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Neurodiversity

The natural variety of human neurological development. As a paradigm, it does not regard deviations from the norm as a fault that must be corrected. It does not replace assessment and does not say that nobody needs support.

Also called
neurodiversity paradigm

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variety of human neurological development. As a paradigm, it does not regard deviations from the norm as a fault that must be corrected; it is closely linked to the social model of disability. [1] The word was coined in 1998 by Judy Singer and Harvey Blume. [1]

The concept does not replace assessment and does not say that nobody needs support. There are different views in the community, including on terms. In detail: Neurodiversity: what is behind the concept.

Sources and literature

  1. Pellicano E, den Houting J: Annual Research Review: Shifting from ‘normal science’ to neurodiversity in autism science. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 2022;63(4):381–396. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13534 (Open Access, PMC9298391, PMID 34730840)

In detail: Neurodiversity: what is behind the concept

Articles on this term

Related terms

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

    Autism spectrum disorder: the name of the diagnosis in the classifications. Two core areas, large differences between people. Context and sources.

  • Person-first and identity-first

    Person-first and identity-first: two ways of talking about autism. A US survey found no consensus; ask about personal preferences.

To “Autism from A to Z”

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