What is Neurodiversity?

The term neurodiversity seems to be everywhere these days, with more and more people using it to identify themselves.

Briefly, the term neurodiversity refers to a person on the autism spectrum and is used to break the stigma against autistic individuals, as well as those with other learning disorders. It is a way to describe differences in how individual brains interact with others and the world around them with an understanding that there is no 'normal' way for a brain to function. I feel the best definition of neurodiversity comes from Merriam-Webster; "the concept that differences in brain functioning within the human population are normal and that brain functioning that is not neurotypical (not affected with a developmental disorder) should not be stigmatized."

In short, instead of stigmatizing or negatively stereotyping neurodivergent individuals, we should instead embrace and encourage the different ways those individuals perceive and respond to the world.

Neurodiversity itself is not a medical diagnosis. It is an umbrella term, encompassing a range of neurodevelopmental disabilities and other conditions impacting brain function such as:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Down syndrome
• Dyslexia (difficulty with reading)
• Dysgraphia (difficulty with writing)
• Dyscalculia (difficulty with math)
• Bipolar disorder
• Tourette syndrome
• Williams syndrome
• Prader-Willi syndrome
• Sensory processing disorders

NEURODIVERSITY MOVEMENT

Judy Singer, an Australian sociologist who identifies as being "somewhere on the autistic spectrum," is often credited with introducing the term neurodiversity as well as launching the neurodiversity movement. In her 1998University of Technology Sydney Honors Thesis, Singer introduced the term "Neurodiversity" in hopes of promoting acceptance in society, drawing parallels to the importance of biodiversity in ecosystems.

The goal of the neurodivergent movement is to bring to the forefront the benefits of this diversity. Instead of viewing neurodivergent individuals as negative or something that needs to be fixed, we should spotlight their strengths and areas they are good at. An example is associating certain learning differences such as ADHD and dyslexia with high creativity.

IDENTIFYING AS NEURODIVERGENT

The term neurodiversity has evolved into not only focusing on those with a formal diagnosis of autism, ADHD, or a learning disorder, but to also include those who self-identify as being neurodiverse without a formal diagnosis. This self-identity helps children who are struggling socially make sense of and explain their differences. While this has been a great asset in bringing the movement and challenges of neurodivergent individuals into mainstream light, it's also a double edged sword, as I'll cover in a future blog post.

NEURODIVERSITY IN CHILDREN

Symptoms and a diagnosis of a condition falling under the neurodiversity umbrella is most typically caught at a young age. If a parent or caregiver feels their child could be neurodivergent, an early diagnosis is important. Your provider can recommend treatments and therapies such as applied behavioral analysis(ABA). Early detection is important so the child can begin therapy or treatment sooner rather than later.

Common symptoms of autism in young children include:

• Not responding to their name
• Not participating in pretend play
• Repetitive movements or behaviors
• Not talking as much as their peers
• Repeating phrases

Common symptoms of autism in older children include:

• Unusual speech patterns, such as talking 'at' others
• Preferring a strict daily routine
• Getting extremely upset when asked to do something
• Finding it hard to make friends
• Preferring to be alone
• Difficulty in expressing how they feel
• Taking things very literally

NEURODIVERSITY IN ADULTS

Many individuals live most of, if not their entire lives without a diagnosis or even knowledge that they are on the autism spectrum. The neurodiversity movement has brought this topic to light and many adults are realizing they may fall into this category. They may have always felt "different" from their peers growing up, and this feeling carries over into adulthood. They may have trouble communicating, have social anxiety, be extra sensitive to sensory stimuli, and more.

Common symptoms of autism in adults include:

• Avoiding eye contact
• Aversion to changes in routine or schedule (especially when the change is sudden)
• Preferring to be alone
• Sensory issues
• Noticing small details and sensory information that others miss
• Anxiety about social situations
• Difficulty making and keeping friends
• Difficulty in understanding social cues and "rules"
• Difficulty communicating thoughts and/or feelings
• Literal thinking or language use
• Difficulty understanding sarcasm
• Having tremendous empathy, but trouble showing it
• Monotone speaking voice
• Repetitive movements or behaviors
• Difficulty with time management and organization
• Lack of awareness of time, space, and personal needs
• Difficulty keeping up a conversation

SUPPORTING & EMBRACING NEURODIVERSITY

There is no 'correct' way a person should behave, think, or live. We can support and embrace differences in others by fostering understanding and inclusion and focusing on the individuals strengths, giving them the tools and confidence to navigate the world without anxiety.

Contact Neurospicy ABA today and speak with us to learn how our team of skilled and compassionate providers can help your child flourish.

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