Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is a term coined by Judy Singer, an Australian sociologist in the late 1900s. Since then the term has gathered momentum, and continues to gather traction and weight. Neurodiversity in essence refers to a difference in how the brain functions.

This difference is usually focussed on developmental conditions that incorporate both genetic and environmental factors. Some of these conditions are Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Specific Learning Disorders (SLD),Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), and others. Individuals diagnosed with these conditions would fall under the umbrella of neurodiversity.

It is important to note that this concept is born from a social justice model that aimed to reframe the more medical perspective of these conditions into something more accurate and empowering. When viewed through a medical lens, as these conditions were historically, it was interpreted that these conditions needed to be ‘fixed’ or managed in order to help the person fit into the expected norm. This had a negative impact both on society’s view of individuals with these conditions and the individual’s self-perception and self-esteem.

When viewed through the social justice lens of neurodiversity the idea of needing to be fixed disappears and rather there is the emphasis on the difference of the brain’s functioning and the strengths that stem from this. By focussing on these strengths one can see the potential of an individual based on their own merits instead of placing a label over them and only working with the label.

It is common to appreciate individualised strengths and creativity, by using the concept of neurodiversity, this appreciation extends to those whose brains work in a different way, a variation if you will. This is a strength-based approach that can benefit society and the individuals themselves.

For example, an individual with ASD may experience difficulties in social communication ,however, if seen for their strengths then their creative problem solving skills will be acknowledged and they would be able to work within an accommodated environment and use this strength.

Viewed through a neuroscience perspective, one can see that statistically speaking these neurodiverisities are related to the brain systems that facilitate higher order thinking - the brain systems that we prize as humans and as individuals. This further emphasises the idea of neurodiversity simply being a further variation of how these brain systems function.

It is important to note that these conditions are not identified or diagnosed through brain scans, but rather assessment and analysis of behaviour and functioning instead. This shows how much research and understanding of brain functioning is still needed. Therefore, as a society, we cannot deem a difference in functioning a problem needing to be fixed, as we do not fully understand the full capacity of the brain.

An accommodation is similar to an allowance or an adjustment of the environment or context in order to afford someone with neurodiversity a chance to engage in a task without a barrier. Accommodations are frequently used in schools and other learning environments with regards to assessment taking.

Some accommodations offered in an academic environment are extra time for assessments, a reader, a scribe, a prompter, a separate venue, a rest break, a spelling concession, etc. These accommodations work towards supporting the neurodiverse individual have the same access and opportunity as a neurotypical individual. These accommodations are individually tailored or recommended to suit each individual's needs.

For example, an individual with ADHD may need extra time and a prompter to reach their full potential in an assessment, whereas an individual with an SLD in reading may require a reader and scribe for their assessments.
Academic institutions are not the only places that should be looking at and implementing accommodations. Workplace institutions can incorporate small accommodations to support their neurodiverse employees.