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What Is Neurodiversity? Meaning & Examples
Self-Development

What Is Neurodiversity? Meaning & Examples

Normality is an agreed consensus. Perhaps that consensus has come from the tendencies of the majority, or imposed beliefs about what normal means by those in influential positions. Either way, normal is subjective. It’s defined by a society or culture and changes with the times. Behaviors that were once viewed as normal change and evolve. When it comes to people, attempting to place cookie-cutter moulds of normality is impossible. While there are shared traits across humanity, and while there are ways of being that are much more common than others, we’re fortunate enough to live in a world with a huge, diverse cross-section of minds, hearts, and personalities. It’s part of the colour of life.Normal and AbnormalOne of the biggest issues with defining normal is that you create its opposite — abnormal. When it comes to understanding the brain, and how it affects human behaviour, there has been a strong push to accept that diversity is normal. To better understand differences, some find, it's more effective to view diversity as a spectrum, rather than rigid labels or normal or abnormal.This movement comes under the term neurodiversity. This covers the rich variety of brain structures and human individuality, in a way that empowers everyone to fulfil their full potential, without being compared to typical behaviour. Do you ever feel like you don’t fully fit in with standards of normal? In this article, we’ll cover different aspects of neurodiversity, to give you an understanding of the full spectrum of human brains.What is Neurodiversity?The word neurodiversity was coined by sociologist Judy Singer in 1998, as part of the movement to create a Neurodiverse Paradigm for understanding neurological differences. Neurodiversity centers around neurologically atypical patterns of thought or behavior. It’s based in neurology, the branch of science that studies the nervous system and brain differences.No common standardThere is still confusion around the language used, with no common standard, even across activists and academics. The term diversity covers “variety across a group” but doesn’t quite capture neurological difference in all its glory. The University of Edinburgh uses the metaphor of a spice cupboard. “You only have a diverse range of herbs in your cupboard if you have lots of different ones. Lovage is not ‘diverse’ while parsley is ‘typical’. ‘Diverse’ is not a synonym for ‘rare’. Rather, lovage, basil, thyme and parsley make up a diverse group of herbs.”The neurodiversity movementThe purpose of the Neurodiversity Movement (which is also part of the Disability Rights Movement) promotes equal rights for people who have rare, or neurodivergent, traits and challenges the approach that views one particular way as healthy. A quote by Einstein summarises the ethos well: “Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” Neurodiversity recognizes that variety is the spice of life, but respects that some people have disabilities that require special attention, like for certain disabled people, autistic people, etc. The Neurodiversity Movement opposes attempts to view differences as pathological or attempt to fix or cure them to align with common standards. Instead, there is a desire to find ways to support individuals to fully express their unique traits — particularly for informational and educational purposes.Although the difference between neurotypical and neurodivergent appears to be simply grammar, the above explanation hopefully demonstrates why neurodiversity advocates think it’s important to find consistency in the language used. Planet Neurodivergent offers a clear explanation of the meaning behind these definitions:“There is no such thing as a ‘neurodiverse individual.’ The correct term is ‘neurodivergent individual.’ An individual can diverge, but an individual cannot be diverse. Diversity is a property of groups, not of individuals. That’s intrinsic to the meaning and proper usage of the term diverse. Groups are diverse; individuals diverge. In addition, neurodiverse does not mean ‘non-neurotypical.’ The opposite of neurotypical is neurodivergent, not neurodiverse.”Neurotypical vs. NeurodivergentNeurotypical is the term given to people who have “typical” neurological development and brain functions. Neurodivergent people, from young adults to the elderly, diverge from conventional standards or stereotypes around mood, learning ability, social ability, or attention. The “neuro” element explains how neurodivergent people’s brains process information in different ways than neurotypical people.ADHD Aware estimates that between 30 or 40 percent of people classify as neurodivergent, with many remaining undiagnosed, especially those who are “high functioning” and able to adapt to common challenges of society. When you think about it, that’s a significant number of the population who don’t fit conventional standards, which in itself shatters the illusion of normality. Types of NeurodiversityNeurodiversity advocacy began within the Autism Movement. Singer, who