Understanding Neurodiversity: A Movement That Matters

What Is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is the idea that differences in how people think, learn, and experience the world are natural and valuable. Just like people have different eye colors or heights, our brains also work in different ways. These differences are not always “problems” that need to be fixed. Instead, they are part of what makes people unique.

The word neurodiversity combines two parts: “neuro,” meaning brain or nervous system, and “diversity,” meaning variety or difference. So neurodiversity means the diversity of human brains.

Some common neurodivergent types include:

• Autism

• ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

• Dyslexia

• Dysgraphia

• Dyscalculia

• Intellectual Disability

• Intellectual Giftedness and Twice Exceptional (2e)

• And more

People who are not neurodivergent are commonly referred to as neurotypical. This just means their brains work in the way that society usually expects.

The Beginning of the Neurodiversity Movement

The neurodiversity movement started in the 1990s. It was started by neurodivergent people, especially autistic adults, who were tired of being treated like something was “wrong” with them. They wanted to show the world that being different did not mean being broken.

One of the first people to talk about neurodiversity in this way was Judy Singer, an Australian sociologist. She is often given credit for creating the word neurodiversity in the late 1990s. Judy Singer is autistic herself and grew up noticing how hard it was for people like her to be accepted in society. She believed that instead of treating autistic people as if they were sick or needed fixing, we should understand and respect their differences.

At the same time, the internet was becoming more popular. Autistic people and other neurodivergent individuals started finding each other online. They created forums, websites, and blogs to share their stories. They supported one another and spoke out against harmful treatments. This created a sense of community that helped the movement grow.

One of the early online communities was called “Autistics.org.” It was a place where autistic adults could talk about their lives and challenge the way the world viewed autism. Instead of saying that autism is only a disability or disorder, they said it’s a different way of thinking that has both strengths and challenges.

This was a big change from the way most doctors and teachers talked about autism at the time. Back then, autism was often seen as something tragic. Many parents were told that their child would never talk, never learn, or never have a normal life. The neurodiversity movement said this was unfair and harmful. It reminded people that many autistic people do live happy, successful lives, just not always in the same way as neurotypical people.

Why the Movement Matters Today

The neurodiversity movement is more important today than ever before. That’s because more people are getting diagnosed with conditions like autism and ADHD, and more people are speaking up about how they want to be treated.

Here are a few big ideas that the movement focuses on:

1. Respect and Acceptance Over “Fixing”

The neurodiversity movement says that we should not try to “cure” people who are different. Instead, we should accept them and make the world more accessible. For example, instead of forcing a child with ADHD to sit still all day, maybe we can give them breaks to move around or use tools that help them focus.

Acceptance also means listening to what neurodivergent people say about their own experiences. In the past, doctors and researchers made decisions about neurodivergent people without including them in the conversation. Now, the movement encourages the idea of “nothing about us without us.”

2. Celebrating Strengths

Every person has strengths. For example, some autistic people have amazing memory skills or notice details that others miss. People with ADHD can be creative, energetic problem solvers. People with dyslexia often have strong visual thinking or big-picture ideas. Instead of only looking at what is “hard” for these individuals, the neurodiversity movement also celebrates what they do well.

This doesn’t mean ignoring challenges. It just means seeing the whole person, not just a list of struggles or symptoms.

3. Changing Schools and Workplaces

One of the main goals of the neurodiversity movement is to change how schools and workplaces operate. Too often, these places are designed only for neurotypical people. That makes it hard for neurodivergent people to succeed, even when they have a lot to offer.

In schools, this might mean using different teaching methods or allowing students to show their knowledge in different ways. It might mean making quiet spaces for kids who get overwhelmed by noise, or using technology that helps with reading and writing.

In workplaces, it might mean being flexible with work hours, allowing remote work, or giving clear instructions in writing. It also means creating a culture where people don’t feel ashamed to ask for support.

When we make these changes, it doesn’t just help neurodivergent people. It helps everyone. A more flexible, supportive environment is good for all kinds of brains.

4. Moving Away From Shame

Many neurodivergent people grow up feeling like something is wrong with them. They may be told they’re lazy, disorganized, too sensitive, or not trying hard enough. This can lead to low self-esteem and mental health problems.

The neurodiversity movement helps change this by showing people that they are not alone. It helps people understand their own brains better, and gives them words to explain what they need. It also helps parents, teachers, and friends support them without shame or judgment.

Common Misunderstandings

Even though the neurodiversity movement has grown a lot, some people still misunderstand what it means. Here are a few examples:

• Some people think it means ignoring real challenges. That’s not true. The movement agrees that support is needed, but it says that support should be respectful and helpful, not about forcing people to act “normal.”

• Some people think only autistic people are neurodivergent. While autism was the starting point of the movement, it includes many other brain differences too, like ADHD, dyslexia, and more.

• Some people think neurodiversity is only for people with lower support needs. But the movement believes that all neurodivergent people deserve respect and support, including those who are non-speaking, need full-time care, or have intellectual disabilities.

How Can You Support Neurodiversity?

Whether you are neurodivergent, neurotypical, a parent, a teacher, or just a curious person, there are many ways to support the neurodiversity movement.

1. Learn From Neurodivergent Voices

One of the best ways to understand neurodiversity is to read, listen to, or watch content made by neurodivergent people themselves. This includes blogs, books, YouTube videos, podcasts, and social media posts. These real-life stories help break down stereotypes.

2. Speak Up Against Ableism

Ableism is discrimination against people with disabilities or brain differences. It can be obvious, like bullying or unfair treatment, but it can also be quiet and hidden, like low expectations or judging someone for stimming (repetitive movements like hand flapping or rocking).

When you notice ableism, speak up. Help others understand why it’s harmful and what they can do differently.

3. Make Space for Different Needs

Support flexible thinking in your home, classroom, or workplace. Instead of expecting everyone to do things the same way, ask what people need to be successful. Maybe that means offering noise-canceling headphones, allowing breaks, or letting someone type instead of talk.

4. Use Respectful Language

Language matters. Instead of saying someone “suffers from” autism or ADHD, say they have autism or are autistic, depending on what that person prefers.  While many disability advocacy organizations prefer person-first language (“a person with autism”) many in the autistic community prefer identity first language (“an autistic person”) and it is important to ask about preferred language. Avoid words like “crazy,” “lazy,” or “weird” to describe someone’s behavior. These words can hurt and reinforce stereotypes.

5. Support Inclusive Policies

Vote for and support laws that protect the rights of disabled and neurodivergent people. This includes education rights, workplace protections, and access to healthcare. Inclusion should not be a favor, it should be a right.

The Future of the Neurodiversity Movement

The neurodiversity movement is still growing. More schools are talking about inclusive education. More companies are hiring neurodivergent workers. More parents are learning to support their kids without shame. And more people are proudly embracing who they are.

But there is still work to do. Many neurodivergent people still face barriers in school, work, and everyday life. Some still hide their true selves to fit in. Some still don’t get the help they need.

That’s why this movement matters. It is not just about changing how people are labeled. It is about changing how people are treated.

It reminds us that being different is not bad. It’s human.

Final Thoughts

Neurodiversity is about celebrating the different ways our brains work. It’s about creating a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued no matter how they think, learn, or express themselves.

When we support neurodiversity, we are not only helping neurodivergent people. We are building a stronger, more creative, and more compassionate society for all of us.