What is “Neurodiversity?

In 1998, Australian sociologist Judy Singer coined the term “neurodiversity” in her thesis documenting the emergence of a new “disability and social movement” led by and for mildly affected autistic individuals – such as her own mother, as well as her daughter, who had been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. Singer modeled her new term after the word “biodiversity,” which offered a compelling analogy:

“Why not propose that just as biodiversity is essential to ecosystem stability, so neurodiversity may be essential for cultural stability?”

This framing shifted the conversation away from deficit-based models of neurological difference and toward a broader understanding of variation as a natural and valuable part of humanity.

Neurodiversity as a Biological Fact

Many definitions of neurodiversity exist. One particularly clear and widely cited definition comes from The Education Hub:

“Neurodiversity is a biological fact: it is a word for the infinite variation in neurocognitive functioning within the human species, analogous to ethnic diversity or gender diversity. Put simply, it means that all humans are wired differently. These differences influence the way an individual thinks and learns, how they process sensory input and perceive the world, and how they interact with others.”

Neurodiversity is not a perspective, an approach, a belief or a political position.  It is simply a descriptor of natural human variation. Based on this understanding, statements such as, “I don’t believe in neurodiversity,” are logically inconsistent- much like saying one does not believe in biodiversity or genetic diversity.

Clarifying Common Terminology Errors

One of the most common—and sometimes harmful—errors in discussions of neurodiversity is the misuse of the term “neurodiverse” to describe an individual.

An individual cannot be “neurodiverse.” Diversity refers to a group, not a person.

To illustrate, saying someone is “neurodiverse” would be similar to saying a single individual is simultaneously heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, and asexual. An individual may diverge from the norm, but diversity exists only within populations.

The correct terminology is neurodivergent individual.

Key Definitions

To support clarity and respectful language use, the following definitions are helpful:

• Neurotypical (NT) A term describing individuals whose neurocognitive functioning aligns with dominant societal standards of “normal.”  Neurotypical is often used as the conceptual opposite of neurodivergent, much like “straight” is used in contrast to “queer.”

• Neurodivergent (ND) Describes an individual who has a mind that functions in ways which diverge significantly from the dominant societal standards of “normal.”  A person who is markedly different from the norm in the way their brain processes information.  They may have a diagnosis, like ADHD, autism, dyslexia or a learning disability, or they may have other developmental differences.  Some people with psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) may also identify as neurodivergent, though others may choose not to as this identification is personal not universal.

• Neurodivergence The state of being neurodivergent. Neurodivergence can be largely or entirely genetic and innate, or it can be largely or entirely not innate, produced by brain-altering experience, or some combination of the two.

• Neurohomogenous

 A group composed of individuals who are neurocognitively similar to one another.

The Neurodiversity Paradigm

The Neurodiversity Paradigm is a specific perspective that builds upon the biological fact of neurodiversity.  One of its most influential contributors, Nick Walker, PhD, outlines three foundational principles:

1. Neurodiversity is a natural and valuable form of human diversity.

2.The idea that there is one “normal,” or “healthy” type of brain or mind, or one “right” style of neurocognitive functioning, is a culturally constructed fiction, no more valid than the idea that there is one “normal” or “right” ethnicity, gender, or culture.

3. The social dynamics that manifest regarding neurodiversity are similar to the social dynamics that manifest in regard to other forms of human diversity (e.g., diversity of ethnicity, gender, or culture). These dynamics include the dynamics of social power inequalities, and the dynamics by which diversity, when embraced, acts as a source of creative potential.

Within this paradigm, terms such as “high-functioning” and “low-functioning” autism are generally discouraged. These labels tend to oversimplify the complex support needs of these individuals.  It prefers to focus on strengths and empowering neurodivergent individuals to thrive rather than attempt to restore them to “normalcy.”

The Neurodiversity Movement

The principles of the Neurodiversity Paradigm provide the philosophical foundation for what is commonly known as the Neurodiversity Movement—a social justice movement

advocating for civil rights, dignity, equity, and full societal inclusion for neurodivergent individuals.

Key characteristics of the movement include:

• Origins in, but distinction from, the Autism Rights Movement

• Inclusive of all neurominorities, not only autism

• Rejection of the concept that autism is a medical pathology or “disorder.”

• No single leader or organization.

• Different groups/individuals have a diverse range of views, goals, political positions and interpretations of the Neurodiversity Paradigm.

Like autism itself, the Neurodiversity Movement exists on a spectrum whose ends are polarized.   Some individuals reject the traditional medical model entirely, no matter the circumstances, while others support the thoughtful use of medical and psychiatric interventions—particularly when those interventions are chosen collaboratively and used to reduce suffering and increase potential rather than enforce conformity

At Mind Sprout, neurodiversity is not a trend or a philosophy—it is a foundational truth. By honoring neurological diversity while providing individualized, evidence-based support, we aim to help neurodivergent individuals thrive as their authentic selves.