Neurodiversity Affirming Language

Neurodiversity Affirming Language

Neurodiversity affirming language, reflects a shift towards language that celebrates and affirms the unique experiences and perspectives of Neurodivergent individuals.

Language Evolution

Language evolution is a constant process, with shifts in societal norms and understanding influencing the evolution of language.

Consequently, terms once considered acceptable may become outdated or even offensive as societal perspectives evolve.

This dynamic is evident in the emergence of neurodivergent-affirming language, which reflects a growing awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity within the contemporary discourse.

Neuro-affirming Language

Neuro-affirming language, characterized by its emphasis on respect and inclusivity, fosters positive attitudes and outcomes for Neurodivergent individuals.

Neuro-affirming language, demonstrably contributes to a more affirming environment, fostering respect, validation, and a sense of authenticity for Neurodivergent individuals, thereby mitigating the potential for internalized shame and promoting a greater sense of self-acceptance.

Neurodiversity – Affirming

The emergence of neurodiversity-affirming language is inextricably linked to the broader neurodiversity paradigm and movement (Hartman et al., 2023).

While Judy Singer’s (1998) seminal thesis is credited with introducing the term “neurodiversity,” the development of this terminology and its associated paradigm was a collaborative effort, originating in online spaces such as chatrooms and forums during the early 1990s and continuing to evolve since (Walker, 2021).

Social Model of Disability

Building upon the social model of disability, the neurodiversity paradigm embraces neurodivergence as a form of human variation, advocating for not only acceptance but also the expression and existence of neurodivergent individuals as distinct minority groups (Walker, 2021).

Neurodiversity – Affirming Language

Neurodiversity-affirming language, prioritizes the use of language that encourages, accepts, and affirms the lived experiences of Neurodivergent individuals.

By embracing Neurodiversity-affirming language, we can actively contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society, fostering recognition and advocating for the rights of Neurodivergent people.

This commitment extends beyond those who identify as Neurodivergent, encompassing all individuals who value the inherent worth and dignity of diverse human experiences.

It is imperative that the neuro-affirming language we use is guided by the Neurodivergent community. Adopting neuro-affirming language that is endorsed by the Neurodivergent community, represents a crucial step towards dismantling ableism, reducing stigma and isolation, and mitigating barriers to a truly inclusive society.

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity encompasses the inherent diversity of human minds, acknowledging the expectation of variability and uniqueness in brain structure and function.

Brain development is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, resulting in both commonalities and variations across individuals.

While all brains share fundamental characteristics, they can also exhibit significant differences. Differences such as Autism, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Dyslexia represent examples of such neurocognitive variations.

Historically, these neurotypes have been viewed through the pathology paradigm, perpetuating a stereotype and stigma that Neurodivergent individuals were “less” as a direct result of their neurocognitive differences.

It recognizes that “neurotypical” is not a singular, monolithic experience, but rather one point on a spectrum of neurocognitive differences. Individuals who are Neurodivergent possess unique brain structures and functions that may manifest in diverse ways, including differences in learning, social interaction, communication, sensory processing, and emotional regulation.

Neurodiversity promotes inclusivity, acceptance, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways in which human minds can function.

Neurotype

Within the neurodiversity paradigm, “neurotype” refers to a distinct pattern of neurological functioning and cognitive processing that characterizes a “neurocognitive” make up of a person.

The concept of “neurotype” emphasizes the inherent diversity of human brains and promotes a more nuanced understanding of Neurodiversity. It moves away from a focus on deficits and instead highlights the unique strengths and perspectives that different Neurotypes bring to society.

Neurotypical and Neurodivergent are examples of neurotypes.

Neurotypical

Neurotypical refers to individuals whose brains function within the dominant societal “norms” and expectations. This implies a greater alignment with the prevailing social and cultural standards, and greater opportunity to participate and engage successfully within that existing social framework.

Neurodivergent

Neurodivergent signifies a recognition of the inherent diversity of human brains and a shift towards valuing and celebrating the unique strengths and perspectives that individuals with neurological differences bring to the world. It challenges the notion of a single “normal” way of being and celebrates the richness and complexity of human neurodiversity. It encourages understanding and acceptance of diverse ways of thinking, feeling, and interacting with the world.

An individual can be referred to as “Neurodivergent” if their neurotype diverges from that which is considered to align with the neuro-majority within a given society. For example individuals who are Autistic can be considered to be Neurodivergent.

Individuals exhibiting a spectrum of distinct neurocognitive differences can be characterized as multiply neurodivergent.

Neurodivergent was coined by Kassiane Asasumasu, a biracial, multiply neurodivergent activist in 1999.

Neurodivergent is a self-identified identity.

Neurodiversity Umbrella

The Neurodiversity umbrella is expansive. The list below is not exhaustive, rather it provides some examples of ‘neurotypes’.

Neurodiverse or Neurodivergent?

It be confusing if you are only now learning about the language of Neurodiversity, to figure out what is the correct language to use. I have created this graphic on Neurodiversity to support your understanding.

References

Bonnello, C. (2022). Results and Analysis of the Autistic Not Weird 2022 Autism Survey. Autistic Not Weird.

Crenshaw, K. W. (2017). On intersectionality: Essential writings. The New Press.

Hartman, D., O’Donnell-Killen, T., Doyle, J. K., Kavanagh, M., Day, A., & Azevedo, J. (2023). The Adult Autism Assessment Handbook: A Neurodiversity Affirmative Approach. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Sinclair, J. (2012). Don’t Mourn for Us. Autonomy, the Critical Journal of Interdisciplinary Autism Studies, 1(1).

Sinclair, J. (2013). Why I dislike “person first” language. Autonomy, the Critical Journal of Interdisciplinary Autism Studies, 1(2).

Singer, J. (1998). The Birth of Community Amongst People on the Autism Spectrum: A personal exploration of a New Social Movement based on Neurological Diversity

Walker, N. (2021). Neuroqueer Heresies: Notes on the neurodiversity paradigm, Autistic empowerment, and postnormal possibilities. Autonomous Press.

I hope you have found this post helpful.