Those who are not neurodivergent are referred to as neurotypical people. Neurotypical people are considered to have “normal” or “average” neurological functioning, compared to those who are considered to have atypical neurological functioning, which is thought to be the hallmark of neurodivergences.
While the term “neurotypical” has become a common reference, it is important to uncover the reasons we may have adopted these labels and to be aware of the implications this may have. In some cases, the term may be used to perceive people as “abnormal” if they have a neurodivergence, while in other cases, it may have a negative connotation, as it implies a “normal” form of existence.
Additionally, the label itself is not always used to refer to a person’s individual condition; rather, it is often used to describe a condition that is generally recognized as typical or average. As such, the term can often be used in the wrong context.
Ultimately, it is important to be mindful of the ways language is used to describe and discuss people, as well as recognizing that everyone’s individual experience and way of being should be respected.
What’s the opposite of being neurodivergent?
The opposite of being neurodivergent is being neurotypical. Neurotypical individuals are those who do not have any neurological conditions or disabilities and whose brain activities and responses align closely with the established average within a given society.
Neurotypical individuals typically have the capacity for abstract thinking, learn easily within academics and the conventional education system, and have core abilities that allow them to navigate through social norms.
Symptoms of being neurotypical may include being in sync with the regular cultural expectations of behavior, having reliable communication skills, and being emotionally intuitive.
What do you call someone who is not neurodivergent?
Someone who is not neurodivergent is usually referred to as neurotypical. Neurotypical individuals are people whose neurological and cognitive development follows the usual pattern, meaning they do not have any neurological or cognitive disorders that could affect their behavior or learning ability.
Neurotypical individuals often experience the world around them in a similar way and have minds that think in typical patterns. This is why they are often referred to as “neurotypical. “.
What’s the difference between Neuroatypical and neurodivergent?
Neuroatypical and neurodivergent are two terms used to describe individuals who experience differences in the way their brains and nervous systems work. Neuroatypical is generally used to describe individuals with mental health conditions or learning disabilities, whereas neurodivergent is typically used to describe individuals who experience neurological differences that may or may not affect them with an official diagnosis.
The key difference between the two terms is that neurodivergent is a more inclusive term, as it includes individuals like those on the autism spectrum, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, Tourette Syndrome and others.
Neuroatypical typically does not include these, and is instead used to refer to individuals experiencing mental health conditions, or learning disabilities.
Ultimately, both terms are used to refer to those who experience neurological or neurological-like differences, however, the two use different wording to explain this common concept, with neuroatypical focusing on mental health or learning disabilities, and neurodivergent describing a wider community of those with neurological differences.
Is ADHD considered neurodivergent?
Yes, ADHD is considered a type of neurodivergent disorder. Neurodivergence typically refers to neurological conditions such as autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and Tourette’s syndrome that cause individuals to think, learn, and interact with the world differently.
People with ADHD tend to have trouble focusing and can be easily distracted. They often struggle with managing impulsivity and hyperactivity, as well as executive functioning skills such as working memory and organization.
While there is no “cure” for ADHD, medications, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes have been shown to help people manage the condition and its symptoms.
What is the politically correct term for neurodivergent?
The politically correct term to refer to individuals who identify as neurodivergent is “neurodivergent individuals”. Neurodivergent individuals are people who have the neurological wiring that differs from what is socially considered “normal”.
This population includes people diagnosed with autism, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and other neurological diagnoses. Neurodivergent individuals are diverse with varied skills, strengths and challenges that may change over time.
It is important to be respectful when referring to individuals who identify as neurodivergent by using inclusive language such as “neurodivergent individuals”.
What is Hyperlexia?
Hyperlexia is a syndrome that falls under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorder. It is characterized by an unusually intense interest in and precocious ability to read and comprehend written language, sometimes at the expense of other developmental skills such as verbal communication, social interaction, and imaginative play.
While typical preschoolers start to learn their letters and know some simple words, children with hyperlexia may recognize entire books and have a strong ability to decode and comprehend written words.
They may begin reading very early in life and have a large vocabulary.
The exact cause of hyperlexia is unknown. It is believed to involve features such as an early sensitivity to the structure of language, a strong memory for numbers and words, and a higher level of comfort and familiarity with the written word than with the spoken word.
However, hyperlexia is not simply an advanced ability to read; children with hyperlexia usually display a wide range of other autistic-like traits, such as having difficulty with social interactions, favoring habitual routines, and having difficulty understanding facial expressions and cues.
In terms of treatment, a multidisciplinary team of professionals—such as pediatricians, neurologists, psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists—should be consulted in order to develop an individualized plan to help each child develop all the important skills necessary for successful, satisfying lives.
These plans typically include a combination of language and social skill-building activities, as well as alternative methods for teaching the child, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA).
What is an allistic person?
An allistic person is someone who does not have autism or any other related disorder. This is because allism, or non-autism, is a term used to describe a person who does not show any signs or symptoms of autism or any related disorder.
Allistic people generally don’t have difficulties with communication, social interaction, or repetitive behaviors, and may be able to process sensory information in a more typical way. It’s important to remember that allistic people can still have mental health issues or other forms of disability and can benefit from therapy and support.
What does neuro spicy mean?