coined the term, referred to herself as “likely somewhere on the autistic spectrum” before expanding to other types of neurodiversity. The Neurodiverse Movement no longer focuses exclusively on autism, and now covers a wide range of neurodiverse conditions. Below are some of the most commonly recognized types of neurodiversity:AutismAutism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has a broader definition, and covers a wide range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication.The “spectrum” in ASD is because the symptoms of autism range from mild to severe, with many subtypes that affect individuals differently. It’s believed there are many factors involved in the development of autism, rather than one concrete cause.In America, 1 in 54 children is estimated to have autism spectrum disorders. Common symptoms include variation in developmental milestones throughout childhood, delayed language development, difficulty understanding others’ feelings, trouble maintaining eye contact, difficulty with changes in routine and surroundings.ADHDAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common forms of neurodiversity in children. ADHD often appears in conjunction with other neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism or dyslexia. People with ADHD struggle with attention and organization, as it impacts parts of the brain that control planning, focus, and execution. In addition, people with ADHD might experience hyperfocus, hyperactivity, and excessive emotions. People with ADHD also have high levels of creativity and unconventional ways of viewing problems.Down syndrome(Jessie Casson / Getty)Down syndrome is a genetic condition where someone has an extra chromosome, the “packages” of genes found in the human body. Most people have 46 chromosomes, but babies with down syndrome are born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. This causes developmental differences in both the body and the brain — making it a type of neurodiversity.It’s common for those with down syndrome to also have mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. The average IQ of an adult with down syndrome is 50, which is around the same level as an eight or nine-year-old child. In addition to physical symptoms, people with down syndrome can struggle with the ability to speak, developing stutters or speech impediments, which adds to their competitive advantage deficit.DyslexiaDyslexia is a type of neurodiversity affecting speech, writing, and reading. One definition of dyslexia is “a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.” Like autism, it’s also viewed on a continuum and is seen in people with a wide range of intellectual capabilities. People with dyslexia may confuse the order or structure of words. They may take a while to read and write, and have trouble recollecting or pronouncing different words.DyscalculiaDyscalculia is similar to dyslexia, but people with this condition struggle with math, instead of language. Dyscalculia causes people to struggle with basic maths problems, complex, abstract ideas, and conceptualizing things like bigger vs. smaller. People with dyscalculia struggle with tasks that include basic math skills, or “number sense,” including cooking, time management, and grocery shopping. Although less well known, it’s estimated to affect the same amount of people as dyslexia — around 10 percent of the population.HyperlexiaHyperlexia is an advanced reading ability combined with an intense fascination with words or numbers. Children with hyperlexia might demonstrate a strong connection to reading from a younger age, far exceeding usual developmental markers. Hyper means “beyond,” and Lexia refers to “language and reading” (hence its use in dyslexia). There has been some recognition hyperlexia is a superability, due to it far exceeding expected norms. However, it's important to keep in mind the early development of hyperlexia in the 1960s included an additional neurodevelopmental disorder and is often associated with autism spectrum disorder.Other forms of neurodiversityOther forms of neurodiversity include Tourette’s syndrome, synesthesia (where several senses are stimulated simultaneously, such as associating numbers with color), and epilepsy. Chronic mental health illnesses, from OCD, depression, and bipolar disorder, are forms of neurodiversity, too. As is handedness — in fact, the brains of left-handed people differ so much from right-handed people that they’re not used in brain studies due to problems with data.The benefits of neurodiversityThe Neurodiversity Movement attempts to celebrate difference as key to moving humanity forward and contributing to growth across wider groups of people. Far from being outcasts of society, neurodivergent people offer valuable insights. Author and neurodiversity advocate John Elder Robinson, who himself had undiagnosed Asperger syndrome, wrote for Psychology Today:“If 99 neurologically identical people fail to solve a problem, it's often the 1 percent fellow who's different who holds the key. Yet that person may be disabled or disadvantaged most or all of the time. To neurodiversity proponents, people are