Recently, scientists have reported that our brains are as different as our fingerprints, meaning that no two brains are alike (Mental Health Academy, 2023). The neurodiversity movement has posited this from its inception. Furthermore, the neurodiversity movement questions what it even means to be “normal.”
Over the years, we have heard the words neurotypical and neurodivergent. Neurotypical has often been used to describe those who do not have autism, for instance. The idea is that people who are considered neurotypical have the “majority brain” or a brain that works in more “typical” ways (Mental Health Academy, 2023). In the case of neurodivergence, there can be subtle or overt ways the brain works differently. Here, you might hear the term “minority brain” to describe the strengths and barriers of the neurodivergent brain (Mental Health Academy, 2023).
Neurodivergence is sometimes viewed as a disability when looking through a medical model. Australian sociologist Judy Singer uses the term neurodiversity to address the human-rights perspective, advocating for individuals with autism, ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, and other disabilities (Mental Health Academy, 2023). According to Singer, neurodiversity means:
-
-
- The unlimited variability of the human nervous system, along with the uniqueness of each person’s brain due to environmental influences.
- A term that supports the Neurodiversity Movement, which seeks to advocate for equality and inclusion of those whose brains work differently (Mental Health Academy, 2023).
-
The term neurodivergence allows us to think of brain differences rather than assuming there is a problem with the brain (Mental Health Academy, 2023). Interestingly, many see neurodiversity aligning with the social model of disability. In this model, we are not focusing on specific disability characteristics but rather on how the physical and social environments do—or do not—meet the needs of the individual (Mental Health Academy, 2023). For example, consider the person with sensory differences who struggles in large crowds due to noise or unwanted touching. More places are providing “sensory-friendly” options, like opening an hour early or setting aside a calm space that limits sensory distractions. In these cases, the environment is being adapted to be more accessible for community members (Mental Health Academy, 2023).
Like other topics in autism, the idea of neurodiversity is not without differing viewpoints. Those with autism who speak out on neurodiversity may argue that this is who they are and that they do not need to be changed or “cured.” However, some families of individuals with the most complex forms of autism say that neurodiversity does not support the day-to-day struggles for families with more complex children. Families and caregivers may seek treatment to reduce suffering for their loved ones with severe autism (Psychology Today, n.d.).
Finally, there is the idea that people with specialist skills—talents in some areas paired with struggles in others—are vital for societal growth and innovation. This is sometimes contrasted with generalist skills, which fall around an average range (Mental Health Academy, 2023). Scientists propose that neurodivergence could have an evolutionary purpose; if it existed only as a disability, it likely would not remain in the gene pool (Mental Health Academy, 2023).
Examples of specialist skills include:
-
- Creativity
- Visual-spatial reasoning (e.g., strong 3D thinking)
- Attention to detail
- Hyper-systemizing
- Hyperfocus
- Verbal comprehension
- Outstanding memory
- And more
When thinking of specialist skills, we might consider people with autism, ADHD, or gifted musicians and artists. There are countless gifts we’ve received from those with various forms of genius—not necessarily tied to IQ—across science, math, literature, and art. It seems that at the heart of the neurodiversity movement is the understanding that we are all individuals, each bringing our own strengths, talents, weaknesses, and areas of growth. Even if some minds may appear “different,” they can be seen as beautiful just the same. After all, it is our curiosity and willingness to explore new ideas that propelled us from living in caves to flying across skies—and even to the moon (Mental Health Academy, 2023).
Reference List
-
- Andersen, R. (2022, May 11). Understanding neurodiversity, autism, and the neurodiversity movement. [Web article].
https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-relate-to-neurodiversity - Brown, J. (2025, January 2). Neurotypical vs neurodivergent: What is the difference? [Magazine article]. Autism Parenting Magazine.
https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/neurotypical-vs-neurodivergent - Kuzniar, K. (2025, January 2). Autism spectrum disorder: How about neurodiversity affirming instead of disorder? [Web article].
https://childrens.wvumedicine.org/blog/autism-spectrum-disorder-how-about-neurodiversity-affirming-instead-of-disorder - Mental Health Academy. (2023, May 28). Neurodiversity, neurodivergence and being neurotypical. [Web article].
https://www.mentalhealthacademy.com.au/blog/neurodiversity-neurodivergence-and-being-neurotypical - Psychology Today. (n.d.). Neurodiversity and the benefits of autism. [Web article].
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/autism/neurodiversity-and-the-benefits-of-autism - Unknown Author. (n.d.). Neurodivergent, neurodiversity and neurotypical: A guide to the terms – Support for neurological conditions. [Webpage]. The Brain Charity.
https://www.thebraincharity.org.uk/neurodivergent-neurodiversity-neurotypical-explained
- Andersen, R. (2022, May 11). Understanding neurodiversity, autism, and the neurodiversity movement. [Web article].
Meet the Team
Reach out to any of the team members for more information.
