What do neurodiverse and neurodivergent mean?
I’m not neurodiverse.
But I used to say I was. That was before I learned about the difference between neurodiversity and neurodivergence.
(No shade if you do describe yourself as neurodiverse, it’s not just a term I use personally).
Here’s why. ⬇️
Neurodiversity is a fact
All human brains have different strengths and abilities.
That’s what neurodiversity means. Like biodiversity, it refers to the strength and variation across a whole community.
We often talk about celebrating neurodiversity. So what does that mean?
Most of the time, we’re not talking about celebrating the entire range of neurodiversity. In other words, all the different brains in the world.
We are more often talking about celebrating neurotypes (ways of thinking) which are marginalised or systematically oppressed.
That brings us to the neurodiversity paradigm.
The neurodiversity paradigm
Developed by Nick Walker, the neurodiversity paradigm is a specific perspective on neurodiversity.
It views neurological diversity as another form of identity diversity, like race or sexual orientation.
It reminds us that neurotypes (how brains work) are subject to similar social dynamics of power and oppression.
Judy Singer coined the term neurodiversity
Neurodiversity was coined by autistic sociologist Judy Singer.
Singer coined the term in 1998. At that time, autism was mainly described as a disorder.
To be honest, it's still seen that way by a lot of people.
Many healthcare providers, teachers and carers still use a deficit model of autism.
They focus on what autistic people 'lack' or 'fail to do' instead of the brilliant and totally valid ways that autistic brains work.
Singer coined the word neurodiversity to help people understand that autistic people aren't broken or inferior, just different.
The neurodiversity paradigm asks us to reconsider and celebrate that difference.
Kassiane Asasumasu coined the term neurodivergent
Kassiane Asasumasu coined the word neurodivergent.
Asasumasu is a multiply neurodivergent activist.
Asasumasu coined the term to explain how neurodivergent people differ from an imagined norm.
That doesn’t mean that a neurotypical brain is actually normal. It’s a socially created idea of normal. And it doesn’t mean there is a literal “typical” brain in a jar somewhere. Every brain is different.
Neurotypical is a social construct: it's an idea of what is normal.
Neurodivergent is an identity
You don’t get diagnosed as neurodivergent.
You can be diagnosed with Tourette's, ADHD, epilepsy, Down's syndrome etc - which all fall under the neurodivergent umbrella.
You might identify as neurodivergent if you're: dyslexic, dyspraxic, autistic, bipolar. Or many many other identities, conditions and differences!
Neurodiversity does not mean:
• your life will be easy
• you don't face huge barriers due to ableism
• you don't need extensive support
• that it's all you are. (It doesn't stop you from also being disabled, for example).
It's not about erasing your struggles.
Some people say things like "My autistic child has really complex support needs. Neurodiversity makes it sound like his life is easy. I find that insulting."
But neurodivergence does not mean someone is not disabled or marginalised!
The difference between neurodiversity and neurodivergence
✅ Individuals diverge. Groups are diverse.
✅ I am neurodivergent. All human brains together are neurodiverse.
Personally, I don't like the phrase "I'm neurodiverse."
I just don't think it makes any sense.
Some people feel that neurodivergent is negative. Or shameful.
For me, it's joyful.
But once again - it's an identity term, not a diagnosis.
If you want to identify as neurodivergent, there is a beautiful community of neurodivergent kin you can join. If you don't, no worries.
Learn more about neurodivergent-friendly communication
Want to learn about neurodivergence, neurodiversity and how to communicate in a neurodivergent-friendly way?
Book in for one of my neurodiversity workshops.
We’ll cover:
what neurodivergence is,
how to communicate in a more neurodivergent-friendly way,
why neurodivergent-friendly communication is better for everyone.
Image credit: Jonathan Soren Davidson for Disabled And Here.