What is Neurodiversity? What you need to know
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What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the concept that all humans have a wide range of neurocognitive ability, and that variations of the human brain and how it processes information is an extremely common aspect of our society. Since we all have talents to be proud of and weaknesses that we struggle with, it can be seen that neurodiversity is just another form of human diversity.
Many scientists and researchers believe thatthere is no one healthy or normal type of brain, and to say that there is only one correct way of thinking is as invalid as saying that there is only one correct race, culture or gender. Indeed, researchers have also found that just like any other type of diversity, neurodiversity is equally affected by social dynamics such as the unequal distribution of social power. As a result, if the varying strengths and weaknesses of a person's neurodiversity are not embraced or accepted by their friends, workplace or school, then their diversity cannot be tapped and so will not be used as a limitless source of creative potential.
For some, neurodiversity can be of great academic or workplace advantage when they are placed in an environment which relies on them to use their strengths, instead of making them focus on overcoming their challenges. To help others and ourselves we must look to create inclusive spaces to work and learn in, and so promote diverse abilities.
The neurodiverse population of the UK
Researchers roughly estimate that 1 in 7 people in the UK are neurodivergent. What does this look like in practice, and how wide ranging is the UK's ability to process information?
- 90% of neurodiverse cases are invisible
- 10% of the population are dyslexic
- 7 % of the population have mental health needs
- 5% of the population have ADHD
- 5% of the population have dyspraxia
- 5% of the population have an acquired brain injury
- 1-2% of the population have autism
- 1-2% of the population have Tourette Syndrome
These facts show us that to have different ways of thinking and processing information is a fairly normal occurrence in our population, and that there is the possibility for these different conditions to overlap with one another.
Is neurodiversity a disability?
Neurodiversity links to the concept that particular developmental disorders are just normal variations in the brain, and that people with these variations can gain specific strengths and weaknesses. On the whole researchers argue that neurodiversity is not the same as a disability due to the strengths some of the conditions provide. For example, students with neurodiversity can be really creative and out-of-the-box thinkers, impulsive at times too, meaning they will say things that others are too worried to say. Indeed, people with ADHD often show high levels of passion, drive, and inventive thinking.
However, what this does mean is that when placed in the traditional school or working environment, which has been set up over the years to cater for those without obvious neurodiversity, those with neurodivergent features may find the situation and work difficult to contend with if no accommodations are considered. Some students are unable to cope with classic exam assessments. Others may be extremely talented in one area but then find something else very hard, leading to a big inconsistency in their performance at school.
Therefore, although neurodiversity does not have to be seen as a disability, many neurodiversity organizations believe that it is important to acknowledge the weaknesses or disabilities of a person in order to help them get extra support and services which are specific to their particular needs. By acknowledging issues such as difficulty concentrating, excessive stress, inability to time-keep, or being unable to follow a schedule, students and people with neurodiverse conditions are less likely to be overlooked or forgotten about by essential services. Also, by talking about their issues, people can make it very clear what sort of challenges they face and could as a result encourage research funding to find more solutions for their difficulties.
What conditions are included in neurodiversity?
Here are some of the neurodiverse conditions that we should all be aware of:
- ADHD – can cause issues with impulse control, attention, and concentration.
- Autism – can affect the way someone perceives the world, socially interacts and deals with change.
- Dyslexia – can cause language processing difficulties such as issues with reading, writing, and spelling.
- Dyspraxia – can affect physical coordination.
- Dyscalculia – a specific learning disorder which affects the learning of basic arithmetic facts, the ability to process numbers and to perform accurate calculations.
- Dysgraphia – can give someone difficulties with spelling, handwriting, and putting thoughts down on paper.
- Tourette Syndrome – a neurological condition where sound and movement tics are beyond a person's control.
Neurodiversity organizations believe that society pays too much attention to the impairments that come with these neurodivergent conditions. Instead we should focus on what people are good at, not what they find difficult, and so we need to work together to celebrate the positives that come with all neurodivergent thinkers.
How does neurodiversity relate to autism?
The Neurodiversity Movement has its origins in the Autistic Rights Movement of the 1990's. The term neurodiversity was coined in 1998 by an autistic Australian sociologist named Judy Singer, and was soon used by the autistic activist community. Now, the focus of work within the neurodiversity paradigm has widened beyond autism to encompass other forms of neurodivergence, however, without autism the concept of neurodivergence may never have been developed.
Autism is a neurodivergent condition because it affects the way a person's brain experiences their environment, and as a result affects the way they communicate with others. Those on the autistic spectrum find that their senses react more intensely to the world than others experience, and so can often feel overwhelmed by people and the environment. However, there are many brilliant skills that can be associated with autism such as honest and direct communication, great attention to detail, the ability to hone in on or create patterns, to process information quickly, and to retain an extremely detailed memory of events.
A 2016 National Autistic Society's Autism Employment Gap Report found that just 16% of adults on the autistic spectrum are in full-time work and that 77% of those unemployed want to work. A similar pattern can be seen in those who have other neurodiverse conditions, and so if we can all increase the awareness of neurodiversity in our schools, workplaces and communities, we can help others to acknowledge both the strengths and challenges of those with neurological differences and so turn this trend around.
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