disabled because they are at the edges of the bell curve, not because they are sick or broken.”A different type of one percentRobin’s approach to championing the 1 percent is demonstrated by savant syndrome. This is the term given to those whose neurodiversity causes them to far exceed averages in other areas — like those with hyperlexia who have exceptional skills with language. It is estimated around half of people with autism, for example, are “autistic savants,” who demonstrate exceptional abilities in other areas.Savant skills are typically associated with five key areas: art, memory, arithmetic, musical abilities, and spatial skills. When thinking of savants, most people might recollect the 1988 movie, Rain Man. The movie was inspired by Kim Peek, a neurodivergent individual who had exceptional memory abilities; during his life, he memorized over 12,000 books. However, it’s not only in extremes that benefits are found, as savants still represent a small number of neurodivergent people. Most of us can acknowledge that there is much, much room for improvement in the world as a whole. To make progress, we must come up with original ideas, and new ways of thinking. Neurodiversity is one cause of new ideas and new approaches that can benefit all areas of life.In recent times, a big benefit of the neurodiversity movement is that businesses are being more considerate of hiring a neurodiverse workforce. Not viewing a person for how well they fit into conventional norms allows their natural talents to excel. Think of someone who lacks social skills to network, but is exceptionally talented at writing code or analyzing data. Technology giant Microsoft has an autism hire program in their own company, and they create jobs that focus exclusively on candidates' technical skills. It creates a different form of psychological safety in the workplace. Criticism of the neurodiversity movementAlthough started with good intentions, there are opponents to the Neurodiversity Movement. Moheb Costandiis, a molecular and developmental neurobiologist, highlights a number of critiques. The movement itself has at times been likened to surpassing its original intent and becoming more an ideology. Other critiques include favoring high-functioning neurodiverse people, in addition to romanticizing conditions. As a result, the Neurodiversity Movement, which has become increasingly popular since Singer’s early exploration, can minimize the struggles people face by outright rejecting medical models. Minimizing strugglesFor those with extreme conditions, medical assistance might be necessary to function. In an essay for Aeon, Costandiis offers a new approach to neurodiversity in general: “It is, therefore, time to start thinking differently about neurodiversity, and to recognize the importance of free speech in the public discourse on autism, because if neurodiversity means anything, it means accepting that we all think differently, and that not everyone takes pride in being autistic.”I’m a big believer in the Buddhist philosophy of the Middle Way, of attempting to find a path of balance throughout life. Perhaps with neurodiversity, this is finding a balance between celebrating, accepting, and seeking to understand unique challenges, without overly romanticizing or pedestalling conditions that can lead to a lot of hardship and struggle.Do you share any neurodivergent traits?Many neurodivergent people spend most of their lives undiagnosed. That’s partly due to a lack of information, partly because there is such a variety of different experiences, it’s difficult to identify when someone isn’t neurotypical. It’s much easier to diagnose children than it is with adults. Awareness is key — due to the increase of information on autism, for example, diagnosis has seen a ninefold increase over the past 20 years.The path to being diagnosed or understanding if you have neurodivergent traits is initially through your own experience — there might be certain areas of life where you intuitively feel different or notice you struggle to keep up with certain standards of reading, writing, socializing, or using your communication skills.Far from me to say what your best process is, it’s worth keeping in mind that the ethos of the Neurodiversity Movement is to celebrate and accept neurodivergent traits. Having a label or diagnosis doesn’t have to define you, but it can be a powerful catalyst in self-acceptance, and allow you to find tools that can maximize your potential. For people who have felt harshly judged — the fish told to climb trees — this type of validation can be significant.Not only can it help you understand yourself, and the reasons behind your approach to life, it can be useful in allowing others to better understand you. That includes friends, family, as well as employees. So if you suspect you may have neurodiverse traits, it pays to do research into different types, and then consider seeking the help of a professional. The world may have tried to place you in a box, but that’s the world’s fault. Always remember that you are you, that variety is the spice of life, and it’s your uniqueness, not your conformity, that is your greatest gift.

