The Neurodiversity Movement
The Neurodiversity Movement has its origins in the Autistic Rights Movement that started in the 1990’s. Prior to the 1990’s, Sadly, in the 1960s, autistic children were often described as ineducable, and many parents were told to put them in institutions.
In 1962, a group of brave parents refused to believe this. They formed what is now known as the “National Autistic Society” (NAS) beginning the fight for autistic peoples’ rights, which continues today.
Click here to watch a YouTube video by the NAS titled 'What is Autism'.
What is Neurodiversity?
The term Neurodiversity was used in a thesis in 1998 by an Autistic Australian sociologist named Judy Singer, and was quickly picked up and expanded upon within the Autistic activist community.
It was Kassiane Asasumasu (nee Sibley), who first gave the terms Neurodivergent and Neurodivergence. An article published by The University of Edinburgh and written by Dr Sue Fletcher-Watson provides a view on the language and use of these terms: Neurodiverse or Neurodivergent.
Definitions
While the link in the previous paragraph explains the grammar and use of the terminology. We have defined the following four words which you may find helpful.
Neurodiversity: The diversity or variation of cognitive functioning in people. Everyone has a unique brain and therefore different skills, abilities, and needs.
Neurodiverse: Describes the diversity and variation of cognitive functioning in people. Neurodiverse is typically used to describe neurodivergent people.
Neurodivergence: Cognitive functioning which is not considered 'typical'. For example, autistic, dyslexic, and dyspraxic people.
Neurodivergent: Describes people who have a neurodivergence.
The Autism Act 2009
To encompass the relevant conditions/disorders consistently, the term 'neurodiversity' / “neurodiverse” is now used as an 'umbrella term' to define neurological differences.
Within health pathways particular diagnoses are often given. Some have co-occurring conditions. Increasingly the idea of neurodiversity better captures how many of people who have such diagnoses want to be seen, in terms of understanding and supporting them.
Simply, Neurodiversity refers to the different ways a person’s brain processes information. Neurodiversity can affect someone's behaviour, memory, or ability to learn. People experience the world in many ways and Neurodiversity is an essential form of human diversity, subject to the same social dynamics as other forms of diversity. The idea that there is one “normal” type of brain or style of neurocognitive functioning has no more value than the idea that there is one “right” culture, gender, race or sexuality. When embraced, diversity acts as a positive force to unleash creative potential. We are all different – we have different eyes, hair, skin, abilities, and beliefs. Our brains are different too. Knowing more about our differences helps us to be more understanding.
Some academics say 1 in 5 people are neurodiverse; others say its 1-7 people or 15 -20 % of the UK population. Being neurodiverse does not correlate with low intelligence; many people with neuro differences are highly intelligent. People who are neurodiverse often think about and see the world differently, making them a huge asset to any team that wants to improve how they do things.
Below is a diagram to better visualise how Neurodiversity can be considered an 'umbrella term'.