Neurodiversity (ND) is a term that describes neurological characteristics and variations during brain development. It was coined in the 1990s by Judy Singer, an Autistic sociologist. It could be said that everyone is neurodiverse because no two brains are exactly the same.
Being Neurodivergent means that someone learns or thinks differently from others because of how their brain is wired and processes information. Neurodivergent traits can be seen as both strengths and challenges. This does not mean that neurodivergent individuals are flawed, damaged, broken or abnormal.
The Neurodivergent umbrella includes:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Learning Disabilities (Dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Tourette’s Syndrome
Notes:
Neurodivergence does not equate to disability, but certain characteristics of neurotypes can be viewed as disabling.
Scientific research disproves the theory that vaccines cause neurodiversity or neurological disorders, along with other environmental factors.