disability or having a disorder. It is simply a colloquial term to connote a neurological difference from what is considered the norm.
Common terms related to neurodiversity:
Neurodiverse (adj): displaying or characterized by atypical patterns of thought or behavior.
Neurodivergent (adj): differing in mental or neurological function from what is considered typical.
Neurodivergence (n): divergence in mental or neurological function from what is considered typical.
Neurominority (n): any group that differs from the majority of a population in terms of brain function and behavioral traits.
Neurotypical (adj): descriptor used to refer to a person or group of people who think, perceive, and behave in ways that are considered typical by the general population.
Neurodiversity Movement
The neurodiversity movement reframes a traditional way of thinking about neurodevelopmental disorders and conditions to focus on strengths and celebrate differences of neurodivergent people. It argues that if neurodiversity is embraced and supported, the differences between people who are neurodivergent can provide an advantage to personal wellbeing as well as the health and vibrancy of communities and organizations. Examples of neurodivergent strengths often include:
Unique perspectives and experiences
Creativity and innovation
Highly specialized skill sets
Ability to focus intensely on a specific topic
Being observant, meticulous, and goal-focused
Exceptional memory skills with data
Motivated by topics or activities that are of interest
High degree of accuracy when performing tasks
Excelling with repetitive tasks
The term neurodiversity was inspired by the term biodiversity, where it is argued that an elevated level of biodiversity is considered necessary for a thriving ecosystem. According to psychologists like Nancy Doyle (2020), the neurodiversity movement argues that “society would benefit from recognizing and developing the strengths of autism or dyslexia instead of pathologizing weaknesses.” This shift in mindset will not only alleviate the pressure that the neurodiverse might feel when pathologized, but it will help to bring novel strengths and perspectives into the contemporary zeitgeist.
Challenges of Neurodiversity
Because neurodivergent individuals are often forced to exist within physical and social environments created by neurotypical people for neurotypical people, they often experience difficulties with daily life. The world has not evolved for people with sensory sensitivities, reading struggles, or attention deficits. This can make life for the neurodiverse much more challenging. Autistic people may struggle with soft skills like emotional intelligence and social interaction, physical behaviors like standing at an appropriate distance or speaking at an appropriate volume and managing competing stimuli in the same environment.
Meeting these challenges is required of all who engage in the social system. While a neurodiverse individual may have a weakness in navigating certain societal structures, the same person also likely has strengths that should be fully utilized. Systems must evolve to support and provide for the neurodiverse, similar to the accommodations for other populations outside the typical or socially created norm. When all of society understands and accepts each other’s differences in all manifestations we will then, and only then, collectively benefit from the myriad of unique and beautiful contributions from diverse individuals.
References
Baumer, N., & Frueh, J. (2021). What is Neurodiversity? Harvard Health. Retrieved from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-neurodiversity-202111232645
Den Houting, J. (2019). Neurodiversity: An insider’s perspective. Autism, 23(2), 271-273.
Doyle N. (2020). Neurodiversity at work: a biopsychosocial model and the impact on working adults. Br Med Bull. 108-125.
Gregory, E. (2024). What Does It Mean To Be Neurodivergent? Forbes Health. Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/what-is-neurodivergent/
Rudy, L (2023). What Does “Neurotypical” Mean?. Verywell Health. Retrieved from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-neurotypical-260047
