Neurodivergence is defined as:
“Neurodivergence is when someone’s brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently from what is considered “typical.”
What is normal? Normality is the norm, whereas anything that doesn’t match the criteria is labelled abnormal. The word abnormal has such a negative connotation attached to it. Nobody wants to be called abnormal, but we forget that high IQs, like that of Albert Einstein”, are also abnormal. It doesn’t fall into the “normal” IQ range. But it’s not a bad thing.
Similarly, if you have watched “The Big Bang Theory”, you must be familiar with “Sheldon Cooper”. His mind works differently from others, but he is extremely smart and adorable.
Yes, initially, the focus of early psychologists was on psychopathology and abnormalities, but in postmodernism, we saw a huge shift. The shift from the study of abnormalities and disorders, we broadened our focus to understanding the human brains and the uniqueness and individuality of each person.
And since then, we have discovered how “neurodivergence” is not necessarily an abnormality problem. It can have many benefits. Therefore, practitioners no longer consider neurodivergence as an illness.
There has been a major shift in psychology where we are focusing more on the differences in our brains instead of deficits. Now, we know that normality is a spectrum. What is not like the majority doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s not good or abnormal. In a nutshell, the wider view of normal is a big chunk of something broader, called neurodiversity.
However, we as a society need to make this concept more mainstream. This could lead to a major transformation in education and workplace norms, according to an associate professor at Northern Illinois University, specializing in social-industrial/organizational psychology, Alecia Santuzzi, PhD.
She insists that if we step back and think creatively about all the different ways school or work tasks can take place, focusing on inclusivity.
So here, we will define neurodiversity in detail, with examples so you can understand neurodivergence. It will also inform you on what it is like to be neurodivergent so that you can step in their shoes.
So, if you are here and reading this, I congratulate you. You are taking your first step to know more about neurodiversity and helping us propagate this idea on a much larger scale.
Understanding Neurodiversity
We know now why it is important to learn about neurodiversity. Let’s delve into it to become more aware and informed as citizens.
Neurodiversity means that it is normal and acceptable for people to have different brain functions. There’s nothing wrong or problematic if someone operates differently than the others. With neurodiversity, we are saying that we embrace all different individuals.
The idea here is to remove the negative connotation of “different”, removing “abnormal” from the definition. We need to realize that it is beautiful, how diverse the human population is, and different brain functions and behavioural traits are mere indicators of this fact.
Neurodiversity promotes the idea that the individual differences in human brains and their functions are not inherently bad or problematic. Therefore, they need to be treated in a very neutral manner. Neuropsychology research pinpoints how these differences can be positive and beneficial.
This term “neurodiversity” was originally coined by autistic sociologist Judy Singer in 1997. It can be further divided into two key phrases: “neurotypical” and “neurodivergent”.
People supporting the terms like “neurotypical” and “neurodiverse” hold a firm belief that autism doesn’t need a cure. They believe that the differences that neurodivergence represents in people are something to be respected and celebrated.
Currently, these terms are not representative of formal medical categories. But people in the autism community and the neurodiversity movement use them for promoting acceptance surrounding autism and other learning disabilities.
Neurotypical
Neurotypical, as a term, describes someone who has normal brain functions, behaviours, and processing, which is considered the standard or typical.
Neurotypicals don’t notice what neurodiversity is, as they are not subjected to biases or differences in their treatment from people around them.
Neurotypicals complete all their developmental and behavioural milestones at standard times and age. Therefore, they get to move through their lives without having to wonder whether their brain works in the same way as others or not.
Neurodivergent
Neurodivergent people have brains that function differently in one or more ways than what is considered standard or typical.
Neurodivergence is a spectrum that manifests in many different ways, ranging from mild to obvious. Some people have such mild differences that neurotypicals won’t even detect any differences. Whereas, some people manifest neurodivergence in a very obvious way for people that they behave differently from societal standards.
However, this article will closely examine the most prevalent types of neurodivergence and how they manifest themselves.
The word neurodivergence was coined by sociologist Judy Singer. Initially, this term was used to refer to the autistic population. However, the usage has broadened significantly in recent years. It is now used to refer to people with any structured, consistent differences in the way the brain works from the majority of the population. A few developmental disorders are just normal variations in the brain structure and functioning. It doesn’t imply that it is a bad thing. It is important to remember that people who have these features also have specific strengths that not many normal people possess.
