Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is not a trait that anyone possesses but is the diversity of human minds and the variation in neurocognitive functioning within our species. It is a biological fact and not a perspective, approach, or belief. It acknowledges the diversity in how all humans think, act, process, feel and function. Neurodiversity includes everyone and not just autistic or neurodivergent people. Our society, classrooms and workplaces are Neurodiverse. Judy Singer created the term neurodiversity in 1998. Adapted from Nick Walker.
Neurodiverse
A group of people is Neurodiverse if one or more members differ substantially from other members, in terms of their neurocognitive functioning. For example, a group of autistic individuals would not be referred to as a Neurodiverse group as they all share the same neurocognitive style. Many people mistakenly use the term Neurodiverse when in fact they mean neurodivergent. For example, ‘The world is Neurodiverse an autistic people are not neurodiverse’.
Neurodivergent
Someone who has a mind that functions in a way that diverges from the dominant societal standards or expectations of “normal”. This divergence can include processing, thinking, feeling, learning, communicating and more. For example, ‘That person is Neurodivergent’.
Neurodivergence
This refers to the state of being neurodivergent. For example, ‘Other forms of neurodivergence are,’ ‘Innate neurodivergence.’
Neurotype
This means brain type and our way of being (neurocognitive functioning). Autistic people have a different neurotype. The Autistic neurotype is also different to other forms of Neurodivergence.
Neurotypical
Is a term used to describe an individual whose functioning falls within dominant societal norms. Neurotypical is the opposite of Neurodivergent. Neurotypical is not the opposite of being autistic as many non-autistic people can also be dyslexic or ADHD.
Allistic
Anyone who is not autistic. They can still be Neurodivergent in other ways.