Neurodiversity 101: Some Helpful Definitions
Adapted from “Ask a Neurodivergent Narwhal!” www.neuordiversitylibrary.org
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the diversity of our brains. It’s a pretty simple fact: All kinds of brains exist!
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a dynamic, developmental disability that affects attention, movement, and impulse behaviors. People with ADHD experience the world with shifting focus, bursts of energy, and deep dives into the things we enjoy!
What is Autism?
Autism is a dynamic, developmental disability that affects movement, communication, and sensory processing. Autistic people are as diverse as any other group of humans, with individual strengths & weaknesses, but we all experience the world in distinctly autistic ways!
What is the Social Model of Disability?
The social model of disability says that disability is socially constructed. We are not disabled by who we are but by a society that lacks accessibility and is designed to exclude us.
What’s Wrong with Functioning Labels?
Functioning labels are inherently dehumanizing. They are also inaccurate! We all deserve respect no matter how we communicate or what others assume we are capable of. Labeling someone as “low functioning” presumes incompetence and denies agency. Labeling someone as “high functioning” minimizes our very real needs and access barriers.
What is the Neurodiversity Paradigm?
The Neurodiversity Paradigm is a way of thinking about neurodiversity. It tells us that neurodivergence is normal & natural and there is no right kind of brain.