What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity as a framework is based on the concept that there is a wide range of ways in which people’s brains work to understand and experience the world, and none is more ‘correct’ than the other. These differences can be strengths or pose challenges depending on the individual and their environment.

These variations impact how people experience and process information in their environments- resulting in differences around processing sensory input (being more or less sensitive .to things like light, touch and sound), communication, language, learning, moving and thinking.

There are broad patterns in the different ways groups of people experience and think about the world, which underlie the concepts of ‘neurotypical’ and ‘neurodivergent’ brains and lead to a range of specific diagnoses or ‘conditions’ such as Autism, ADHD, dyslexia etc. There is no specific set of things that are or are not included under the neurodiversity ‘umbrella’ and different sources will include different things. Often it used as a framework to refer mostly to Autism and/or ADHD however it is not necessarily limited to these profiles.

‘Neurodiversity Words’

A quick guide to words you may come across in resources and discussions about neurodiversity.

Neurodiversity- The concept of natural diversity and variation in human brain function, traits and experiences, encompassing a range of ‘brain differences’ including ADHD, Autism, Dylexia, Dyspraxia and more.

Neurodiverse- A term for a group of people with varied neurotypes/brain types. E.g. A neurodiverse classroom/workplace with neurotypical and neurodivergent people.

Neurodivergent (ND)- A broad term for an individual with a ‘different’ brain. Including, but not limited to, diagnoses of ADHD and/or Autism.

Neurotypical (NT)- A term for people with ‘typical’ brains (the majority of people- although no two brains work exactly the same!)

Autistic- Health professionals are often trained to use person-first language (e.g. Lucy has Autism) rather than identity-first language (e.g. Lucy is Autistic). However, many Autistic people have expressed in recent years that they prefer ‘Autistic’ rather than ‘with Autism’ as it reflects that it’s part of who they are. At Ookami Kids we often use ‘Autistic’ to acknowledge Autism as just another way of being and continue to take the stigma out of it, but we also say ‘Autism’ at times when it’s the better fit. We try to stay away from ‘ASD’ and ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’ to take the focus off the concept of disorder and deficit.

Feelings about this can vary though so it’s generally best to ask someone what they prefer and if you are Autistic to let people know what you prefer.

Allistic- Allistic is a word you may see in some neurodiversity spaces that just means ‘not Autistic’. An allistic person can be neurotypical or neurodivergent e.g. Someone with ADHD is allistic (not Autistic) but they are neurodivergent.

Neurodiversity affirming/ Neuroaffirming - A framework or lens for looking at brain differences in a validating and supportive way, focussing on navigating differences rather than ‘fixing’ deficits.

Useful Links

Further Neurodiversity Information

Reframing Autism - Education and information on updated perspectives of Autism

Yellow Ladybugs - Resources to support Autistic girls

Neurowild - Instagram page with helpful illustrations of neurodiversity concepts

Neurodiversity Affirming Providers with Additional Helpful Information and Resources

Onwards and Upwards Pyschology - Education and resources to support Autistic and ADHD children and their families with links to further reading and resources.

Play Learn Chat - Speech Therapy practice with resources and more information on neurodiversity affirming therapy and care.