Neurodiversity Advocacy: A Short Timeline and History
March 03, 2024
1990s
Emergence of the Term
The term “neurodiversity” was coined by social scientist Judy Singer in the 1990s. The original intention was to shift the discussion of neurodivergent people from deficits and pathology to openly considering different ways of thinking and experiencing the world.Early 2000s
Recognition of neurodiversity
The concept of neurodiversity began to gain recognition and acceptance. It was acknowledged that autistic individuals often have unique abilities and perspectives that can contribute significantly to society.Mid 2000s
Expansion of the topic
The concept of neurodiversity expanded to include a wider range of neurodivergent conditions. It was recognized that neurodivergence is not limited to autism, but includes a spectrum of conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, and others.
late 2000s
Advocacy and acceptance
Advocacy groups began to promote the acceptance and inclusion of neurodivergent individuals in all aspects of society. The focus shifted from trying to “cure” neurodivergence to celebrating and leveraging the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals.2010s and beyond
neurodiversity in the workplace
The concept of neurodiversity started to be recognized in the workplace. Companies began to understand the benefits of having a neurodiverse workforce and started to implement hiring practices and workplace policies to support neurodivergent employees.2024
Neurodiversity N.e.x.t. Founded
Neurodiversity N.E.X.T. is founded to promote neurodiversity acceptance in the Midwest and beyond.
Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the natural variation in human brains and highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing these differences. It refers to the diversity of all people, but it is often used in the context of autism, as well as other neurological or developmental conditions such as ADHD or learning disabilities. The concept of neurodiversity promotes the idea that all brain types have unique strengths and abilities, challenging the traditional view that certain neurological conditions are inherently negative or abnormal.
On the other hand, neurodivergence is a term used to describe an individual whose neurological development and functioning differ from what is considered "neurotypical". Neurodivergent individuals may have one or more of the conditions mentioned above, and their experiences and perspectives can provide valuable insights into the world around us.
While neurodiversity refers to the broad spectrum of differences in human brain function, neurodivergence refers to individuals within that spectrum whose brain function deviates from what is considered typical. Both terms emphasize the value and importance of diversity in human brain function. NEXT advocates specialize in neurodiversity excellence, expertise, and training. What conditions fall under Neurodivergence? Essentially, neurodivergence is any brain condition that is a different from the norm, that when not accomodated, can make life more difficult.
-Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)-Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)-Dyslexia-Dyspraxia-Dysgraphia-Left-Handedness-Dyscalculia-Executive Functioning Challenges-Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)-Intellectual Disabilities-Anxiety and Depression Disorders-Down Syndrome-Tourette Syndrome-Williams Syndrome-Prader-Willi Syndrome-Mental health conditions such as: Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder-Gender Dysphoria-Homo/Bi/Asexuality-Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) A neurodiversity advocate is someone who supports and promotes the concept of neurodiversity. Neurodiversity is the idea that people experience and interact with the world in many different ways; there is no one “right” way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits. This term often refers to individuals with neurological or developmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or learning disabilities.
The neurodiversity movement emerged during the 1990s, aiming to increase acceptance and inclusion of all people while embracing neurological differences. Neurodiversity advocates encourage inclusive, nonjudgmental language and promote education and social support systems, inclusive programming, and accommodations. They work to ensure that neurodivergent individuals are respected, understood, and fully included in society.
Neurodiversity advocates focus on embracing and celebrating neurodivergent brains instead of trying to fix them and make them neurotypical. They acknowledge the lived experiences of neurodivergent people as they navigate a society that is not designed with their ways of being at the center. Therefore, they promote understanding, acceptance, and rights for individuals who are neurodivergent.
It’s important to note that the preferred language may vary among individuals within the neurodivergent community. Some prefer identity-first language (e.g., “an autistic person”), while others prefer person-first language (e.g., “a person with autism”). Additionally, many prefer not to use the term "ASD" as the concept of autism as a disorder can be offensive. Therefore, it’s always best to ask directly about a person’s preferred language.
On the other hand, neurodivergence is a term used to describe an individual whose neurological development and functioning differ from what is considered "neurotypical". Neurodivergent individuals may have one or more of the conditions mentioned above, and their experiences and perspectives can provide valuable insights into the world around us.