Neurospicy is an emerging field of research in neuroscience that seeks to explore the relationship between physical, psychological and cognitive processes in the brain. It combines principles from neuroscience, psychology and psychiatry to create an understanding of how the brain works, in order to promote better mental health and well-being.
Neurospicy includes a number of techniques such as meditation and talk therapy, as well as hormonal and biological treatments, to treat issues such as depression, anxiety and addiction. By better understanding the intricate mechanisms of the brain, Neurospicy has the potential to revolutionize the way mental health issues are diagnosed, treated and managed in the future.
How can I tell if I’m neurodivergent?
The first step in determining if you are neurodivergent is to learn the basics of neurodiversity and to assess how your own thoughts and behaviors compare to those of the general population. Neurodiversity is a term used to refer to the neurological, cognitive, and behavioral differences in individuals.
Neurodivergent individuals often have characteristics that are seen as atypical, including learning and perceptual differences.
If you think you may be neurodivergent, it is a good idea to discuss your concerns with a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. These professionals can assess your behavior, thoughts, and emotions to determine if your self-perceived differences align with a diagnosis such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, dyslexia, executive functioning deficits, or others.
It can also be helpful to consider your own life experiences and whether they line up with those of neurodivergent individuals. For example, you may have experienced sensory overload in noisy or crowded places or been unable to focus on a task despite your best intentions.
You may have also experienced difficulties in communication, organization, or managing social situations. These types of experiences may point towards neurodivergence.
Finally, it is important to remember that neurodivergence does not have to be negative and can often bring about many positive characteristics. Those identified as neurodivergent often possess traits such as creativity, innovative thinking, and problem solving skills.
It is important to recognize and embrace these gifts, rather than to focus on the potential deficits.
Is anxiety neurodivergent or neurotypical?
Anxiety is neither neurotypical (NT) nor neurodivergent (ND). Anxiety is a very common experience that can affect all people, regardless of their neurological makeup. Everyone can experience anxiety in the face of different challenges and circumstances.
While a certain level of anxiety may be considered “normal” and can actually be beneficial in certain situations, some people experience anxiety more severely or persistently, and this can lead to mental health diagnoses such as generalized anxiety disorder or other forms of anxiety-based mental illness.
People who live with these conditions may benefit from a diagnosis that reflects their neurological makeup, such as ‘neurodivergent’. However, it is important to note that the experience of anxiety is not exclusive to those who have an ND diagnosis, and can be experienced by everyone across the neurodiversity spectrum.
Is neurodiversity an acceptable term?
Yes, neurodiversity is an acceptable term that is used to refer to the range of natural variation in the human brain. Historically, society has focused primarily on people with “neurotypical” brains – those who think and behave in ways that are considered “normal” – and has often marginalized people with different perspectives and ways of thinking.
Neurodiversity acknowledges that human brains come in many forms and that these variations should not be seen as disabilities, but rather as normal and healthy forms of biological and neurological diversity.
In recent years, the neurodiversity movement has grown to include any neurological condition – from ADD/ADHD and dyslexia to autism, Tourette’s, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder – that affects the way people experience, perceive, and interact with their environment.
The term is gaining acceptance worldwide, and it is used to increase awareness and acceptance in society of people whose lives are impacted by neurological conditions.
What’s another word for neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is sometimes referred to as “neurodiviersity” or simply “diversity of the brain. ” It is the concept that neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities are naturally-occurring forms of human diversity.
It acknowledges that people with these conditions have unique experiences, talents, and perspectives which can add value to society. This concept is often seen as an alternative to the notion of neurological or mental disorders, which is focused on viewing these conditions as problematic and in need of correction.
When did neurodiversity become a word?
The term “neurodiversity” was first used by Judy Singer in the late 1990s to describe her own diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome. The term is meant to recognize that those living with neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others, can offer strengths and perspectives that are often undervalued in traditional society.
This term was further popularized by the disabled rights movement, which sought to celebrate and affirm neurological differences as part of natural human diversity. This term also got traction as an alternative to terms that emphasize deficits often associated with conditions like autism and ADHD.
Neurodiversity is understood to mean an array of neurological variations, rather than a single neurological state.
In recent years, the term has become widely embraced by scientists, educators, advocates, and the public. This has resulted in a more positive understanding of neurologically diverse people, and a greater acceptance of the unique strengths and contributions they bring to the workplace, the classroom, and wider society.
Does neurodiversity count as a disability?
Neurodiversity is not necessarily classified as a disability, but it can still result in difficulty, as well as specific needs to allow for individuals to function successfully in their environment. Neurodiversity is usually defined as having multiple neurologically-based thinking styles, which can include those on the autism spectrum and individuals with ADHD, learning disabilities, and other conditions.
Although individuals who may identify as neurodiverse may have similar difficulties as those who have a disability, there is a distinction between the two. Those with a neurological disability are typically described as having a “severe, long-term functional impairment” which requires them to rely on special accommodations and support in order to function.
On the other hand, those who identify as neurodivergent may not need accommodations in order to function.
With that being said, it is important to note that there is no clear line between disability and neurodiversity. The way that someone experiences and functions in their environment due to their neurological layout can be vastly different, and many times individuals on the autism spectrum may feel that a disability label does not accurately portray their experience.
Ultimately, it is important to be respectful to all individuals’ differing and unique experiences and thought processes when understanding the inclusion of neurodiversity in the discussion of disability.