Defining Neurodiversity

[Dr. Meryl Alper] So neurodiversity is a term that was coined by autistic sociologist Judy Singer in 1998 that essentially means that neurological differences are authentic forms of human diversity, not a deficit. The concept provides individuals with similar neurological differences with an identity to coalesce around, which is really important considering the bias, discrimination, and exclusion that they may face. At the same time, those differences can require very specific forms of support–be they social, emotional, or medical–for individuals to live their best lives. To be neurodivergent is to have a brain that functions in ways that significantly diverge from dominant societal standards, and to be neurotypical, which I myself do identify as, is to have one that conforms to those societal standards. This means, then, that who is neurodivergent or neurotypical is heavily shaped by context, interactions, and situations.