concept

neurodiversity

Also known as: neurological diversity

Facts (28)

Sources

Autistic Self-Advocacy and the Neurodiversity Movement - Frontiers frontiersin.org Frontiers in Psychology Apr 11, 2021 26 facts

perspectiveA balanced view of neurodiversity recognizes that within any one neurodivergent individual, weaknesses are often the inextricable partner of strengths, and that individuals can want things to be different while still wanting to be themselves.

perspectiveA balanced view of neurodiversity recognizes that while diversity brings collective advantages, within any one neurodivergent individual, weaknesses are often the inextricable partner of strengths, and individuals can want things to be different while still wanting to be themselves.

claimNeurodiversity emphasizes the collective strength inherent in cognitive diversity, a strength that arises from all kinds of differences, including those associated with autism, intellectual disability, or language impairment, as noted by Chapman (2020) and Kapp (2020).

perspectiveAll autism intervention stakeholders need to understand and actively engage with debates surrounding neurodiversity and autistic viewpoints.

referenceJudy Singer's 1998 doctoral thesis at the University of Technology, Sydney, explored the birth of community among people on the autistic spectrum and the concept of neurological diversity.

referenceThe Learning about Neurodiversity at School project is an intervention designed to promote an understanding of autism and neurodiversity among education professionals and peers.

claimThe Learning about Neurodiversity at School project is an intervention designed to promote an understanding of autism and neurodiversity among education professionals and peers.

claimImproving communication is a target variable in autism intervention that is consistent with a balanced view of neurodiversity.

claimInterventions such as the EMPOWER-ASD intervention, the Systemic Autism-related Family Enabling intervention (McKenzie et al., 2019), and the SOLACE programme (Lodder et al., 2020) promote an understanding of autism and neurodiversity among caregivers.

referenceRunswick-Cole (2014) examined the limits and possibilities of a 'politics of neurodiversity' in neoliberal times, published in Disability & Society.

perspectiveThe neurodiversity perspective mandates that specific characteristics of autism be depathologised, unless those characteristics cause harm or discomfort to the individual or a violation of the rights of others.

referenceInterventions such as the EMPOWER-ASD intervention, the Systemic Autism-related Family Enabling intervention (McKenzie et al., 2019), and the SOLACE programme (Lodder et al., 2020) promote an understanding of autism and neurodiversity in caregivers.

referenceJ. den Houting published 'Neurodiversity: an insider's perspective' in the journal Autism in 2019.

perspectiveA balanced view of neurodiversity mandates that specific characteristics of autism be depathologised, unless those characteristics cause harm or discomfort to the individual or a violation of others' rights.

claimKapp (2020) identifies improving communication as an autism intervention target variable that is consistent with a balanced view of neurodiversity.

referenceThe Autistic Self Advocacy Network published a white paper titled 'Increasing neurodiversity in disability and social justice advocacy groups' in 2016.

referenceS. Fletcher-Watson authored a 2018 blog post titled 'Is Early Autism Intervention Compatible With Neurodiversity,' available via the University of Edinburgh's DART website.

claimDebates regarding neurodiversity and autistic viewpoints are rarely directly addressed in early intervention research, where such perspectives are often implicit or absent.

claimNeurodiversity emphasizes the collective strength inherent in cognitive diversity, which arises from all kinds of differences, including those associated with autism, intellectual disability, or language impairment.

perspectiveNeurodiversity-informed intervention opposes any attempt to 'cure' or 'normalize' autistic children.

claimInterventions informed by neurodiversity aim to improve the "goodness of fit" between an autistic child and their physical or socio-emotional environment by addressing extrinsic factors that contribute to disadvantage and negative experiences, as noted by Lai and Szatmari (2019).

perspectiveThe neurodiversity movement demands the recognition and acceptance of cognitive variation as a form of biodiversity, asserting that it makes a positive contribution to groups, communities, and societies.

referenceRunswick-Cole (2014) examined the limits and possibilities of a 'politics of neurodiversity' in neoliberal times.

perspectiveNeurodiversity-informed interventions aim to improve the 'goodness of fit' between an autistic child and their physical or socio-emotional environment by addressing extrinsic factors that contribute to disadvantage and negative experiences, according to Lai and Szatmari (2019).

referenceChapman (2020) explored the relationship between neurodiversity and the social ecology of mental functioning.

perspectiveSome autistic people, parents, and other stakeholders oppose neurodiversity as a concept or social movement, arguing that it presents a sanitized view of autism, excludes those with significant language or intellectual disability, and deflects resources from those most in need of support.

Neurodiversity in Practice: a Conceptual Model of Autistic Strengths ... link.springer.com Springer Jul 25, 2023 2 facts

referenceThe article titled 'Neurodiversity in Practice: a Conceptual Model of Autistic Strengths and Potential Mechanisms of Change to Support Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing in Autistic Children and Adolescents' was authored by M. Cherewick and M. Matergia and published in the journal Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders in 2024 (Volume 8, pages 408–422).

referenceNocon, Roestorf, and Menéndez (2022) investigated character strengths in autistic adults in the United Kingdom within a community setting, finding positive psychology applications in neurodiversity.