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Neurodiversity Perspectives
Summary Description
Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the natural variation in human brains and highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing these differences. It refers to the diversity of all people, but it is often used in the context of autism, as well as other neurological or developmental conditions such as Autism, ADHD, or learning disabilities.
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Many companies are starting to fully understand and value the potential contributions of neurodivergent individuals.
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It challenges the traditional medical model that views neurological differences as deficits or disorders to be cured or treated. Instead, it promotes the idea that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others, are natural variations of the human brain.
Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; that there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits. (Source links - Harvard Health)
Neurodiverse individuals can be associated with Innovation, creativity, multi-associative insights, pattern matching, deep thought, unconventional personality, and eccentricities. Their insights are especially prized in innovation, even though many are not considered educational scholars. Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Albert Einstein are all well known for being Neurodivergent.
That said, this does not discount the fact that many neurodivergent individuals may need help understand themselves, their gifts, and often social difficulties.
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Research suggests that approximately 15 to 20 percent of the global population is neurodivergent. (Source Link)
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Neurodiversity Is a Competitive Advantage (hbr.org)
The Neurodiversity Approach(es): What Are They and What Do They Mean for Researchers? - PMC (nih.gov)
Encouraging Neurodiversity in the Workplace: An Interview With Shawn Brown (indeed.com)
Individuals with Autism can bring untapped talent to every business - Microsoft Accessibility Blog
Neurodiversity Hiring | Global Diversity and Inclusion at Microsoft
Historical Context:
The term "neurodiversity" was coined in the late 1990s by sociologist Judy Singer, who is on the autism spectrum. It has since gained traction among self-advocates, researchers, and professionals in various fields, leading to a growing movement that seeks to reshape how society views and interacts with neurological differences.
Implications:
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Education: Implementing teaching methods and classroom environments that cater to diverse learning needs.
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Workplace: Creating inclusive work environments that accommodate different working styles and strengths.
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Healthcare: Shifting from a deficit-focused model to one that also considers the strengths and potential of neurodivergent individuals.
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Neurodiversity advocates for a paradigm shift in how we understand and approach human variation, emphasizing the value of diverse ways of thinking and being.
Key Points
Neurodiversity is a concept and movement that recognizes and respects variations in human brain function and behavior as part of natural diversity in the human population. It challenges the traditional medical model that views neurological differences as deficits or disorders to be cured or treated. Instead, it promotes the idea that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others, are natural variations of the human brain.
Key Points about Neurodiversity:
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Natural Variation: Neurodiversity posits that neurological differences are natural and should be respected as such, similar to diversity in race, gender, and sexual orientation.
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Strengths and Challenges: Each neurodivergent condition brings its own unique strengths and challenges. For instance, individuals with autism might have exceptional attention to detail and pattern recognition skills, while those with dyslexia might have strong problem-solving abilities.
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Social Model: The movement often aligns with the social model of disability, which suggests that societal barriers, rather than the individual’s differences, are the primary contributors to disability. By changing societal attitudes and structures, we can reduce the disadvantages faced by neurodivergent individuals.
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Advocacy and Inclusion: Advocates of neurodiversity promote the inclusion of neurodivergent individuals in all areas of society, including education, employment, and social activities. They argue for accommodations and supports that enable neurodivergent people to thrive.
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Respect and Acceptance: The neurodiversity movement calls for respect and acceptance of neurodivergent individuals, challenging stigma and discrimination. It emphasizes understanding and valuing neurological differences rather than trying to change or "normalize" them.