Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is the sociological concept that people differ in neurocognitive functioning just as they do in many other physiological and psychological aspects. Psychologists, sociologists, and others who support this perspective argue that there is no "normal" way for the brain to function. Proponents of the neurodiversity perspective believe that people with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, bipolar disorder, or other similar neurological conditions do not have pathological diseases that require a cure. Instead, these individuals reflect some of the various ways the brain naturally functions. Based on this perspective, some experts support a social justice movement that encourages full inclusion and equal rights for neurodivergent individuals.

Background

The word neurodiversity is from the Greek word neuron,meaning "nerve," and the Latin word divertere,meaning "turn aside." From divertere was derived the word diverse, meaning "having differences or showing variety." Australian sociologist and autism advocate Judy Singer coined the term neurodiversity in her 1998 honors thesis. American journalist Harvey Blume later popularized the term. The word refers to the fact that the functioning of the human brain can be categorized in many ways.

According to the neurodiversity perspective, there is nothing inherently "wrong" about any of these differences, which may be labeled as autism, ADHD, epilepsy, or schizophrenia based on the characteristics exhibited. The word neurodiverse is used as an adjective, not a noun. An autistic or bipolar person is not neurodiverse. They are considered a member of a neurominority. People who have not been identified as having these characteristics are labeled neurotypical. This does not mean that these individuals do not have a neurodiverse condition. It is possible that their condition has not yet been identified or does not fit one of the recognized labels. Neurodivergent conditions can be present at birth or can develop later in life.

Those who advocate for neurodiversity and for equal rights for neurodivergent people believe any needed accommodations should be regarded in the same manner that people regard accommodations for the physically disabled. Those in the neurodiversity movement endorse full inclusion for people with neurodivergent conditions in communities, schools, and workplaces. They champion inclusion in all forms and environments. For example, they feel that classrooms should allow children with ADHD and epilepsy to learn and play alongside neurotypical children and that workplaces should not disqualify people with autism and dyslexia from employment because they need some accommodations to perform their jobs.

Overview

In many instances, conditions such as autism, ADHD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are viewed as diseases or biological "defects." Yet, research has shown that these conditions are usually the result of a combination of genetics and environmental influences. For instance, in autism it has been shown that a biological predisposition and/or outside influences such as the age of the parents or prenatal health can possibly cause changes in fetal development that affect how different parts of the brain communicate. This can make it difficult for autistic people to process certain types of stimuli. However, some autistic people have enhanced levels of communication between other parts of the brain that give them above-average abilities, such increased aptitude for mathematics or music. Research during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries has brought increased awareness of neurodivergent conditions, yet these conditions have existed for a very long time. As a result, there is now a movement toward seeing these conditions as examples of neurodiversity, not as illnesses or pathological conditions.

Nevertheless, many people still see neurotypical people as "normal" and those with neurodivergent conditions as "abnormal." The neurodiversity paradigm objects to this and promotes a viewpoint that encourages acceptance for those with neurodiverse conditions and tolerance for the challenges that they face. They advocate for the rights of those in the neurominority to have the same level of self-determination over their lives as those who are considered neurotypical do.

In some cases, individuals and their families may want help to deal with some of the challenges presented by their neurodiverse conditions. Medication can help with some of the less pleasant side effects, such as reducing or eliminating epileptic seizures or helping to moderate the mood swings that bipolar individuals experience. Autistic people can sometimes benefit from using headphones or other devices or techniques to reduce the effects of overstimulation. The neurodiversity movement supports allowing people in neurominorities to determine what supports they need or do not need and to be given any reasonable accommodations necessary for them to function in traditional classrooms, workplaces, and community settings.

In addition to the issue of equality and rights for people who are neurodivergent, the neurodiversity perspective recognizes that businesses and other organizations often exclude neurominorities. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 out of every 160 children worldwide has an autism spectrum disorder. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2017 that approximately 11 percent of American children ages four to seventeen have ADHD. These children will eventually be work-age adults. WHO also reports that sixty million people worldwide are bipolar and about twenty-one million people are schizophrenic. According to neurodiversity advocates, excluding these people and others with neurodivergent conditions from full participation in society is depriving the world of the many talents and abilities these people have.

Many businesses are recognizing that policies of inclusion for neurominorities has benefits for all concerned. Simple adjustments to workspaces or routines can help neurodivergent employees, who can be true assets to the companies they work for, function in traditional office settings. Like neurotypical employees, people with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions bring a wide variety of skills and creative insights to the workplace. Yet, according to some estimates, 80 percent of people in neurominorities are unable to find jobs. Advocates for these individuals seek to change that by encouraging modifications in hiring policies and by increasing awareness of the benefits of neurodiversity in the workplace.

Bibliography

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