Over the recent years, there has been more and more research towards brain differences and it is believed that up to 40% of the population is neurodiverse, the remaining majority being neurotypical. Ever-increasing number of people have been diagnosed with neurodevelopmental conditions since the 1990s. What is it exactly that we know?
Illustration by Klara A. Gonciarz
The term neurodiversity - ND for short - has been first used by Judy Singer, an autistic sociologist herself, in the late 1990s. The idea of it accepts the fact that it is not uncommon for people’s brains to function in their own way, different to what is considered as ‘usual’. Once deemed an anomaly, neurodivergence is now reasoned to be healthful and advantageous.
Neurodiversity can be classified into two groups and regards people who are either neurotypical or neurodivergent. The former regards those whose brain’s functions are considered common; the latter regards those whose minds work in a different neurological manner.
Nevertheless, it may be surprising to some to learn that there are various types of neurodivergence, as we have grown to know. These include the common ones such as autism, AD(H)D, and dyslexia, but also those less popular like dyscalculia, epilepsy, dyspraxia (DCD), Tourette's, synesthesia and Down syndrome. Chronic mental health illnesses, inter alia, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder amongst others, surprisingly fall within the scope of the term, as well.
“Neurodiversity is the idea that neurological differences like autism and ADHD are the result of normal, natural variation in the human genome,” writes John Elder Robison on Psychology Today’s blog, being a scholar and an individual diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome himself.
As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is as much as 1 in 189 girls and 1 in 42 boys who are autistic. How is it that a vast majority of them will go undiagnosed or will mask if they are? Education, work, health care facilities, and interpersonal interactions; all of these are mostly centered on the belief that there seems to be one type of 'human mind’, solely one way of thinking. Thus, that is the reason why creating a society that is inclusive of and fair to neurodiverse people should be of the highest importance.
Yet, is it possible for non-neurotypical people to function as those who are? Why, yes; it is believed that people with the aforementioned disorders bear above-average skills and abilities. Mathematics and memory are only a few of the exceptional competences that those who are diagnosed with dyslexia or autism hold. However, without specially designed spaces and adjustments such people are exposed to unjust and unfair treatment, and face struggles in spheres like educational institutions or working environments.
Thereby, in order to realise the blessings and not focus on the disabilities of the non-neurotypical, schools, enterprises and other establishments should adjust their policies and, more importantly, be open to neurodivergent individuals with the purpose of truly perceiving their extraordinary talents and giving them the space to embrace their uniqueness.
And not only that, but if society is to welcome those of atypical neurological minds, and make them feel safe and involved, all of humankind should come round to a point of view that is inclusive and fair.
Klara Anna Gonciarz
31 May 2022
such an interesting topic! well written as well :)