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​Neurodivergence

What is Neurodivergence?

* This page serves as an introduction to neurodivergence. If you’re interested in learning more, we invite you to attend one of our talks or join our courses in the future.

* Watch a keynote by Dr Kana Grace to learn more about our perspective on neurodivergence: ​​

Neurodivergence is often confused with neurodiversity, but these two terms have different meanings.

 

Neurodiversity includes all people and indicates the diversity in our minds, similar to biodiversity. On the other hand, neurodivergence refers to so-called neurodevelopmental disorders or disabilities. So, is neurodivergence a disease or disorder? Neither is our response. But there are people who still see neurodivergence as disorder and disease. Simply put, neurodivergence indicates neuro-minority.

 

There are two main perspectives on understanding neurodivergence, and more broadly, disability. We (Valtameri) view neurodivergence not as a disease or disorder, but as a neurological minority.

 

The first one is the medical model of disability. Taking autism as an example, the medical model views autism as a disease or defect, seeking to 'cure' or 'fix' it. For this reason, it is often referred to as a deficit-based model. Diagnostic manuals, as well as the way clinicians are taught in schools (including medical schools), are rooted in this medical or deficit-based perspective. If you Google “autism diagnosis criteria” for example, you will see words like deficits and impairments there. However, on what basis are autistic characteristics labeled as deficits or impairments? They are all based on the concept of normalcy among the neuro-majority. Sure, autistic people experience, process, and respond to the world differently from the majority, but does that make autistic people impaired? We’d say no way and if people argue so, their thinking is so behind the generations of diversity and simply wrong based on human rights.

 

In contrast to the medical model, the social model of disability sees autism as a difference, advocating for societal adjustments to accommodate individuals disabled by the standards and expectations in the society. Essentially, it's not autism itself that causes certain outcomes, but the interaction between autism and the environment.

 

The social model is closely aligned with the concept of neurodiversity, which originated from the disability rights movement led by disabled individuals and their families in the 1960s, particularly in the US and UK. We view neurodivergence from the social model and neurodiversity perspectives, considering neurodivergence as a difference and neurological minority.  

 

The social model can also be summarized as: autism + environment = outcome (Beardon, 2017). This simple equation is a powerful and essential reminder for all of us.

 

Neurodivergence is a minority of brain characteristics that are either lifelong or acquired. At Valtameri, our focus is on lifelong neurodivergence, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette. Just like anyone, neurodivergent individuals have both strengths and challenges, and each person is unique - even when they share the same diagnosis or neurodivergent identity.

References

Beardon, L. (2017). Autism and Asperger syndrome in adults. Hachette UK.

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