A Neurodivergent person is someone whose brain functions in a way that diverges from what is considered neurotypical or typical brain functioning.
It describes people who differ from the societal norm is the following areas:
- Cognition
- Learning
- Behavior
- Sensory Processing
Origin of the Term and The Neurodiversity Movement
- The term “neurodivergent” was coined in the late 1990s by Kassiane Asasumasu, an autistic neurodiversity activist.
- It emerged from the neurodiversity movement, which aimed to shift perspectives on neurological differences.
- The movement advocated for neurodivergent individuals to be respected and accommodated, rather than being forced to conform to neurotypical norms.
Moving Away from the Medical Model
- “Neurodivergent” provided a non-pathologizing way to refer to people whose brains don’t conform to typical development.
- It contrasted with the medical model viewing such differences as disorders or deficits.
Expanding Use
- The term gained initial popularity in the autism community.
- But expanded to encompass other neurological conditions like: ADHD, HSP, and Synaesthesia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, and more.
The word “neurodivergent” promotes acceptance of cognitive diversity, without inherent pathology.