Single Man Adopts 5 Special Needs Kids To Offer Them The Care They Deserve
Uplifting News

Single Man Adopts 5 Special Needs Kids To Offer Them The Care They Deserve

A single, gay man won't take credit for his kind and caring work raising five children who each have specific needs.Adoption was difficult at firstAt first, it was a long and difficult process for Ben Carpenter to adopt a child. He's single, gay, and when he adopted his first kid he was just 21. "When I started it was much longer and I had to prove myself," he told This Morning, according to The Daily Mail.Now at age 36, Carpenter says adopting is "fun and swift" after taking in five kids and he won't rule out fostering or adopting more."I just wanted to be a dad," he said. "I always wanted to be a dad. I think parenting is much more than being biologically linked to the child."Each child has specific needsCarpenter, from Huddersfield in England, used to work in special needs care and decided to take his work home with him by adopting five children between the ages of two and 13 — Louis, Jack, Ruby, Lily, and Joseph.Each child has their own specific, complex needs.Jack, the eldest, has autism and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Ruby has Pierre Robin syndrome, which affects movement in her face and arms. Lily is Ruby's biological half-sister and she's deaf (Ben knows sign language). Joseph has Down Syndrome and needs a colostomy. Finally, Louis is blind and has cerebral palsy. Ben also adopted a sixth child, Noah, but he died at the age of two after a stomach infection led to complications."They are the most wonderful children, you know people say 'the children are lucky to have you,' but I'm so lucky to have them. They enrich my life in every way."Ben CarpenterWhen asked on This Morning if he views himself as some sort of hero, he said no."I'm just me I'm not a superdad, I'm not this saint, I'm not this hero. I'm me, I'm Ben and anyone who knows me knows—" and then Ben was cutely interrupted by one of his kids who said "you're dad."All caring parents are heroesBen might not be a superdad, but he sounds like a very kind person to take on the burden of caring not for just one special needs child, but five. Still, parenting isn't a competition. Whether it's one child or 10, any caring parent can be heroic if they care for and love their children.More uplifting stories:4 Years Ago, He Was Homeless–Today, He Bought His First HousePoor Man Who Missed Job Interview To Save A Life Had Employers Lining Up To Hire HimDomestic Abuse Survivor Marries The First Responder Who Saved Her LifeBrooklyn Landlord Cancels Rent For Hundreds Of Tenants, Setting An Unprecedented Example For Others

Autistic Girl Has Higher IQ Than Einstein And Is Completing 2 Engineering Degrees
Everyday Heroes

Autistic Girl Has Higher IQ Than Einstein And Is Completing 2 Engineering Degrees

Adhara Pérez Sánchez is eight years old with a higher iQ than Einstein, and her accomplishments are destroying misconceptions about disabilities.An impressive lifeSanchez has gone through a lot in her young life, and she remains and an inspiration. At just eight years old, she is studying toward two engineering degrees, and her dream is to be a scientist and to become an astronaut at NASA.It’s been a struggle every step of the way, though. At three years old, Sanchez was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and at the age of four she had a seizure that nearly left her in a coma. The episode caused her to lose full use of her hands for a year and led to physical therapy."Still, she never gave up. In fact, she looked to one of her heroes for guidance. “Adhara followed the example of Stephen Hawking; she said that despite having a disability, that didn’t keep him from achieving great things. She will always admire him because she likes black holes.”NAYELI SÁNCHEZ, ADHARA’S MOTHER.Everything happens for a reasonThe family discovered that Adhara's seizures were caused by one hemisphere of her brain being more developed than the others. So, she was exceptional in TWO ways: autism and an incredibly high IQ. In fact, her IQ was found to be even higher than Einstein and Stephen Hawking. "Adhara was bullied in school, and kids thought she was 'weird,' but that too left her in good company. 'When Albert Einstein was young, they didn’t believe in him; they thought his ideas were foolish, but with time he proved them and that is the reason why Adhara likes this character,'" NAYELI SÁNCHEZOvercoming our limitations makes us strongerUltimately, what we perceive as our biggest limitations may end up being our strengths, and despite her “disability” this girl is headed for greatness. Who knows, maybe we will soon see the first teenage astronaut in space! More uplifting news: This Six-Year-Old Blind Piano Prodigy Taught Himself to Play “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Other Classic Covers by EarSingle Dad Adopts 13-Year-Old After He’s Abandoned At HospitalDomestic Abuse Survivor Marries The First Responder Who Saved Her LifeBrooklyn Landlord Cancels Rent For Hundreds Of Tenants, Setting An Unprecedented Example For Others

Single Man Fights To Adopt Abandoned Baby With Down Syndrome And Hole In Heart
Motivation