While neurodiversity refers to the broad spectrum of differences in human brain function, neurodivergence refers to individuals within that spectrum whose brain function deviates from what is considered typical. Both terms emphasize the value and importance of diversity in human brain function. NEXT advocates specialize in neurodiversity excellence, expertise, and training. What conditions fall under Neurodivergence? Essentially, neurodivergence is any brain condition that is a different from the norm, that when not accomodated, can make life more difficult.
-Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)-Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)-Dyslexia-Dyspraxia-Dysgraphia-Left-Handedness-Dyscalculia-Executive Functioning Challenges-Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)-Intellectual Disabilities-Anxiety and Depression Disorders-Down Syndrome-Tourette Syndrome-Williams Syndrome-Prader-Willi Syndrome-Mental health conditions such as: Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder-Gender Dysphoria-Homo/Bi/Asexuality-Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) A neurodiversity advocate is someone who supports and promotes the concept of neurodiversity. Neurodiversity is the idea that people experience and interact with the world in many different ways; there is no one “right” way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits. This term often refers to individuals with neurological or developmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or learning disabilities.
The neurodiversity movement emerged during the 1990s, aiming to increase acceptance and inclusion of all people while embracing neurological differences. Neurodiversity advocates encourage inclusive, nonjudgmental language and promote education and social support systems, inclusive programming, and accommodations. They work to ensure that neurodivergent individuals are respected, understood, and fully included in society.
Neurodiversity advocates focus on embracing and celebrating neurodivergent brains instead of trying to fix them and make them neurotypical. They acknowledge the lived experiences of neurodivergent people as they navigate a society that is not designed with their ways of being at the center. Therefore, they promote understanding, acceptance, and rights for individuals who are neurodivergent.
It’s important to note that the preferred language may vary among individuals within the neurodivergent community. Some prefer identity-first language (e.g., “an autistic person”), while others prefer person-first language (e.g., “a person with autism”). Additionally, many prefer not to use the term "ASD" as the concept of autism as a disorder can be offensive. Therefore, it’s always best to ask directly about a person’s preferred language.
The journey towards acceptance of neurodivergence has been a long and complex one, marked by shifts in societal attitudes and understanding, and separate movements coming together that mark the need for greater acceptance of differing levels of brain functioning.
The term "neurodiversity" was coined in the 1990s by social scientist Judy Singer¹. The original intention was to shift the discussion of neurodivergent people away from deficits and pathology to openly considering different ways of thinking and experiencing the world¹. This marked a significant shift in perspective, laying the groundwork for the neurodiversity movement.
In the early 2000s, the concept of neurodiversity began to gain recognition and acceptance². It was acknowledged that neurodivergent individuals often have unique abilities and perspectives that can contribute significantly to society². By the mid-2000s, the concept of neurodiversity expanded to include a wider range of neurodivergent conditions².
By the late 2000s, advocacy groups began to promote the acceptance and inclusion of neurodivergent individuals in all aspects of society². The focus shifted away from trying to "cure" neurodivergence to celebrating and leveraging the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals². This period saw a significant increase in self-advocacy, with more and more neurodivergent people connecting through online platforms and forming a self-advocacy movement².
The 2010s marked the beginning of the recognition of neurodiversity in the workplace². Companies began to understand the benefits of having a neurodiverse workforce (harnessing everyone's abilities leads to greater productivity in the workplace, including using the talents of people who were previously seen as disabled) and companies started to implement hiring practices and workplace policies to support neurodivergent employees². This period also saw an increase in research and education related to neurodiversity, further influencing how clinicians view and address certain disabilities and neurological conditions².
The journey towards neurodivergence acceptance is ongoing. While significant progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. The future of neurodivergence acceptance lies in continuing to challenge societal norms, promoting inclusivity, and celebrating the inherent worth and unique contributions of all neurodivergent individuals¹. Neurodiversity NEXT advocates connect with each other, share resources, and empower organizations so that neurodivergent people can shift from surviving to thriving. --Sources: (1) Neurodiversity: A Brief History - Neurodiversity @ Caltech. https://neurodiversity.caltech.edu/resources/neurodiversity-a-brief-history.(2) What is neurodiversity? - Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-neurodiversity-202111232645.(3) What does "neurodiversity" mean, and where did the term come from?. https://www.getinflow.io/post/neurodiversity-history-autism-and-adhd.