What Is Neurodiversity?

We have heard these words used often in recent years. With the many different voices talking about them, you may wonder what they really mean.

Sometimes it depends on who you ask.

Neurodiversity

When we say a group of people is neurodiverse, we mean the group is made up of folks with different types of brains. Within that group could be folks with typically developing brains, Autism, ADHD, or other differences. (More on that below!) A person cannot be neurodiverse because they're only one person. Diverse describes more than one.

We have Judy Singer to thank for this beautiful word that encompasses the vast diversity in the design of the human brain. Singer, who identifies as "likely somewhere on the spectrum" and whose daughter is autistic, used the concept of neurodiversity in her honors thesis in 1998.

Journalist Harold Blume made neurodiversity more of a household term when he published in The Atlantic, "Neurodiversity may be every bit as crucial for the human race as biodiversity is for life in general. Who can say what form of wiring will prove best at any given moment?"

Neurodiversity is about more than a type of brain. It's also a social movement toward recognition and acceptance that all brains are necessary and have inherent worth.

Neurodivergent

A neurodivergent individual is defined as someone with an atypical brain. Most people use the term to describe a person with a diagnosis of ADHD, Autism, or both. In other words, their brains diverge from the norm. 

Neurotypical 

In the same year as Judy Singer used neurodiversity in her thesis, Laura Tisoncik used it on her web site that "satirized autism’s diagnostic criteria and assessments by spoofing them for neurotypical (NT) people."

A neurotypical is generally defined as a a person with a typical brain. However, some autistic self-advocates argue that there is no such thing. Between ADHD, Autism, learning disorders, and mental health disorders, all of us are neurodivergent. Sonny Jane Wise, the Lived Experience Educator, argues, "Neurodivergence is an umbrella term, and identifying as neurodivergent is up to you, and no one gets to tell you otherwise."

The more you know...

Obviously, these terms are complex and can carry different definitions. The one with the most consensus seems to be neurodiversity. I hope these explanations help you grow in your understanding and acceptance of all individuals, especially those who think and experience the world differently from you.

Meredith is a therapist in Chapel Hill, NC, specializing in compassionate and empowering mental health treatment for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Meredith is available for in-person services as well as telehealth throughout the state. Find more about Meredith at MeredithDangelCounseling.com.