What is neurodiversity?
October 1, 2023
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation that occurs in the human brain and cognitive functioning. It recognises that people naturally think and process information in different ways.
The neurodiversity paradigm emerged in the 1990s (the term itself was coined by Australian sociologist Judy Singer) as an alternative to the medical model of disabilities. It proposes that neurological differences are not "disorders" that need to be cured or fixed. Rather, they represent natural variations in the human brain.
It's estimated 15-20% of people are neurodivergent, meaning their brains function in diverse ways compared to what is considered "typical." The remaining majority are neurotypical.
Some of the more common neurodivergences include:
Autism Spectrum Disorder - characterized by challenges with communication/social skills, repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivity.
ADHD - difficulties with executive function, attention regulation, hyperactivity.
Dyslexia - reading disabilities and difficulties processing written language.
Dyspraxia - problems with motor coordination and manual dexterity.
Dyscalculia - difficulties processing numbers and mathematical concepts.
Neurodiversity emphasises that differences have value and neurodivergent perspectives enrich communities, workplaces, and society.