The evolving language of neurodiversity

Neurodiverse, neurodivergent, neurodiversity, neurotypical; as we develop our understanding of all things ‘neuro’, the terminology evolves. So, what’s what and how do we talk about it all?

Neurodiversity is a term that was first coined by Judy Singer when writing her thesis in the late 1990s. At the time the term was connected to autism. It was used to express neurological difference as simply that, natural variations in brain differences and to shine a light on the positive aspects of the autistic experience that were being overlooked in society.
 
Over the years the way we talk about neurodiversity has evolved. It is now more widely seen as a collective term for all types of neurological identities. It includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical people. As a collective of humans, we are neurodiverse. Diversity is about a range of difference and for that we need a variety of neuro-types.
 
Neurodiversity is also a movement, for raising awareness and inclusion around neurological difference. History held rigid ideas around the pathologisation of difference which has led to discrimination, rejection and poor mental health. As society becomes more flexible, knowledgeable and compassionate in its views, difference is respected and valued.
 
To be neurodivergent is simply not to be neurotypical. I suspect a lot of people in learning more about neurodivergence may come to think of themselves as neurodivergent. To feel free to live an authentic life based on your own unique neuro-identity is both healing and empowering. In a world where neurodivergence is better accepted, society benefits from the full potential of its citizens and systems of support such as welfare and healthcare have less pieces to pick up from the damaging impacts of living a marginalised, masked life. We all win when we value diversity.
 
Within neurodivergence are diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, Tourette’s. This is not an exhaustive list. Some people benefit from diagnosis in order to access support. Some people don’t have such needs but may still identify as neurodivergent. However, they also need a language framework through which they can identify and advocate. For now, we can only use what we have and this is why self-identifying people will use terms such as ADHD; it helps them express their neurological identity.
 
Here is a massively important rule around the language of neurodiversity…. Do not question, doubt or try to re-frame an individual’s view of themselves.  How we use words may change over time but that language has formed part of a person's identity, perhaps for decades and no one anywhere has the right to determine how another person defines themselves. To do so would be hugely dismissive and quite the opposite of inclusive and compassionate.
 
Neurodivergent individuals have been misunderstood and misdiagnosed for decades. As we increase our awareness around our neurological uniqueness, we choose terms and language to help identify and express ourselves. I hope in the future, people can self-identify without having to explain or defend their position, much like we accept without question that a person wearing glasses needs them to see clearly, regardless of whether they achieved that by going to the opticians or by picking up some reading glasses from the supermarket. Individual autonomy is a vital part of an inclusive society.
 
Neurodivergent people are going through an evolving process of understanding themselves and society is going through an evolving process to better understand and respect difference in many areas. Develop your curiosity, grow your knowledge, adjust your perspectives and respect an individual’s right to define their own identity.
 
Language develops over time. What I write now will be out of date in the future. But for now, we consider neurodivergence, neurotypicality, neurodiversity and, hopefully, we can underpin this with a willingness to be curious, to learn, to accept difference and consider what we can achieve as an inclusive and equal, neurodiverse society.