As it's Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we thought we'd break a few myths we've seen on social media. This is a slightly modified questioning thread we posted on twitter, which we'd hope would enable people, and those they'd talk to, to keep informed, up-to-date and safe. It's really important to get a basic understanding right (it's the palaeontologist in me speaking), which can become a solid foundation for all of us to build on. It may seem ironic that a Neurodivergent equality and diversity charity should be advocating for the inclusion of Neurotypical people (when we as Neurodivergent people often aren't) but the clue is in the words 'Equality and Diversity Charity', and the fact that Neurodiversity includes us all.
It's important to ask yourself these questions when looking at any material put out this week, or at any other time, to check whether it's accurate and not propagating misunderstanding. Unfortunately, misunderstandings often lead to people getting hurt by not receiving the support/encourage they need to feel they belong. Neurodiversity isn't exclusive. We're all born with a membership card.
(Written from a Neurodivergent perspective)
1. Are they talking about Neurodiversity as fact or theory? ‘Neurodiversity is not an opinion. It’s a living fact’ says Steve Silberman So as biodiversity (fact) represents the depth and breadth of all life, Neurodiversity represents the diversity of all minds on the planet. 2. What are they including in their definition of Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity encompasses every single person on the planet (and those orbiting). Neurotypical and Neurodivergent together, just like biodiversity there is no choice who is, or isn’t, included.
It’s not exclusive 3. Do they claim you require a diagnosis of Neurodiversity? Every one is born innately part of Neurodiversity- even if you could, there is absolutely no reason to diagnose Neurodiversity. We feel they are confusing people who are Neurodivergent who may need to be recognised and supported (in a society that often doesn't feel the need to).
4. Are they confusing Neurodiversity with Neurodivergence? Some refer to Neurodiversity as only including Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia etc. (this is a very narrow view of Neurodivergence too). These are more accurately termed Neurodivergences, which are a part of Neurodiversity- but not all of it.
It’s for all of us- not just Neurominorities.
5. Are they saying Neurodiversity is ‘the next best thing’? The recognition and language surrounding Neurodiversity is relatively new (science discovery) to describe something that’s always been there as an innate part of all of us.
It’s not just evolved as the next step in evolution (as some claim).
6. Are they saying Neurodiversity is a superpower?
It can’t be or we all would be superheroes. Neurodiversity is simply part of an ancient evolutionary survival process where the diversity of skills, adaptational abilities, and ways of thinking are vital. We have always needed people who think differently and are different.
To sum up,
Neurodiversity encompasses all of us not just a few
Neurodiversity is both Neurodivergent and Neurotypical
We should celebrate both Neurodifference and Neurodifferent people
Challenge any narrow or exclusive view you come across, asking yourself 'do I feel represented or excluded?'
Jon Adams, 22/03/22