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What neurodivergent people really think about the words used to describe them

Labels like autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia are not new. But the way we understand them is changing. In recent years, researchers have increasingly worked with neurodivergent people rather than simply studying them from the outside. That change has brought better access to diagnosis, more inclusive approaches in schools and workplaces and a growing challenge to the idea that neurological difference is something to be fixed. Language sits at the heart of that change. But getting it right can feel daunting. Should we say “a person with autism” or “an autistic person”? Are medical terms respectful, or do they quietly reinforce stigma? And who gets to decide these…

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Featured

 How 'neurodivergent' became a word for many types of minds

Despite all the research into our brains, a lot has yet to be discovered. But in recent years, many people have championed a way to describe some of what we do know. And that way is through the term "neurodivergent," which took off on Google trends amid widespread coronavirus lockdowns in June 2020. Since the pandemic, "neurodivergent" has made waves online, in the media and in academic studies to help talk about neurological differences more inclusively.

 The neurodiversity movement

The neurodiversity movement is a social justice movement that seeks civil rights, equality, respect and inclusion for all neurodivergent people. Its ideas first developed in early autistic self-advocacy groups, but the movement includes a wide range of neurodivergent people and their allies.

Articles of Interest

The mother of neurodiversity: how Judy Singer changed the world

In 1997 she transformed the way we think about human difference – and provided a name for a burgeoning movement

Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Organizations that make an extra effort to recruit, retain, and nurture neurodivergent workers can benefit from an expanded array of skills and approaches

How Neurodivergent People Are Challenging Conventional Notions of Romance

For neurodivergent people, societal norms can be harder to understand. We spend our lives mimicking and masking, trying to fit in, appearing more like an alien than a real person. After years of contortion, you might fit somewhat, but you’re too fatigued to live properly, let alone thrive.

Neurodiversity: A Concept Whose Time Has Come

The word neurodiversity was coined in the late 1990’s by two individuals: journalist Harvey Blume, and autism advocate Judy Singer. Blume wrote in the September 1, 1998 issue of The Atlantic: “Neurodiversity may be every bit as crucial for the human race as biodiversity is for life in general.

The VICE Guide To Understanding Neurodiversity

In this episode of “The VICE Guide To Being Better”, our host Jenna Suffern sits down with neurodiversity advocate, author and public speaker Sonny Jane Wise. A quick scroll through Sonny’s socials should give you an idea of what they’re all about — normalising and celebrating the neurodivergent experience, and making space for those who aren’t often represented or understood.

The world is now a harder place for neurodivergent people

Readers respond to an article by Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett on the ‘overdiagnosis’ of mental health conditions

What is neurodiversity?

Many people identify as being neurodivergent, and there are many current conversations about neurodiversity. Definitions around the word neurodivergent include meaning that some people’s brains work differently to what is considered to be ‘typical’ or ‘normal’. Some neurodivergent people do not consider themselves to be disabled, although from the perspective of the social model of disability, such people may face societal or discriminatory barriers, and in effect be disabled by society and other people’s negative attitudes.

When Is Neurodiversity an Excuse for Rudeness?

How to deal with a colleague who won’t even try to make nice.

Women with ADHD are slipping under the radar – but I'm fighting to change that

We all need to remember that being neurodivergent doesn’t have a look.

Resources

Neurodiversity Alliance

Our mission is to improve the educational experience and outcomes of students who learn differently, while growing the neurodiversity movement for a more equitable and inclusive society for all. Together, we envision a world that fully embraces and values neurodiversity.

Neurodiversity Hub

The Neurodiversity Hub was developed by Andrew Eddy, CEO of Untapped Talent as a passion initiative. The hub is a community of practice with the input of resources from hundreds of academics, community organisations, and corporate partners. Today, Untapped Talent continues to support the hub and partner with organisations focused on the inclusion of Untapped Talent in the workplace.

Neurodiversity Podcast

The Neurodiversity Podcast features conversations with neurodivergent people and leaders in the fields of psychology, education and beyond.

NeurodivUrgent

We understand how meaningful it can be to explore your personal relationship with neurodiversity, and we celebrate that journey. Our telehealth model offers quick access to high-quality autism and ADHD evaluations for adults who see themselves reflected in these experiences.