The concept of neurodiversity was coined by Judy Singer, a sociologist on the autism spectrum, in the 1990’s. The idea behind neurodiversity is that it is acceptable for people to have brains that function differently, and that there is not a “right” way to think, learn, and behave. In this way, the movement calls on society to adjust to neurodivergence (differences in brain function) rather than the other way around.
Neurodiversity generally includes people with autism, ADHD, OCD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, or Tourette’s, but others may also identify with the term. People who are neurodiverse may or may not consider themselves to have a disability. Neurodiversity and disability are separate concepts, but it is important to acknowledge both, and the challenges faced by many individuals in navigating a world that wasn’t built with neurodivergence in mind.