Neurodivergent Neurodiversity

Neurodivergent is a broad term people use to describe behavior that stands out as different from what is typical in a culture. The assumption is that the behavior and attendant cognitive and emotional processes originate in brains that are different from those of most people.

Neurodivergent functions as an indicator of self-identity ("I'm neurodivergent") and contrasts with people who are deemed neurotypical.

Neurodiversity refers to variations in brain-linked behavior, cognition, and emotion. In recent years, neurodiversity various neuropsychological conditions such as those in the following list.

Attention Deficit Disorders

Autistic disorder (Autistic Spectrum Disorder)

Learning disorders (Learning Disabilities)

Historic note

Sociologist Judy Singer used the term neurodiversity in her 1998 thesis at the University of Technology, Sydney, Australia.

General Implications

Because the term neurodivergent is so broad, the implication for people in various social contexts (relationships, education, work, and family dynamics) will vary considerably with their pattern of strengths and weaknesses and the demands of their social context. For example, a person with an Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity but above average reading skills has different needs in their various social contexts than those with a severe reading disorder (aka dyslexia). 

To state the obvious, knowing that two people have a diagnosis of autistic disorder does not indicate that they have the same pattern of strengths and weaknesses.

An Example

Joanna French (2023) offers a look at her neurodivergence in a social context with church friends. She hid her behavior patterns to "Be normal, or suffer consequences like being bullied or even beaten." But now she feels comfortable in her church setting: "...I realized today how much more I have just been me in front of our church family. I have wiggled, rocked, tapped, and bounced."

Neurodiversity and Disability

A person who identifies as neurodivergent may or may not have a disability according to the laws and policies governing people where they live.

Societies use the term disability in different ways. In the United States, laws and policies define the criteria for disabilities in education and work. Available services, benefits, and accommodations will vary according to the diagnosis of a listed disability and how well a person functions with treatment.

Cite this post

Sutton, G. W. (2023, January 12). Neurodivergent. Psychology Concepts and Theories. Retrieved from   neurodiversity. https://suttonpsychology.blogspot.com/2023/01/neurodivergent-neurodiversity.html 

Geoffrey W. Sutton, PhD is Emeritus Professor of Psychology. He retired from a clinical practice and was credentialed in clinical neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. His website is  www.suttong.com

 

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