Neurodiversity
noun. def: modern scientific understanding
Neurodiversity is our modern way of understanding diverse neurological conditions, such as autism, as a natural part of the human condition.
These variations occur naturally. While we don't yet know why these exist. We do know that these variations have been with humans for a very long time.
"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more so that we may fear less,"
- Marie Curie
"And so what, if I love each feather and each spangle? Why not try and see things from a different angle? Your life is a sham till you can shout out loud I am what I am!"
- Jerry Herman
I Am What I Am
"Neurodiversity should be seen as a gift to employers,"
- Richard Branson
(Dyslexic)
Autism
noun. def: a common variation
Autism is a neurological variant which occurs in at least 1-in-59 people. Its origins are unknown, but it has played an important role in human society.
Autism is a spectrum condition, which means that each autistic individual will maintain a unique combination of autistic traits. Autistic people share similar experiences. However, no two people are alike. There are just as many ways to be autistic as there are autistic people.
Autistic People
noun. def: human beings
Autistic people are just like any other group of humans. Autistic people span a range of intellectual abilities and skills.
Some autistic people verbally speak, while some communicate through other means. Some autistic individuals require a high-level of assistance, some less. Almost all autistic people experience difficulty (some much more so than others) living in a society which is not designed for them.
Autistic "Cousins"
noun. def: extended family members
Variations such as ADHD, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, and Dyslexia are often considered autistic "cousins". Each of these different conditions can often be accommodated through shared approaches and understanding.
Autistic people may also have one or more of these conditions as well.
"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more so that we may fear less,"
- Marie Curie
"The autistic self-advocacy movement as a whole sees autism as a disability. This is known. We know it's a disability and we also know that disability can come with pride, culture, and rights. These things all go together with neurodiversity."
- Julia Bascom
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
A disability
or a
difference?
Disability
noun. def: an inherent part of humanity
Disability is not a bad word, nor is it anything to be ashamed of. It's normal. According to the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, it is an inherent part of the human condition. Each human has a set of limitations, just as they have traits which place them at an advantage in certain contexts.
Neurodiversity does not deny disability. It centers on its reality.
noun. def: a system which disables others
Disability is not a bad word, nor is it anything to be ashamed of. It's normal. According to the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, it is an inherent part of the human condition. Each human has a set of limitations, just as they have traits which place them at an advantage in certain contexts.
Neurodiversity does not deny disability. It centers on its reality.
Social Model
Hannah Gadsby
Comedian
It’s not autism that makes it difficult to live with autism. It’s the world we’ve created that is not geared in our favor."
"People think it’s a devastating existence, but it doesn’t have to be.
Morénike Giwa Onaiwu
Educator
"Autism is many things. But it is seldom what it is perceived by people to be. It isn’t a tragedy. It isn’t a ravaged life. It isn’t an entity that destroys lives. It isn’t a disease."
Anthony Hopkins
Actor
"I definitely look at people differently. I like to deconstruct, to pull a character apart, to work out what makes them tick. And my view will not be the same as everyone else."
Hari Srinivasan
Student
"Nonspeaking autistics make up one part of the spectrum of neurodiversity...The world loves to put autism into little buckets with generalizations about the way we think, feel, and act."
Greta Thunberg
Climate Advocate
"I'm proud to be on the autism spectrum. For most, it is an endless fight against schools, workplaces & bullies, but under the right circumstances, given the right adjustments, it can be a superpower."