2 Introduction to Neurodiversity
Learning Objectives
- To understand the terms ‘neurodiversity’, ‘neurodivergence’ and ‘neurotypical’ and how to use them in day-to-day life.
- To understand definitions for some of the neurodivergent conditions that will be referenced in this book.
Interactive Activity: What do the terms neurodiverse, neurodivergent and neurotypical mean?
Work through the following interactive resource to develop your understanding of the above terms, and check your knowledge with some questions. You can enable full screen for the activity to make it easier to read.
Created by Teagan Menhenett, © Deakin University 2024, licensed under CC-BY-NC.
Copyright note: All images in the above activity are used under the Pixabay Content License.
Activity text version
Interactive Activity: What do the terms neurodiverse, neurodivergent and neurotypical mean?
To help ensure you are aware of the most appropriate language to use when interacting with your peers, work through these key definitions as well as some example sentences for each term.
If you are ever unsure what term to use, it is always okay to ask the person you are talking with what terms they identify with.
Neurodiversity:
- Is defined as “the diversity of human minds”: the variation of functioning within our society; when multiple neurocognitive styles are represented in a group. (Walker, 2024, Neurodiversity section, para. 1).
- In other words, when considering a whole population or a diverse group of people, the group is considered neurodiverse.
- See the next slide for some examples of correct uses of the word neurodiversity.
Neurodivergence:
- When an individual’s brain diverges or differs from what the society considers typical or ‘normal’ (Walker, 2024).
- There are many different conditions that fall under the umbrella of neurodivergence. Have a look at the next slide to see some examples of neurodivergent conditions.
- If you are interested in learning more about some of the conditions and terms associated with neurodivergence, you can have a look at the resource by Boren (2022). They have some helpful graphics which explain how terms can be used appropriately, and what conditions come under the neurodivergent umbrella. This is located in the ‘Reference List’ chapter at the end of the book.
All these terms (and more!) come under the umbrella term of ‘neurodivergence’ (Walker, 2024).
- Autism
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Dyslexia
- Traumatic brain injury
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality disorder
- Sensory processing disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Neurotypical:
- Individuals whose neurocognitive functioning falls within the typical or ‘normal’ societal standards. Neurotypical is the opposite of neurodivergent (Walker, 2024).
- Neurotypical people make up the majority of the population.
Conclusion
Both neurotypical and neurodivergent brains are needed for society (and indeed groups) to function well. There is nothing inherently ‘good’ or ‘bad’ about how different brains function.
As you move through this resource you will be able to develop an understanding of different brains and some strategies when working with people whose brain differs from your own.
End of Activity Text Version
Neurodivergent terms used throughout this resource:
Autism:
- A lifelong condition that “affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment” (Deakin University, 2023b).
- Autism can look like differences in communication, social interactions, sensory processing, and preferences for routines and structure (Deakin University, 2023b). However, every autistic person is different in their skill set, so it is important not to make assumptions.
- Use the Deakin Autism webpage to learn more about myths associated with autism
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
- A condition that “affects your brain’s executive functioning, as well as your ability to self-regulate and control your thoughts, words, actions and emotions” (Deakin University 2023a).
- Also referred to as ‘ADHD’ or ‘Variable Attention Stimulus Trait’ (VAST) (Deakin University 2023a).
- Use the Deakin ADHD webpage to learn more about myths associated with ADHD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder:
- A condition where people address obsessions (such as fear of contamination or germs, or the need for order) through compulsions (behaviors such as washing, checking, cleaning, counting, ordering and arranging) (Moulding, n.d).
- Also referred to as ‘OCD’.
- Use the Deakin Obsessive Compulsive Disorder blog post to learn more about OCD
Dyslexia:
- Dyslexia is a “language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading.” (The University of Melbourne, n.d).
- Use the Dyslexic Students’ Guide for Academics to learn more information about some misconceptions associated with dyslexia
When using the above terms, consider your language. As our society becomes more aware and accepting of neurodiversity, the language we use is beginning to positively frame these differences. The next chapter will provide a starting point for you to reflect on appropriate language.
Key Takeaways
- Neurodiversity refers to the entire population, neurotypical refers to those within the population who have a ‘typical’ way of thinking, and ‘neurodivergent’ refers to those with a different way of thinking.
These are some of the words you may have come across in this chapter:
ADHD, Autism, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Dsylexia, Neurodivergence, Neurodiversity, Neurotypical.
A mental health disorder that affects your brain’s executive functioning, as well as your ability to self-regulate and control your thoughts, words, actions and emotions. Also referred to as ‘ADHD’ or ‘Variable Attention Stimulus Trait’ (VAST)
A condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment. Also referred to as ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’ (ASD).
A condition where people address obsessions (such as fear of contamination or germs, or the need for order and symmetry) through compulsions (such as washing, checking, cleaning, counting, ordering and arranging). Also referred to as ‘OCD’.
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading.
When an individual's brain diverges or differs from what the society considers typical or ‘normal’.
Is defined as “the diversity of human minds”: the variation of functioning within our society; when multiple neurocognitive styles are represented in a group.
Individuals whose neurocognitive functioning falls within the typical or ‘normal’ societal standards. Neurotypical is the opposite of neurodivergent.
