Embracing Neurodiversity: Challenging Neuronormative Myths and Creating Inclusive Spaces
TL;DR
Neuronormativity is the societal norm that prescribes a single “right” way to be and function, rooted in white supremacy and capitalism. Neurodiversity, the natural variation in human brains, challenges this idea, advocating for the acceptance and validation of diverse neurological processing styles.
Key concepts include neurotypical (aligning with societal norms), neurodivergent (deviating from norms), and the Neurodiversity Paradigm, which emphasizes the validity and necessity of diverse processing styles.
Affirming neurodivergent individuals involves presuming competence, respecting autonomy, and creating inclusive environments. Education, self-advocacy, and mental health support are critical. The goal is a future where neurodiversity is celebrated, ensuring everyone can thrive and participate in society.
“Neuronormativity is the cultural and society preaching of a singular ‘right’ way to function, rooted in white supremacy, capitalism, and the oppression of diversity.”
The image presents an illustration by Sonny Jane Wise titled "The Neuronormativity Onion," which visually explains the layers of neuronormativity and its roots. At the center of the image is an onion, shown whole and sliced in half. This visual metaphor breaks down the complex concept of neuronormativity into understandable layers, showing how deep-seated societal structures and beliefs perpetuate certain norms and expectations.
The Challenge of Neuronormativity
There is no right or wrong way to be a human. However, neuronormativity preaches the opposite. In order to talk about neurodiversity, we need to spend time understanding neuronormativity first.
Personal Reflections on Neuronormativity
I was always told that to learn a new skill, gain information about a topic, or increase my intelligence overall, I needed to read. I was expected to open up books (without pictures 😢) and absorb the vast quantities of information out there. I wanted to follow these culturally conscripted rules for intelligence, but I just couldn’t.
More than two decades later, I now know that my ocular disability and ADHD neurotype make it so that letters dance on the page, with lines of text blending into one another like undulating blurs of blocky shapes. Instead of the written word, I learn through listening, talking, and spending time with imagery. Although I can accommodate myself now, the rhetoric of neuronormative expectations imposed on my very neurodivergent brain since childhood led to inescapable shame that I am still unpacking and unlearning.
Defining Neuronormativity
Neuronormativity is the cultural and societal preaching of a singular “right” way to function, process information, express yourself, behave when you’re alone or with others, and respond to stress. We all have internalized neuronormativity simply from being alive in this era. It is rooted in white supremacy, capitalism, and the oppression of diversity.
This image by Sonny Jane Wise compares the Pathology Paradigm with the Neurodiversity Paradigm in a side by side format with colored text blocks.
Understanding Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is the infinite variance of brain structuring, processing, and overall neurological functioning. It is the biological fact of human diversity. Neurodiversity is not an opinion, philosophy, or movement.
The Neurodiversity Paradigm
The Neurodiversity Paradigm is the specific philosophy and viewpoint of neurodiversity, grounding the Neurodiversity Movement to enact social change and justice. It challenges the idea of “normal” brains and states that processing styles that diverge from the status quo are valid and necessary for human diversity, growth, and creativity. The Neurodiversity Paradigm reflects on the oppression of individuals who diverge from normative expectations by privileged individuals to maintain their power and privilege at the expense of respect for all humans.
“Neurodiversity is the infinite variance of brain structuring and neurological functioning–a biological fact of human diversity.”
The Neurodiversity Movement: Guiding Principles
This image by Sonny Jane Wise outlines the guiding principles of the Neurodiversity Movement, inspired by Sin Invalid's 10 Principles of Disability Justice. It is structured in blocks with different headings and texts.
Key Terms in Neurodiversity
The term neurodiversity encompasses several related terms:
Neurotypical (NT): Describes minds that function in ways that align with neuronormative expectations.
Neurodivergent/Neurodivergence (ND): Refers to minds, present from birth or produced through experiences, that do not align with dominant societal standards of “normal.”
Neurodiverse: A group of people with a diversity of neurotypes represented.
Neurominority: A population of ND people.
Neuronormativity: The cultural and societal standard of a singular “right” way to be.
