What is Neurodiversity?

The word neurodiversity has been getting a lot of attention lately. I’ve used it on this blog many times. But if you’ve ever found yourself wondering exactly what it means, or if you’re using it correctly, read on!

What is Neurodiversity?

The word “neurodiversity” was coined by Australian sociologist Judy Singer in the 1990’s. It is a portmanteau (the combination of two words to create a new one). In this case, the words, “neurological” and “diversity” were blended together to create “neurodiversity.”

Singer created this word specifically for people with Asperger’s Syndrome (a defunct diagnosis that is now considered part of the Autism Spectrum), but since then, the word has taken on a life of its own. It is now applied very broadly.

Today, the word “neurodiversity” is used to communicate the idea that every person’s brain is unique, and that variations of “normal” exist not just in our physical traits, but in our mental traits as well.

Webster’ Dictionary defines neurodiversity this way:

1. Individual differences in brain functioning regarded as normal variations within the human population
2. The concept that differences in brain functioning within the human population are normal, that brain functioning that is not neurotypical should not be stigmatized, and that people with neurodivergent brain functioning should not be excluded from groups, organizations, etc.

It’s Not Just ADHD & Autism: The Neurodiversity Umbrella

Today, many people mistakenly use the term “neurodiversity” to refer only to Autism and ADHD. This is incorrect.

Neurodiversity is a huge concept. Some people refer to neurodiversity as a giant umbrella: a lot of things can fit underneath it. Just like the word “diversity” can refer to hundreds of different people with hundreds of different ethnic backgrounds, languages, religions, physical attributes, or disabilities; neurodiversity can refer to hundreds of different people with hundreds of brain functioning differences.

Neurodiversity does include Autism and ADHD. But neurodiversity also encompasses every kind of brain difference. It includes people who are outside of the normal range in any way. This includes individuals with intellectual disabilities, and individuals who are “gifted”/have unusually high IQ’s. It also includes brain differences that we would commonly call a “mental illness,” such as Depression and Anxiety.

Once again, neurodiversity is a big word that describes a big concept. It is a word that recognizes that people’s brains are just as diverse as their physical bodies, or their cultural identities. It recognizes that some people fall into the very narrow scientific category of “typical,” and some do not. It recognizes that humans are beautifully complex and unique.

Limitations of the Word “Neurodiversity”

When you see phrases such as “celebrating neurodiversity,” the writer is trying to communicate that they recognize and accept different ways of thinking and functioning. This is wonderful thought, but it does have it’s limitations and pitfalls.

Right now it’s trendy to say that you celebrate and support neurodiversity. It’s a nice gesture, but like all gestures, it can be used in a hollow, perfunctory way. A place of business, for example, may advertise that they welcome neurodiversity in the workplace, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are practicing what they preach and helping their employees with brain differences feel safe, welcome, and valued.

“Neurodiversity” can often be too broad of a term to be helpful. There are simply too many things that fall under “the neurodiversity umbrella” for any one company or individual to cater to them all, especially when some people who fall under the neurodiversity umbrella have very different needs–and even opposing needs–from others under the umbrella.

Saying that your event is “Neurodiversity-Friendly,” for example, does not provide the same information or reassurance that the term “Sensory-Friendly” does. Neurodiversity is just too vague, and could mean a hundred different things.

Summary

Many of us are familiar with the idea of diversity. We are aware that people have hundreds of different ethnic backgrounds, languages, religions, physical attributes, and disabilities. The concept of neurodiversity simply sheds a light on another type of diversity that has often been ignored: diversity in how our brains function.

Neurodiversity is a word that recognizes that brains are unique. It is also a concept that encourages people to be more aware, accepting, and accommodating of each other’s brain differences.

Next week, I’ll define a word that’s very similar to neurodiversity: neurodivergent.
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