Neurodiversity is a term used to refer to the different ways that the human mind can behave. No two people are the same, including the way in which neurocognitive functioning occurs. Faced with this idea, the term neurodiversity was coined with the purpose of demonstrating that variations in conditions neurological disorders in the human species is normal and deficiencies that affect this area should not be seen as diseases or disabilities. In this context, the neurodiversity movement emerged, which seeks, among other aspects, respect and social inclusion.
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Topics of this article
- 1 - Summary on neurodiversity
- 2 - Neurodiversity: what does it mean?
- 3 - Difference between neurotypical and neurodivergent
- 4 - When did the term neurodiversity appear?
- 5 - Why does assuming that we are different help in the development of neurodivergent people?
Abstract about neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is a term used to refer to the neurological differences that exist between individuals.
According to this idea, the human mind can function in different ways, and this atypical functioning should not be seen as a disease or disability.
A neurotypical individual is one who does not have neurological or neurodevelopmental disorders.
A neurodivergent individual is one who has neurological functioning outside the standard expected by society.
The term “neurodiversity” was coined by Judy Singer, an Australian sociologist. Its purpose was to promote respect and social inclusion.
The understanding that we are diverse human beings is very positive for the development of neurodivergent people, who are no longer seen as sick or incapable.
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Neurodiversity: what does it mean?
Neurodiversity is a concept that brings the idea that neurological conditions miscellaneous of individuals are normal in the genome of the species human. According to this concept, we should not regard people with diverse neurocognitive functioning as ill or disabled. Atypical neurological connections are therefore a human difference that must be respected, as well as ethnicity and sexual diversity.
The concept of neurodiversity includes all people. Therefore, the concept encompasses both people who do not have neurological or neurodevelopmental alterations, called neurotypical, as well as those who have disorders and mental deficiency, called neuroatypical or neurodivergent.
Currently, neurodiversity is also seen as a social movement. The neurodiversity movement aims, above all, that neurodivergent people are seen with equality and have their rights respected. In addition, it seeks social inclusion and respect for these people.
Difference between neurotypical and neurodivergent
Neurotypical: is the individual who does not have neurological or neurodevelopmental alterations. Its neurological functioning is expected by society.
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Neurodivergent: is the individual who has neurological or neurodevelopmental alterations and who presents a neurological functioning outside the standard expected by society. Neurodivergent people are those who have cognitive variations, such as:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): this developmental disorder is characterized, among other things, by causing deficits in socialization and communication.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): it is characterized by causing symptoms such as lack of attention, impulsivity and restlessness.
Dyslexia: disorder in which the individual presents difficulties with regard to writing and reading.
Dyspraxia: it is a neurological dysfunction that compromises the ability to coordinate. It can cause delay in speech and development.
See too: 2 April — World Autism Awareness Day
When did the term neurodiversity appear?
The term neurodiversity emerged in the 1990s and was coined by the Australian sociologist Judy Singer. According to Singer's vision, which is also in the autistic spectrum, neurological differences should not be treated as diseases, but as differences that do not need to be cured. The sociologist's goal has always been to promote equality and inclusion.
Why does assuming that we are different help in the development of neurodivergent people?
When we assume that we are diverse and that differences do not represent any illness or disability, we assume a more positive attitude in the face of difficulties.
Imagine, for example, a child with difficulties in certain school subjects. If she is rated as an incapable person because she is neurodivergent, her difficulties will be more difficult to be alleviated or even overcome. The idea of neurodiversity shows that we are all different and have difficulties in some field of life.
By Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
Biology teacher
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SANTOS, Vanessa Sardinha dos. "What is neurodiversity?"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/o-que-e/biologia/o-que-e-neurodiversidade.htm. Accessed March 31, 2023.
