About Neurodiversity
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity, a term coined in 1998 by autistic sociologist, Judy Singer, refers to differences or variation in the human brain involving: social, learning, attention, mood and other mental or behavioral functions in a positive and affirming light.
Who is considered Neurodiverse?
The term ‘neurodiversity’ was first identified in relation to people on the autism spectrum. In recent years, it has been applied to other neurodevelopmental conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental speech disorders, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, intellectual disability and Tourette syndrome. Some feel that mental health conditions such as: Bipolar Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder also fall under the category of neurodiversity.
How is Neurodiversity different from autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability; signs typically appear during early childhood and affect a person’s ability to communicate, and interact with others.
ASD is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum condition” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and early diagnosis/intervention and access to appropriate services/supports lead to significantly improved outcomes.
Some of the behaviors associated with autism include delayed learning of language; difficulty making eye contact or holding a conversation; difficulty with executive functioning, which relates to reasoning and planning; narrow, intense interests; poor motor skills’ and sensory sensitivities.
The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is applied based on analysis of all behaviors and their severity.
What causes Neurodiversity or ASD?
We do not know all of the causes of neurodiversity or ASD. However, we have learned that there are likely many causes for multiple types of ASD. There may be many different factors that make a child more likely to have an ASD, including environmental and genetic factors.
Most scientists agree that genes are one of the risk factors that can make a person more likely to develop ASD.
Vaccines have no effect on risk. Each family has a unique experience with an autism diagnosis, and for some it corresponds with the timing of their child’s vaccinations. At the same time, scientists have conducted extensive research over the last two decades to determine whether there is any link between childhood vaccinations and autism. The results of this research is clear: Vaccines do not cause autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled a comprehensive list of this research.
Why are there more neurodiverse and autistic people? Are we just diagnosing more?
More people than ever before are being diagnosed with ASD or other neurodiverse profiles.. It is unclear how much of this increase is due to a broader definition of ASD and other neurodiverse conditions and better efforts in diagnosis. However, a true increase in the number of people with an ASD cannot be ruled out. The increase in ASD diagnosis is likely due to a combination of these factors.
Who can I turn to for help?
Check out our Resources page for information and helpful links.
Contact us to ask about our family navigation program. Fields Center's Family Navigation Program is a unique service that offers parents and loved ones guidance and a helping hand as they navigate the support systems for their neurodiverse or autistic family member.
Intervention can help to lessen disruptive behaviors, and education can teach self-help skills for greater independence. But just as there is no one symptom or behavior that identifies neurodiverse people or people with autism, there is no single treatment that will be effective for everyone on the spectrum. Individuals can use the positive aspects of their condition to their benefit, but treatment must begin as early as possible and focus on the individual’s unique strengths, weaknesses and needs.