Introduction to neurodivergence
Neurodivergence is a term that you might hear people referring to when they talk about autistic and/or ADHD minds. In this blog post we aim to de-mystify the term neurodivergence and explain what it means.
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity includes everyone and refers to the natural variations in the human brain and nervous system. It is what makes each person unique.
What is neurodivergent?
Neurodivergent means that a person’s thinking and/or communication style may be different from how many people think or the neuromajority. These differences can lead to a person having a specific style of thinking, learning, and behaving. This term is often used as an umbrella term to describe conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and others that fall outside of what is considered neurotypical functioning. Instead of viewing these differences as deficits or disorders, neurodivergence is increasingly recognised as a part of human diversity — much like cultural, racial, or gender diversity.
What is the neuromajority or neurotypical?
The neuromajority, refers to the large portion of the population whose brains and neurological functioning align with what is considered neurotypical. This means that they do not experience the attributes that define neurodivergence. The neuromajority represents what most people experience.
Why all these terms?
The term neurodivergence emerged in the late 1990s, driven largely by the neurodiversity movement. The neurodiversity movement advocates for acceptance, inclusion, and understanding of these brain differences in all areas of life. The term was popularised by autism activist and sociologist Judy Singer, who used the term in a 1998 sociology thesis. She argued that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, should not be viewed solely as disorders or deficits, but as part of the natural diversity of human brains. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that a different way of thinking can sometimes lead people to be very innovative.
Neurodiversity can be an advantage
Many individuals on the autism spectrum, for instance, exhibit heightened attention to detail and pattern recognition, which can lead to groundbreaking advancements in fields like technology and engineering. Many famous individuals with autism have leveraged their unique traits to achieve remarkable success. For example, actor and producer Dan Aykroyd has spoken about how his autism contributed to his creativity, influencing his iconic performances in films like Ghostbusters. Another notable figure is Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of Pokémon, who drew on his intense focus and passion for collecting to develop the global brand.
Similarly, people with ADHD may demonstrate exceptional creativity and problem-solving skills, as their ability to think outside the box allows for novel approaches to challenges. Will.i.am, known for his work with the Black Eyed Peas and as a solo artist, has openly discussed his experiences with ADHD, illustrating how neurodiversity can enhance artistic expression and drive success in the creative field.
Richard Branson has often spoken positively about his dyslexia, viewing it as a unique strength rather than a limitation. He believes that his challenges with reading and writing have fostered his creativity and problem-solving skills, pushing him to think differently. Branson’s success as an entrepreneur demonstrates how embracing neurodiversity can lead to innovative ideas and ventures. These examples highlight how neurodivergent thinking can lead to extraordinary contributions in various fields.
Why understanding neurodivergence matters
The conversation between neurodivergent people and the neuromajority is important because it helps challenge societal assumptions. Often, the world is designed with the neuromajority in mind, leaving neurodivergent individuals to adapt in ways that can be difficult or even damaging. By embracing neurodiversity, we open opportunities for everyone to thrive, regardless of how their brain works. In the past the onus often fell on the neurodivergent person to adapt which often led to masking or hiding neurodivergent attributes to be successful or survive in the world. With the shift to true inclusion, the idea is that the neuromajority will also make some adaptations and widen their understanding of these differences to create a better world for all.