Clarifying Misconceptions
It is important to note that neurodivergence, neurodiversity, or neurodiverse are not synonyms for autism or ADHD, and neurotypical does not mean ‘not-autistic.’ While autism and ADHD are neurotypes that fall under the neurodivergence umbrella, conflating the language undermines the Neurodiversity Paradigm's ideology of respect and understanding for all ways of being and continues to oppress ND individuals who are not autistic or ADHD. Neurodivergence includes, but is not limited to, the following neurotypes: ADHD, dissociative identity, narcissistic personality, borderline personality, dyspraxia, highly sensitive, tics, schizophrenia spectrum, Down syndrome, dysgraphia, PTSD, cPTSD, epilepsy, bipolar, misophonia, traumatic brain injury, fetal alcohol syndrome, and sensory processing.
The image by Sonny Jane Wise is an illustration of a purple umbrella labeled "Neurodivergent Umbrella*" at the top, with the note "*NON-EXHAUSTIVE LIST" at the bottom. Underneath the umbrella, various neurodivergent conditions are listed in different colors.
Affirming Neurodivergent Individuals
To affirm ND individuals and enact the principles of the Neurodiversity Movement, you need to do the allyship work of reflecting on how and when neuronormativity shows up in your mind and in your life. You need to be constantly checking your privilege regarding expectations and validation of self and others and acknowledging when a form of oppression occurs to unlearn ableist practices. As we started this post, remind yourself there is no “right” or “wrong” way of being; there is only what is.
Presuming Competence
An entry point into affirming neurodivergent individuals and challenging neuronormative expectations is by presuming competence. As you engage with others and yourself, presume their or your own competence to do what is right for them. We all want to feel safe in the world, and we all do what works with our neurology, nervous systems, and environments to enact that safety.
“Affirming neurodivergent individuals involves presuming competence, respecting autonomy, and creating inclusive environments.”
This image by Sonny Jane Wise lists the core principles of neurodiversity-affirming practices in a colorful, stacked format with a flower icon on either side of the title.
The Impact of Affirming Practices
Once presuming competence, validating differences, and respecting autonomy become standard practice, neuronormativity will be required to recede into the background. Enacting neurodivergent affirming care benefits the ND community as well as NTs, as privilege and able-bodiedness can be transitory states, and all individuals at some point require respect, understanding, and accommodation. The more empowered and accommodated neurodivergent individuals there are, the more ideas, lived experiences, and understanding of self and others can prosper.
Practical Steps for Affirming Neurodivergent Individuals
Education and Awareness
Education is the first step in affirming neurodivergent individuals. This involves understanding the basics of neurodiversity, neuronormativity, and the Neurodiversity Paradigm. Educate yourself about different neurotypes and the unique challenges they face. Awareness campaigns and educational programs in schools, workplaces, and communities can play a significant role in promoting neurodiversity.
Creating Inclusive Environments
Creating inclusive environments is crucial. This includes physical spaces that are sensory-friendly and accessible, as well as social environments that are welcoming and accepting. Implement policies and practices that accommodate diverse needs, such as flexible working hours, quiet spaces, and alternative communication methods.
Encouraging Self-Advocacy
Encourage neurodivergent individuals to advocate for themselves. This can be done by providing them with the tools and resources they need to understand their rights and communicate their needs. Self-advocacy helps individuals gain confidence and take control of their lives.
Supporting Families and Caregivers
Support for families and caregivers of neurodivergent individuals is also essential. They need resources and education to understand neuronormativity, neurodivergence, and neurodiversity, and how to provide the best support. Support groups and counseling can be valuable resources for families and caregivers.
Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being
Mental health and well-being are vital for everyone, including neurodivergent individuals. Ensure access to mental health services that are knowledgeable about and attuned to neurodiversity.
The Future of Neurodiversity
The future of neurodiversity is one where all individuals, and intersections including gender, sexuality, race, and neurotype, are respected, understood, and accommodated. This future involves continuous efforts to challenge neuronormativity and promote the principles of the Neurodiversity Paradigm. It requires ongoing education, advocacy, and support to create a world where neurodiversity is celebrated and embraced.
“The future of neurodiversity is one where all individuals, regardless of neurotype, are respected, understood, and accommodated.”
Understanding and affirming neurodiversity involves recognizing the limitations and harms of neuronormativity, educating oneself and others, and taking practical steps to create inclusive and supportive environments. By doing so, we can ensure that all individuals, neurodivergent or neurotypical, can thrive and safely participate in our societies.
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