What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the recognition that human brains naturally vary—just like height, eye color, or any other human trait. It's not about claiming everyone's brain is the same; it's about acknowledging that different neurological configurations are part of normal human variation.
The term was coined by sociologist Judy Singer in the late 1990s. It includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences—but more fundamentally, it's a framework for understanding all human minds.
Key distinction
Neurodiversity = the fact that brains vary (this just exists)
Neurodiversity paradigm = a framework that sees this variation as natural rather than pathological
The Medical Model vs. The Neurodiversity Paradigm
The medical model
The traditional medical model views autism as:
- A disorder, disease, or deficit
- Something wrong with the individual
- A collection of symptoms to treat or eliminate
- Ideally, something to cure or prevent
The neurodiversity paradigm
The neurodiversity paradigm views autism as:
- A natural variation in human neurology
- A different way of processing, not a broken one
- A neurotype with both challenges and strengths
- Something to understand and accommodate, not eliminate
Same trait, different framing
What Neurodiversity Is NOT
The neurodiversity paradigm is sometimes misunderstood. It does not claim:
- That autism has no challenges — It absolutely does. Sensory pain, communication difficulties, and executive function struggles are real.
- That no one needs support — Many autistic people need significant support. Neurodiversity doesn't mean "everyone is fine without help."
- That all interventions are bad — Support, accommodations, and learning strategies can be valuable. The concern is with interventions aimed at making autistic people "less autistic."
- That autism is only positive — It's both challenging and valuable, depending on context and individual.
The social model of disability
Much autistic suffering comes not from being autistic, but from living in a world not designed for us. A wheelchair user isn't disabled by their legs—they're disabled by stairs. Similarly, many autistic struggles come from environments hostile to our neurology.
Why This Matters
For autistic people
The paradigm we adopt shapes how we see ourselves. Growing up with the message that your brain is broken leads to shame, self-hatred, and exhausting attempts to be someone you're not.
Seeing autism as natural variation allows for self-acceptance. It doesn't mean ignoring difficulties—it means addressing them without believing you're fundamentally wrong.
For research and intervention
The neurodiversity paradigm shifts focus from "how do we make autistic people normal" to "how do we support autistic people to thrive as they are." This leads to better outcomes and less trauma.
For society
Embracing neurodiversity means designing environments, workplaces, and systems that work for different brain types—not just the majority. It's about accessibility for minds, not just bodies.
Living the Paradigm
Embracing neurodiversity isn't just intellectual—it's practical:
- Reject "passing" as the goal — Success isn't looking neurotypical; it's living authentically and well
- Seek support, not cure — Get help with challenges without trying to stop being autistic
- Reframe your traits — Your deep interests aren't "obsessions"; your need for routine isn't "rigidity"
- Advocate for accessibility — Push for environments that work for you, rather than just adapting to hostile ones
- Connect with community — Find other autistic people who share this perspective
The Ongoing Conversation
Neurodiversity isn't a finished framework—it's an evolving conversation within the autistic community and disability communities more broadly. Not all autistic people embrace it, and that's okay. Different perspectives are part of our diverse community.
What matters is that autistic people get to participate in conversations about autism—that we're seen as experts on our own experience, not just objects of study or intervention.