What is Neurodiversity?
The human species develops in a wide range of unique cultures, environments, and family structures. We are found in a wide array of shapes, colors, sizes, and neurological wiring patterns. Neurodiversity, as with other diversity, is a natural - in this case neurological - variation present in our species.
Neurodivergent individuals include those labeled with Dyslexia, on the Autism Spectrum, with ADD, ADHD, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, and with Tourettes among others. A neurodiversity paradigm compels us to view autism and these other neurological differences as an element of the infinite variation of human wiring, rather than a disease needing a "cure."
To quote Nick Walker, a nuerodivergent educator, scholar and author:
"...idea that there is one “normal” or “healthy” type of brain or mind, or one “right” style of neurocognitive functioning, is a culturally constructed fiction, no more valid (and no more conducive to a healthy society or to the overall well-being of humanity) than the idea that there is one “normal” or “right” ethnicity, gender, or culture."
~ Nick Walker
neurocosmopolitanism.com/neurodiversity-some-basic-terms-definitions/
Neurodivergent individuals include those labeled with Dyslexia, on the Autism Spectrum, with ADD, ADHD, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, and with Tourettes among others. A neurodiversity paradigm compels us to view autism and these other neurological differences as an element of the infinite variation of human wiring, rather than a disease needing a "cure."
To quote Nick Walker, a nuerodivergent educator, scholar and author:
"...idea that there is one “normal” or “healthy” type of brain or mind, or one “right” style of neurocognitive functioning, is a culturally constructed fiction, no more valid (and no more conducive to a healthy society or to the overall well-being of humanity) than the idea that there is one “normal” or “right” ethnicity, gender, or culture."
~ Nick Walker
neurocosmopolitanism.com/neurodiversity-some-basic-terms-definitions/
Neurodiversity Abounds
As a child, I was diagnosed with dyslexia and qualified for an Individual Education Plan. My mother also has dyslexia, my sister has Autism and my grandfather would today have likely been identified as having Tourettes. Neurodiversity is part of my family experience.
As a society we still have biases and lowered expectations around the capabilities and capacities of neurodivergent people. These lowered expectations impact outcomes for children and are not based in reality.
One of my roles as a neurodivergent educational leader is to broaden our awareness of bias regarding expectations for people who qualify for specially designed instruction. Another is to serve as an ally, advocate and role model for neurodivergent children and their families. Being neurodivergent, struggling in school or qualifying for SpEd is not a limiter!
As a society we still have biases and lowered expectations around the capabilities and capacities of neurodivergent people. These lowered expectations impact outcomes for children and are not based in reality.
- I have a Doctorate of Education.
- My mother is an MD, DVM.
- My sister is an award winning, internationally published, young adult fiction author.
- My grandfather was an engineer with General Motors and worked with NASA.
One of my roles as a neurodivergent educational leader is to broaden our awareness of bias regarding expectations for people who qualify for specially designed instruction. Another is to serve as an ally, advocate and role model for neurodivergent children and their families. Being neurodivergent, struggling in school or qualifying for SpEd is not a limiter!
