Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is the concept that there are a variety of ways that people's brains process information, function, and present behaviorally. Rather than thinking there is something wrong or problematic when some people don't operate similarly to others, neurodiversity embraces all differences. The concept of neurodiversity recognizes that both brain function and behavioral traits are simply indicators of how diverse the human population is. The term neurodiversity was coined by sociologist Judy Singer, who is autistic, in 1997. Neurodiversity can be broken down into two categories of people: those who are neurotypical and those who are neurodivergent.

Neurotypical Individuals:
Neurotypical is a descriptor that refers to someone who has the brain functions, behaviors, and processing considered standard or typical. Neurotypical people may have no idea they are because the subject has likely never come up for them before. These people usually hit all of their developmental and behavioral milestones at the same times and ages that are considered standard for most people.

Neurodivergent Individuals:
Neurodivergence is the term for people whose brains function differently in one or more ways than is considered standard or typical. There are many different ways that neurodivergence manifests, ranging from very mild ways that most people would never notice to more obvious ways that lead to a person behaving differently than is standard in our society.

Often, you will hear those who may be diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and more consider themselves to be neurodivergent. These functioning levels vary greatly for each individual. Some may need more support than others, and some move on to living independently and working typical jobs with the right early support.