To further clarify my point, we know that people with ADHD have issues with social interactions. However, they have higher intelligence, are passionate, driven, and have critical thinking abilities.
Sarah Cussler, assistant director of Undergraduate Writing and Academic Strategies at Yale Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, points out that autistic impulsivity can be an advantage because it makes them more honest. They’ll say things that usually other people won’t dare to say.
In an interview, she explained how neurodiverse students are brilliant students. Being neurodivergent doesn’t mean disability. Neurodivergent may need accommodations at school or work. These students can be extremely talented, creative, and out-of-the-box thinkers. They are amazing at looking at the bigger picture. Hence they see problems differently than neurotypicals. However, standard educational assessments, especially timed tests, can be more difficult.
Types of Neurodivergence
1. Autism
Autism is a spectrum disorder, implying that its cases range from mild to extreme. Its subtypes, Asperger’s and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), were initially dealt with separately. They are all classified under one umbrella term, i.e. “Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).” Since cognition affects behaviour and emotions, people with ASD might exhibit behavioural and emotional signs different from neurotypicals.
People with autism may have one or more of a broad set of conditions. It includes challenges with social interactions and skills, speech difficulties, and repetitive behaviours. Hence, communication is a daunting task for autistic people.
However, they possess some off the charts abilities when it comes to attention, focus, creativity, and visual learning.
2. ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a dysregulation disorder of executive functioning. It implies that people with ADHD have difficulty managing their attention, thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
People with ADHD also have organization issues. They often seem restless, disinterested, or completely zoned out. While experiencing intense emotions, they tend to exhibit inappropriate behaviour.
However, they too have an out-of-the-box thinking style, making them strategic problem solvers. They are often very energetic and fun and sensitive to other people at times.
3. Dyslexia
Dyslexia has been classified as a learning disability. However, we now consider it a neurodivergence that involves speaking, reading, and writing difficulties. These often misspell, misread, or speak words/letters out of order. However, it encompasses a lot more; they might get confused with letters like “b” and “d”, or “e”, “g”, and “c”. They have trouble learning new words or, at times, pronouncing them. They also find it hard to put words together into sentences. Following directions or instructions can also be a bit challenging for some.
However, they excel at visual processing and are excellent big-picture thinkers. Their spatial awareness is also off the charts. They tend to be very creative, especially when it comes to problem-solving.
4. Others
Other neurodivergence types include the following
- Epilepsy
- Tourette’s
- Dyspraxia
- Synesthesia
- Dyscalculia
- Down syndrome, &
- Chronic mental health illnesses: bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, and depression.
Neurodiversity at School & Workplaces
There is no denying that our current educational systems and workplaces are not neurodiversity friendly. However, in first-world countries, these systems continuously try to ensure that neurodiverse people are accommodated as per their needs. However, the only progress so far is that they are thoughtful enough to not refer to neurodiversity as abnormal anymore.
Neurodiverse students often do better in studies than neurotypicals, but they have issues adjusting to the social aspects of school. They require personalized instructions, but that will help foster a very intelligent group of people into very productive members of society.
Workplaces can be a little tricky. Neurodiverse people might have difficulty adjusting to the environment, but they work very well once they do.
However, instead of letting them adjust if we level the playing field by giving them a conducive and neurodiverse friendly environment, it would make a great difference.
How to Learn More About Neurodivergence?
If you wish to learn more about neurodivergence you can:
1. Read books
Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic | Thinking in Pictures | Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s.
2. Listen to podcasts
The Neurodiversity Podcast | Neurodiverging | Sensory Matters.
3. Follow social media accounts
Neurodivergent Activist | Nurturing Neurodiversity | Paige Layle | The Chronic Couple.
4. Watch Shows
Atypical | The Speed Cubers | Asperger’s Are Us | Love on Spectrum.
Conclusion
As we learn more about how the human brain works and the different ways in which neurodivergence manifests itself, we see a shift in society. People are more careful with treating neurodivergence as a disability or something to be cured.
With more awareness and time, I’m pretty sure the way we treat neurodivergence will also change. We should be focused on fostering environments that are accepting of these differences. Special education focuses on how people with assorted neurodivergent tendencies learn best and is also making progress in some parts of the world.
So we need to learn and accept that all humans are different and unique. And if someone’s brain functions differently than us, it’s not an abnormality. We need to treat them the same to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.
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