Language is how we think about the world: it provides the form of abstract concepts and influences our understanding of all we know. So it is not surprising that the language we use to describe neurodevelmental conditions such as autism and adhd guides how people understand themselves and others, as well as offered – or resisted. Confusing or incorrect language leads to misunderstanding what neurodivesence – and not.
The word neurodivity is a good example. Increased, we hear “Neurodiverse” used to describe individuals, such as “that child neurodiverse”. But this is not an individual diagnosis – it is a conceptual level of population, similar to biodiversity. A person cannot be biodiverse; Also, no neurodiverse man. While identity is personal and important, no one can represent the whole spectrum of brain differences.
The term “Neurodiversity“Introduced in 1990, the account is moved away from pathology and the idea of natural medical access to medical support. In terms of modification of medical access to medical medical and other conditions.
Neurodygent conditions are defined as different from the odd type of a hypothetical “typical” functional functionality – the intended meaning of “neurotypical”. Unfortunately, this word begins to be used as shorthand for anyone without neurodygergergocal diagnosis. It creates two camps: neurodivergent and neurotypical. We and them.
But in fact, there is no such a true common brain. Cognitive differences seen in ADHD are not the same as those in Autosisand even within every situation, experiences vary. For those who have no diagnoses, the more you cannot do whomever falls into an average range for each cognitive function. In this sense, there is no real neurotypical.
Further so the term neurotypical began used pejoratively with some bad communities, possible as a reaction to long stigma. While it is understood, these risks recreating the same stereotyping class faced by neurodorgent people.
We urge for a clearer language. Neurodivity should refer to the whole difference in human brain within a population. A person whose brain acts different different from estatistical behavior is neurodivery, nonurodiverse. Instead of neurotypical, we want more precise alternatives such as “nonurodiverygent” or “one without ADHD”.
These things are because the language we use affects more than Identity: It has influenced access to support, gathering research, public recognition. Invalid or inaccurate language is strengthening stereotypes and reduce the burden of what situations are treated with ADHD. Using neurodiverse in mean neurodivery can be as a minor issue, but it can, for example, contribute to all “small adhd”, lowering the true struggle. Talking dealings with “neurotypical” just like having trouble, flattening the complicated person’s confirmation complicated in excess of simple categories.
We see all the strength, accurate and polite language. Words are important. Using accurate, including and thoughtful language can stimulate better conversations and consequences for all affected by neurodevelmental conditions.
Alex Conner and James Brown authors of ADHD not unlocked and hosts of adhds adults
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