The concept of neurodiversity was introduced during the fight for autism awareness and rights.
Sociologist Judy Singer (who is autistic) coined the term in 1997.
The first represents a more standard way of processing information, or what people often conceive as the norm.
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The second represents other ways of thinking frequently considered outside the typical experience.
As a result, many neurotypical people often do not realize that they are neurotypical.
Neurodivergent
Unlike neurotypical people, neurodivergent people are usually made aware that their brains work differently.
A neurodivergent person has one or more ways in which their brain functions outside the “typical” way.
At one time, these conditions were treated as problems.
However, with understanding neurodiversity, we now have a better and more appropriate way of handling them.
Neurodiversity advocacy focuses on embracing and celebrating neurodivergent brains instead of trying to fix them and make them neurotypical.
The understanding of neurodiversity allows us to appreciate how each of us functions differently.
This might look like:
It also can reap significant rewards.
The more we can understand neurodiversity now, the more we can shift our behaviors in the future.
Many consider ABA to be a form of abuse.
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) passed a resolution condemning ABA as an abusive practice.
Social Change
The stigma and hardships that neurodivergent people face haven’t yet disappeared from our society.
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Overlooked workers gain appeal in challenging times.Financial Times.
March 17, 2020.
Graber A, Graber J.Applied behavior analysis and the abolitionist neurodiversity critique: An ethical analysis.Behav Anal Pract.
