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.”
Here’s some alphabet soup for future conversations:
- 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.
- 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 Note: Asperger’s used to refer to a subgroup of autistic people, but this is now an outdated term.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 encourages “othering” and amplified the perspectives of a WWII doctor associated with Nazis and eugenics.
- 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.
Other terminology/diagnoses under the ND umbrella:
- BPD: Borderline Personality Disorder
- PTSD/CPSTD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder/ Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- ABI: Acquired Brain Injury
- OCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- SPD: Sensory Processing Disorder
- DID: Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder)
This is not even close to an exhaustive list! What does this mean in the context of work? In the office-setting (in-person, hybrid, or virtual) neurodiversity speaks to the inclusivity that extends to neurological differences, including hiring and retaining talent with neuro-variations such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia; just to name a few.
While our Instagram handle and Lead with ADHD program only has one of those in the name, we’ll touch on other aspects of neurodiversity in leadership. Whether to highlight our similarities or celebrate differences, we hope to share things you experience and help you best advocate for yourself at work and beyond. Mullins Professional Group can help. Reach out, and let’s chat!
