What is neurodiversity?

The term neurodiversity often refers to neurological differences such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia (and ‘cousin’ conditions such as dyscalculia and dyspraxia), but it can also include other neurological variations related to medical issues, mental health conditions and acquired brain injuries. When the term first emerged, it was primarily used to refer to the autistic community, but more recently it has been adopted to incorporate those with a wider variety of neuro-differences.

It is a way of talking about groups of people within our society whose brains have developed or function differently from the majority or the ‘neurotypical’. However, individual variation is key to understanding neurodivergence; no two neurodivergent experiences and needs are the same.

Neurodiversity was first coined by sociologist Judy Singer in the 1990s - it is an evolving term and to some degree there is no agreed consensus on what constitutes neurodiversity. However the focus is on difference, not disorder, and inclusion of neurodivergent thinking reframes neurological differences as part of natural human variation; in other words, its not 'a broken brain', but an unconventional way of thinking that has an important role in creativity, entrepreneurship and unique problem solving skills.

This ‘non-medicalised’ approach encourages understanding, acceptance and inclusion; instead of thinking about how to fix ‘problems’, supporting neurodivergent needs encompasses raising awareness, adapting the environment and providing strategies for different ways of thinking and learning. It’s also about recognising that people's perspectives and neurodivergent identities are valuable and relevant.

So just who is neurodiverse? You could say that we all are - we are all unique in the way we understand the world afterall, because so many different factors will have impacted on what has shaped our way of thinking. However, the use of the the term neurodivergent refers to someone whose brain processes information, learns and interacts with the world differently from what is generally expected by a society that is designed to fit the 'averages'. A diagnosis and a formal label isn't needed to identify an individual as neurodivergent - although this can sometimes be the key to unlocking support! Instead it is about changing the perspective on differences and ensuring that everyone is valued and accepted in society.

For those who adopt a neurodivergent identity, myself included, what we are saying is 'recognise me, don't dismiss me, see my strengths and include me'.