Neurodiversity
This term, simply put, is that each of us is unique in our psychological makeup. The word first appeared in 1998 by the American journalist Harvey Blume to describe the growing concept of natural diversity in humanity’s neurological expression, especially as it applies to online communication. It was popularized later by Judy Singer, an Australian sociologist, and defined further in 2014 by Nick Walker who talked about the idea that “all brains are to a degree unique.”
The concept has been connected to the study of autism and has gained traction in the scientific community who argue that autism researchers are too ready to interpret differences as deficits.
The term will no doubt continue to evolve in its meaning and usage. Currently, at the Mental Health Network we take it at face value and believe it’s a wonderful term for a general description of the range of God given, awe-inspiring variations in our human personality and psychological composition. (What is Neurodiversity?, 2021)
What is Neurodiversity? Harvard Publishing: Harvard Medical School November 23, 2021
Last modified: May 21, 2024.
