What would happen if the world viewed neurodevelopmental differences like ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities differently? What if everyone noticed the strengths that can come from these differences first, instead of the challenges? That is the basic idea of neurodiversity.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the concept that all humans vary in terms of neurocognitive ability. Everyone has talents and things they struggle with. However, for some people, the variation between those strengths and weaknesses is more pronounced, which can bring talent but can also be disabling. Neurodiverse or neurodivergent people tend to find some things very easy and other things incredibly hard. This usually leads to an inconsistent performance at school or work. Neurodiversity can be a competitive advantage when the individuals are in the right environment, making use of their strengths, instead of constantly trying to overcome challenges. To achieve this, we must create inclusive spaces to work and learn that reduce disabling factors and amplify diverse abilities.
What Does it Mean to Be Neurodivergent?
Judy Singer, a sociologist who has autism, started using the term “neurodiversity” in the late 1990s. It refers to the concept that certain developmental disorders are normal variations in the brain. People who have these features also have certain strengths. For example, people with ADHD may have trouble with time management. However, they often show high levels of passion, drive, and creative thinking. Neurodiversity is not the same thing as disability. Though, people who have neurodivergent features may need accommodations at work or school.
Besides ADHD, neurodiversity commonly refers to people with –
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Other learning disabilities
Focusing on the Positive
Neurodiversity advocates suggest there is too much attention placed on the impairments that come with conditions like ADHD. They think a better approach is to focus on what someone is good at, not what they lack. For example, there is some evidence that –
- People with ADHD have high levels of spontaneity, courage, and empathy. They can hyper-focus on certain tasks.
- Those with autism pay attention to complex details, have good memories, and show certain “specialty” skills. Experts think this can be an asset in certain jobs, such as computer programming or music. As noted by one researcher, Wolfgang Mozart had strong music memory and absolute pitch.
- People with dyslexia can perceive certain kinds of visual information better than those without the condition. This skill can be useful in jobs like engineering and computer graphics.
Some activists in the autistic community and beyond embrace the term. They and others have used it to reduce stigma and promote inclusion in schools and in the workplace.