neurodiversity
Brain difference spectrum
Neurodiversity is the concept that neurological differences—autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and similar conditions—represent natural variation in human brain function rather than deficits to be cured.
The term reframes these conditions as differences rather than disorders: The company embraced neurodiversity in its hiring practices.
A person with such differences is neurodivergent; those with typical neurology are neurotypical.
Neurodevelopmental focus impairment
- autismNeurodevelopmental processing difference
- dyslexiaDifficulty processing written language
- dyscalculiaImpaired numerical cognition
- dyspraxiaImpaired movement coordination disorder
synesthesia · giftedness · hyperlexia · sensory processing · variability · differences · continuum · range
Gaining knowledge gradually
- memoryMind's retention capacity
- attentionFocused mental awareness
- focusConcentrated attention point
- perceptionMental interpretation of stimuli
processing · executive function · hyperfocus · pattern recognition · creativity · reasoning · comprehension · sensory
Approval of oneself
- prideSatisfaction from one's achievements
- authenticityQuality of being genuine
- self-advocacyPromoting one's own interests
- unmaskingRevealing what's hidden
disclosure · self-diagnosis · community · lived experience · belonging · empowerment · self-understanding · validation
Protections for impaired individuals
- self-advocacyPromoting one's own interests
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- awarenessState of perceiving reality
- destigmatizationRemoving social shame
activism · paradigm shift · civil rights · policy · legislation · education reform · community organizing · peer support
Consent to receive
- accommodationShelter or housing provided
- accessibilityEase of approach
- universal designCreating spaces usable by all
- workplace inclusionEnsuring all employees belong
disclosure · support · understanding · awareness · allyship · belonging · equity · representation
Study of nervous systems
- neuroplasticityBrain's self-rewiring ability
- neuroimagingVisualizing nervous system structure
- geneticsScience of hereditary transmission
- heritabilityGenetic share of variation
research · diagnosis · assessment · DSM · clinical · etiology · biomarkers · brain structure
ADHD
Neurodevelopmental focus impairment
- autismNeurodevelopmental processing difference
- dyslexiaDifficulty processing written language
- dyscalculiaImpaired numerical cognition
dyspraxia · synesthesia · giftedness · hyperlexia · sensory processing · variability · differences · continuum · range · variation
learning
Gaining knowledge gradually
perception · processing · executive function · hyperfocus · pattern recognition · creativity · reasoning · comprehension · sensory · stimming
self-acceptance
Approval of oneself
- prideSatisfaction from one's achievements
- authenticityQuality of being genuine
- self-advocacyPromoting one's own interests
unmasking · disclosure · self-diagnosis · community · lived experience · belonging · empowerment · self-understanding · validation · representation
disability rights
Protections for impaired individuals
- self-advocacyPromoting one's own interests
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- awarenessState of perceiving reality
destigmatization · activism · paradigm shift · civil rights · policy · legislation · education reform · community organizing · peer support
acceptance
Consent to receive
- accommodationShelter or housing provided
- accessibilityEase of approach
- universal designCreating spaces usable by all
workplace inclusion · disclosure · support · understanding · awareness · allyship · belonging · equity · representation · advocacy
neuroscience
Study of nervous systems
- neuroplasticityBrain's self-rewiring ability
- neuroimagingVisualizing nervous system structure
- geneticsScience of hereditary transmission
heritability · research · diagnosis · assessment · DSM · clinical · etiology · biomarkers · brain structure · neural pathways
- identityidentity, personal identity, self, selfhood, self-expression
- mental healthpsychiatry, psychotherapy, mental illness, psychiatrist, therapist
- disabilitydisability rights, disability culture, disability activism, disability services, disability identity
- Autism SupportABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, special education, IEP
- Educational Equityspecial education, bilingual education, desegregation, school integration, equal access
- special educationspecial education, special ed, special needs, IEP, IEPs
neurodiversitynormalization
Adjusting to a standard
pathology · abnormality · deviance · dysfunction · ableism
diverse, diversity, diversify, neuron, neurological, neuronal, neurosurgery, neurodiverse, neurotypical