Neurodiversity paradigm

The neurodiversity paradigm is a concept that atypical (neurodivergent) neurological wiring is a normal human difference that is to be tolerated and respected as any other human difference.
The neurodiversity paradigm was developed the autism rights movement and builds on the social model of disability.Botha, M., Chapman, R., Giwa Onaiwu, M., Kapp, S. K., Stannard Ashley, A., & Walker, N. (2024). The neurodiversity concept was developed collectively: An overdue correction on the origins of neurodiversity theory. Autism, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613241237871 It came from autistic advocates who believe that autism is not a disorder, but a part of who they are. They claim that curing autistic people would be the same as destroying their original personalities and replacing them with different people.
The neurodiversity paradigm is not exclusive to autism. It can be applied to other conditions like dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD. It is typically not used for mental illnesses or degenerative disorders.
Research shows that neurodivergent students who believe in the neurodiversity paradigm, while having the same difficulties as students who take a deficit view, have higher self-esteem and career ambitions.Student experiences of neurodiversity in higher education: insights from the BRAINHE project
==Definition==
Autistic advocate Dr. Nick Walker defines the neurodiversity paradigm like this:"The neurodiversity paradigm is a specific perspective on neurodiversity – a perspective or approach that boils down to these fundamental 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 (and no more conducive to a healthy society or to the overall well-being of humanity) than the idea that there is one “normal” or “right” ethnicity, gender, or culture.
3.) The social dynamics that manifest in regard to 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 also the dynamics by which diversity, when embraced, acts as a source of creative potential."Neurodiversity: Some Basic Terms & DefinitionsWalker notes that it is different from neurodiversity itself (the biological variation in human brains) and the neurodiversity movement (a social movement).
==See also==
* Autism
* Applied behavior analysis and autism controversy
== References ==
Category:Neurodivergence
Category:Autism
Category:Diversity