The term neurodiversity (and its related terms) refers to a host of neurological conditions that can range in severity, how they affect learning, etc. One condition may affect how an individual processes images, while another condition may impact an individual’s ability to retain information. While these differ from ‘typical’ neural processing, they are unique in their own ways and should be recognized as such.
Because of the generalized use of the term, it may be difficult for readers to fully understand how an individual’s neurodivergence affects their lived experience. When discussing specific learning disorders or delays, we recommend that you be as specific as possible.
- For example, if the students you are referring to have Autism or have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is best to refer to these conditions specifically. In doing so, readers will have a better understanding of how the student’s learning experience is impacted and what support resources are most useful.
Be as specific as possible about the neurological condition you're referring to.
The term neurodiversity (and its related terms) refers to a host of neurological conditions that can range in severity, how they affect learning, etc. One condition may affect how an individual processes images, while another condition may impact an individual’s ability to retain information. While these differ from ‘typical’ neural processing, they are unique in their own ways and should be recognized as such.
Because of the generalizability of the term, it may be difficult for readers to fully understand how an individual’s neurodivergence affects their lived experience. When discussing specific learning disorders or delays, we recommend that you be as specific as possible.
- For example, if the students you are referring to have Autism or have been diagnosed with ADHD, it is best to refer to these conditions specifically. In doing so, readers will have a better understanding of how the student’s learning experience is impacted and what support resources are most useful.
Understand that using terms related to ‘neurodiversity’ also implies a ‘neurotypical’ functioning. Be cognizant that using such terms (e.g., neurodiverse) implies a standard or typical neural processing. [ https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20191008-why-the-normal-brain-is-just-a-myth ] All human brains are wired differently, and we cannot assume that everyone uses the same standard to assess what is typical.
What is Neurodiversity?
There are many neurological differences and different ways of processing information that are a natural result of how the human brain works. Neurodiversity is the term used to acknowledge and celebrate these differences.
The term “Neurodiversity” is often used when discussing neurological conditions like ADHD, learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia or dysgraphia), or other developmental conditions. The term has been most associated with the Autism community but should not be considered a synonym for this group.
Terms
Here are some basics to understand.
- Neurodivergent: when a person’s mind thinks or processes information and stimuli in ways that diverge from what society considers “normal.” Careful: the terms neurodivergent and autistic are NOT synonyms for each other.
- Neurotypical: a person who thinks, experiences the world, or processes information in ways that are considered standard or commonplace based on the general public’s perception of conventionally accepted behavior.
- Neurodiverse: refers to people who embody different ways of thinking and processing information. An example of a neurodiverse group would be co-workers on a team—everyone thinks and constructs knowledge differently. The term encompasses both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.
- Neurodivergence: “the state of being neurodivergent.”
Understand that using terms related to ‘neurodiversity’ also implies a ‘neurotypical’ functioning. Be cognizant that using such terms (e.g., neurodiverse) implies a standard or typical neural processing. [ https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20191008-why-the-normal-brain-is-just-a-myth ] All human brains are wired differently, and we cannot assume that everyone uses the same standard to assess what is typical.
What is Neurodiversity?
There are many neurological differences and different ways of processing information that are a natural result of how the human brain works. Neurodiversity is the term used to acknowledge and celebrate these differences.
The term “Neurodiversity” is often used when discussing neurological conditions like ADHD, learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia or dysgraphia), or other developmental conditions. The term has been most associated with the Autism community but should not be considered a synonym for this group.
Terms
Here are some basics to understand.
- Neurodivergent: when a person’s mind thinks or processes information and stimuli in ways that diverge from what society considers “normal.” Careful: the terms neurodivergent and autistic are NOT synonyms for each other.
- Neurotypical: a person who thinks, experiences the world, or processes information in ways that are considered standard or commonplace based on the general public’s perception of conventionally accepted behavior.
- Neurodiverse: refers to people who embody different ways of thinking and processing information. An example of a neurodiverse group would be co-workers on a team—everyone thinks and constructs knowledge differently. The term encompasses both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.
- Neurodivergence: “the state of being neurodivergent.”
