What is Neurodiversity?
Changing language in neurodiversity
The words we use to talk about neurodiversity are always changing, thanks to the ideas of neurodivergent adults.
On this website, we use words that most neurodivergent people like. But you might still see some old words that could sound negative when talking about your child.
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity means that everyone’s brains work in different ways, and that’s completely normal.
For some, these differences might make certain daily tasks harder, like focusing or socialising, but they also come with strengths, like being really creative or noticing details others might miss.
Instead of seeing these differences as problems, neurodiversity recognises that having a variety of ways that different people’s brains function adds value to society. (Written by Rachael M, Expert Reference Group Member)
Using nature to understand neurodiversity
We see examples of diversity and the importance of diversity in nature, for example, different types of trees.
This variation is naturally occurring, and all types of trees have different purposes and needs but have equal value.
The image below has been produced by Professor Sue Watson-Fletcher to show how diverse and different trees are.
Source: Professor Sue Watson-Fletcher
Helpful videos
NHS Dorset have produced a video that helps explain neurodiversity further.
What is neurodiversity? (youtube.com)
This video has been produced by BBC Newsround and explores ‘What is neurodiversity, how do we celebrate it, and what does neurodivergent mean?’
What is Neurodiversity? 🧠 Neurodiversity Celebration Week | Newsround (youtube.com)
Understanding Key Terms
The National Implementation Team in Scotland have published the following definitions, which may help with understanding current use of terminology. (Source: © NAIT 2024, Children’s Neurodevelopmental Pathway Practice Framework)
Neurocognitive functions
Neurocognitive functions are specific parts of how the brain works. These functions help define different types of brains, which is what we call a neurotype.
It refers to the ways individuals process incoming and outgoing information in order to:
- Learn
- Process language and sensory experiences
- Use language and communication
- Identify, prioritise, plan and regulate attention, emotions, impulses (including movements and spontaneous utterances), social actions and responses
Along with other individual characteristics like height, these aspects which make up someone’s neurotype may be significantly genetically influenced and are present from birth.
Just like how the average height changes with age, what’s considered normal for brain functions can also change.
Neurotype
Neurotype is a way of describing the way an individual’s brain interprets and responds to experiences.
This could be because of the kind of brain a person has.
Neurotypical
People whose brain functions are seen as “normal”.
Neurodivergent
Neurodivergent is a term used to describe people whose brain functions are different from what is seen as “normal”.
Neurodiversity paradigm
This moves power to neurodivergent people to decide what matters to them.
It can emphasise strengths and what people want rather than trying to “fix” people whilst also recognising and understanding that for some people, being neurodivergent is a disability.
Neuro-affirming practice
Supports individuals to be themselves.
An approach to developmental differences which is based strengths and what people want.
Focuses on changing the environment around the person rather than the person themselves.
Neurodevelopmental disorder
Neurodevelopmental disorder is a term used in medical guides to diagnosis (DSM 5 and ICD 11). It has been used with reference to people who present with a ‘functional’ impairment in day-to-day life due to difference in one or more neurocognitive functions which lie at the extreme of, or outside of the perceived normal range.
It is a term many neurodivergent people are uncomfortable with and should be used with caution or consideration of alternative options.
Many clinicians now use alternative language in conversations, reports and information provided.