Neurodiversity sometimes feels like a buzz word that just entered our vocabulary in the last few years. In fact, Australian sociologist, Judy Singer, coined the term in the late-1990s (quick reminder for anyone who has lost track of time…that was more than two decades ago.) And the alphabet soup of neurodiversity just keeps getting richer!
Singer said, “Neurodiversity refers to the virtually infinite neuro-cognitive variability within Earth’s human population. It points to the fact that every human has a unique nervous system with a unique combination of abilities and needs.”
Neuro-what?
Let’s break down a few neuro-related terms that come up frequently.
Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity refers to human brain function, and the diversity within sensory processing, motor abilities, cognition, and more. This is not a reference to clinical diagnoses, and includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical experiences.
Neurodivergent
Neurodivergent is a nonmedical term that describes people whose brains develop or work differently; they have different strengths and struggles from people whose brains develop or work more “typically.” As with neurodiversity, neurodivergent is not a diagnosis. This is an umbrella term that includes numerous diagnoses and conditions.
Note: Just as an individual is not “diverse” but they contribute to the diversity of a group, people are not “neurodiverse,” but rather “neurodivergent.” A group could be considered neurodiverse, when referring to the differences in how group members’ brains work.
Neurotypical
Neurotypical, or neuronormative, are phrases assigned to the traditional ways of thinking, processing, and interacting. In short, it frequently references “the way it’s always been” implying systems and expectations were designed by and for people with similar neurotypical traits.
Neuroinclusion
Neuroinclusion refers to the active efforts to create an environment that works for all people, regardless of neurobiological differences. This can refer to communication styles, workplace norms, and more.
Alphabet Soup
Within the umbrella of neurodivergence, there are numerous terms often abbreviated with initials. Here’s a starter list.
- ABI: Acquired Brain Injury
- ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is MPGs primary focus in the ND space. Note: ADD is a dated term. In the 1980s and 1990s, doctors separated diagnoses based on “hyperactivity” but now all diagnoses are one of the three ADHD diagnoses.
- ASD: Autistic people are sometimes referred to in the context of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Note: Asperger’s used to refer to a subgroup of autistic people, but this is now an outdated term. This term, used during WWII, is ableist and encourages “othering.”
- BPD: Borderline Personality Disorder
- CPTSD: Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- DID: Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder)
- ND: Neurodivergent individuals may be abbreviated as ND in writing.
- NT: The general population is known as neurotypical and may be referred to as NT.
- OCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- PSTD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- SPD: Sensory Processing Disorder
- TBI: Traumatic Brain Injury
This list is not even close to an exhaustive! And there are so many diagnoses considered under the neurodivergent umbrella that don’t get boiled down to a few letters, such as:
- Depression
- Dyscalculia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Epilepsy
- Learning Differences
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Synesthesia
- Tourette Syndrome
Again, the list is not exhaustive, so you can see this is a BIG topic.
ND @ Work
What does neurodiversity, neurodivergence, and neuroinclusion mean in the context of work? In the office-setting (whether in-person, hybrid, or virtual) this speaks to the inclusivity that extends to neurological differences, including hiring, engaging, and retaining talent who identifies with anything discussed here.
While our Instagram handle and Lead with ADHD program only has one of those in the name, MPG workshops dig into every aspects of neurodiversity in the workplace and in leadership roles.
Whether to highlight similarities or celebrate differences, we hope to share things to help you understand your experience, help you advocate for yourself at work, and become the neuroinclusive leader you can be! Mullins Professional Group can help. Reach out, and let’s chat!
