Are you a parent or an individual who has been hearing the term Neurodiversity but you feel it seems too complex or confusing?
Origin and definition
The concept of "neurodiversity" refers to the idea that people interact and perceive the world in a variety of ways; variations are not seen as deficits and there is no one "right" way to think, learn, or behave.
Although the term "neurodiversity" refers to the diversity of all individuals, it is frequently used in relation to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurological or developmental disorders such learning impairments or ADHD. In the 1990s, the neurodiversity movement was born with the goal of accepting neurological variations and promoting greater acceptance and inclusion of all individuals. An increasing number of autistic persons were able to come together and create a self-advocacy movement, thanks to internet platforms.
Before 90s, when there was limited awareness about autism, ADHD and other related differences, anything that did not fit the "conventional" way of being was called out and tried to be fixed. Few examples being- not giving eye contact, playing with toys in atypical ways such as lining them up, constantly keep moving. To be able to fit in the society, a lot of these individuals would exhibit what is now called "Masking". Masking often leads to burnout and affects one's interpersonal communication and relationships which is why autistic individuals came together and started advocating for their differences.
Important terms
Neurodivergent or Neurodivergence: Neurodivergent, sometimes abbreviated as ND, means having a mind that functions in ways which diverge significantly from the dominant societal standards of “normal.”
Recounting few experiences from my own childhood, I have always felt different than peers of my own age. I wouldn't prefer to look at people and talk unless I am comfortable, I preferred listening to people more than contributing to conversations unless I had something to say. or the topic is of interest to me. I would avoid eating cauliflower, cabbage and mix two consistencies together till the age of 16. I was always told "why are you so quiet"? "Look at your x friend, she eats everything". Such comments always made me feel that something was wrong with myself.
Neurotypical: Neurotypical, often abbreviated as NT, means having a style of neurocognitive functioning that falls within the dominant societal standards of “normal.”
Neurodiversity Movement: The Neurodiversity Movement is a social justice movement that seeks civil rights, equality, respect, and full societal inclusion for the neurodivergent.
Why is it important to learn?
Because words matter. Identifying differences and individual strengths is the first step to support the neurodiversity movement and create an inclusive society. Advocates for neurodiversity promote language that is accepting and nonjudgmental. According to some study, the majority of the autistic community supports identity-first language ("an autistic person"), despite the fact that many disability advocacy organisations prefer person-first language ("a person with autism," "a person with Down syndrome"). Therefore, it is advisable to inquire explicitly about someone's preferred language and manner of speech rather than assuming anything. Clinicians must be knowledgeable about neurodiversity and appropriate language in order to treat the mental and physical needs of patients with neurodevelopmental differences.
Social model v/s Medical model
The social model and medical model of disability are two contrasting approaches to understanding and addressing disability. They provide different perspectives on the nature of disability, its causes, and how society should respond to individuals with disabilities. Here's an overview of each model:
Medical Model of Disability:
Focus: The medical model views disability as a medical condition or impairment that resides within the individual. It emphasizes the diagnosis, treatment, and management of the individual's impairment or health condition.
Cause: Disability is seen as a result of a deviation from the norm, often framed as a deficiency or dysfunction. The focus is on the individual's limitations and medical needs.
Solution: Interventions typically involve medical or rehabilitative treatments to "fix" or mitigate the individual's impairment. The goal is often to make the person as "normal" as possible according to societal standards.
Critiques: Critics argue that the medical model tends to pathologize disability, stigmatize individuals, and overlook the social and environmental factors contributing to the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
Social Model of Disability:
Focus: The social model shifts the focus from the individual's impairment to the societal barriers that create disability. Disability is seen as a social construct resulting from the interaction between the individual and an inaccessible or discriminatory environment.
Cause: The social model identifies barriers such as physical inaccessibility, lack of accommodations, discrimination, and negative attitudes as the primary causes of disability. These barriers restrict the full participation of individuals with impairments in society.
Solution: The emphasis is on removing societal barriers and promoting inclusivity to enable equal participation for individuals with disabilities. This may involve changes in attitudes, policies, and the physical environment to create a more accessible and accommodating society.
Critiques: While the social model highlights the importance of societal factors, some critics argue that it might downplay the lived experiences of individuals with impairments and the significance of addressing health-related aspects.
In practice, many contemporary perspectives recognize the merits of both models and suggest an integrated approach that considers both the individual and the social context. This approach, often referred to as the "biopsychosocial model," acknowledges the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding and addressing disability. It seeks to address health conditions while also advocating for inclusive and accessible societal structures.
Note: Neurodivergent encompasses all individuals with neurological variations and does not restrict to the autistic community. One can be neurodivergent and not autistic.
Written by
Tanvi Sanghavi
Speech language pathologist
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