We use the term neurodiversity to recognize the neurodiversity movement which has the perspective that neurological differences are a reflection of human variation not necessarily an indication of disability.
This movement emerged out of advocacy and activism from people with developmental disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders. A central idea in this movement is the need to challenge dominant cultural narratives that view neurological differences as deficits instead of reflecting a spectrum of human variation.
Many people in the neurodiversity movement want the ability to choose for themselves what treatments or interventions they are involved in. For many, the neurodiversity movement is about self-empowerment, human rights and taking control of their own identities, treatments (or lack of), and ways of being.
Want to know more? Here are launching off points.
What can Physicians learn from the Neurodiversity movement?
How Autistic Adults Banded together to Start a Movement
Authoring Autism by Melanie Yergeau
Much of the debate within this movement has centered around ideas about cure vs acceptance. At CSL we are more focused on recognizing the positive aspects of people with neurodiversity and the need for more choices for meaningful involvement within our community based on people’s interests. The key focus for us is making connections within the community so that families and people with neurodiversity can decide for themselves what best meets their needs.
We use people first language to recognize that people with neurodiversities are more than their medical diagnosis.