Single Man Fights To Adopt Abandoned Baby With Down Syndrome And Hole In Heart

When all the children at an orphanage were adopted except one, a 27-year-old man took it upon himself to adopt the boy. But the adoption process, and then raising the special needs child, was no easy task.A very special boyAvnish faced rejection from the time he was born. After being diagnosed with Down Syndrome, a genetic disorder, he was abandoned by his parents and placed in an orphanage. But then, he met Aditya Tiwari.“I met Avnish on September 13, 2014, when I visited an orphanage for the first time on the occasion of my father’s birthday," Tiwari told Indian Express. "I came to know that all children had been adopted except one and they pointed at a handicapped child, about five to six months old."Tiwari decided then and there that he wanted to adopt the boy. “Nobody wanted to adopt the child, said the authorities," he said. "I thought if nobody wants to adopt him then I will."Fighting for adoptionBut adopting Avnish wasn't easy. In India, you need to be 30 or older to adopt. Tiwari was 27 (the minimum age has since been dropped to 25). Plus, he was a single man, which brought along its own prejudices."I was bombarded with questions, such as why I wanted to adopt a child, and if I was unable to produce one biologically," he said. "I was told only a woman could take care of a child. So, it was obviously a difficult and different journey for me."But Tiwari tried anyway. He contacted authorities and even sent a letter to the prime minister requesting he make an exception. About a year and half after first meeting Avnish, Tiwari successfully was allowed to take the 22-month-old home.“I did not choose Avnish. I believe it is he who chose me," Tiwari said."My son was my inspiration, my driving force, who helped me fight the battle. It took almost one-and-a-half years to finally get his custody but it was all worth it."Aditya Tiwari told Indian Express.The challenges continuedBut things didn't go smoothly right away. When Tiwari brought Avnish home, the baby had serious health issues including a hole in his heart. But he started walking within six months and improved quickly. "His health showed remarkable improvement," Tiwari said. "He was enrolled in a playschool in six months and is now in nursery. All of this was nothing short of a miracle."There also weren't many government subsidies available for disabled children and it was difficult to get him into a public school, Tiwari said. But fortunately, Tiwari's parents and job were able to help."I have been getting a lot of support from my company," he said. "Balancing my personal and professional life wasn’t that difficult. My parents have also been a huge support; they are my son’s well-wishers."As of 2018, Avnish was doing remarkaby well. He'd learned up to 40 words, was toilet trained, and was enrolled at a public school. “Avnish is a very happy child, who also likes to socialize," Tiwari said. "And I am sure when you look at his pictures, you will not be able to recognize that he is indeed a child with special needs."Love is loveNo matter who they are, where they're born, or their health status, everyone is worthy of love. It's amazing that this young man realized that this boy was in need of someone to love and care for him, and managed to navigate the necessary bureaucracy to do the adoption.More uplifting news:Father Adopts ‘Feral Child’ Who Was Locked In Tiny Room For The First 6 Years of Her LifeSingle Dad Adopts 13-Year-Old After He’s Abandoned At HospitalDomestic Abuse Survivor Marries The First Responder Who Saved Her LifeBrooklyn Landlord Cancels Rent For Hundreds Of Tenants, Setting An Unprecedented Example For Others

Couple With Down Syndrome Defies Expectations By Celebrating 25th Anniversary
Motivation

Couple With Down Syndrome Defies Expectations By Celebrating 25th Anniversary

A quarter-century of marriage is worth celebrating for anyone.But the milestone was even more special for Kris Scharoun-DeForge and Paul DeForge as their marriage may have been the longest ever for a couple with Down syndrome.People said they shouldn't marryOver thirty years ago, Kris and Paul were at a dance when they spotted one another."I looked into Paul’s eyes and saw my future,” Kris told Today.But since Kris and Paul both have Down syndrome, people didn't think they should get married.“They had a lot of struggles. I saw them as individuals who should have a right to make that decision.”Kris' sister, Susan Scharoun.Yet the couple was determined. After spending five years engaged, they started to plan their wedding.“When they were approaching the five-year engagement mark they really wanted to get married, so we started to plan their wedding,” Scharoun said.A loving marriageSo, Kris and Paul got married, and had a wonderful life together."They have an unconditional love,” Scharoun said. “They totally complement each other.""She is more emotionally vulnerable and he has always been her rock," Scharoun added. "She would plan what they would do and really be responsible for the social events."They renewed their vowsWhile the couple had a happy marriage, they did have their health difficulties. Kris has type 1 diabetes and and Paul was diagnosed with dementia. “We had to tell her he wasn’t going to come back and it became really difficult for her,” Scharoun told Today.But the couple decided to look past their difficulties and celebrate their 25th anniversary anyway by renewing their vows. Sadly, Paul died in March 2019, according to Bright Vibes, but their legacy as having one of the longest for a couple with Down syndrome persists.“They have been a role model for unconditional positive regard in a relationship."Susan Scharoun Love is loveKris and Paul's marriage isn't just a model for people with disabilities. It shows that love is love, no matter who or what you are, and that with caring and support even relationships with difficulties can survive. More uplifting stories:4 Years Ago, He Was Homeless–Today, He Bought His First HouseInterabled Couple Finally Get Married And Destroy All Misconceptions About LoveDomestic Abuse Survivor Marries The First Responder Who Saved Her LifeBrooklyn Landlord Cancels Rent For Hundreds Of Tenants, Setting An Unprecedented Example For Others