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What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity, coined by Judy Singer in the late 1990s, is a subset of biodiversity. Neurodiversity refers to the variations in the human brain regarding sociability, learning, attention, mood and other functions. It refers to the variability of human cognition and how unique every human mind is. Just recently in 2020, Singer framed neurodiversity as “a state of nature to be respected,” “an analytical tool for examining social issues” and “an argument for the conservation and facilitation of human diversity.” 

Some think that neurodiversity is a scientific term, but it is actually a political term. Neurodiversity is simply a term to explain that no two minds are exactly the same and the term is used as a model for social change. It is also to say that conditions that make an individual neurodivergent are not aberrant but they are simply variations of the human brain. 

As Judy Singer stated, “Neurodiversity changes nothing about Human Nature but gives us a new lens for examining it.” There is little difference between a neurodivergent individual and a neurotypical individual. All humans are neurodiverse since every single one of us has a unique brain. The variability of cognitive differences, both abilities and disabilities should always be respected. This unwavering respect is the foundation for a supportive community.

Neurodiversity is a Superpower!

Neurodivergent individuals do not differ much from neurotypical individuals. In fact, there are many famous and intellectual figures who are neurodivergent such as Albert Einstein, Alan Turin, Bill Gates and Henry Ford. Albert Einstein was a very prominent physicist who changed the way we think about gravity and proved the existence of black holes. He has won many awards, primarily the Nobel Prize in 1921,  but what many people do not know is that Einstein had dyslexia and dysgraphia. Although these conditions were never formally diagnosed, evidence abounds that demonstrates  the problems he encountered throughout his childhood and adult life with spelling, grammar and delayed speech. 

Alan Turin is famously known for being one of the best mathematicians, revered for cracking the Enigma code which shortened World War II by two years and saved 14 million lives. Turin is also remembered for his work surrounding artificial intelligence, more specifically, creating the Turing Test that determines if computers are capable of exhibiting human behavior. Despite this, Turin was antisocial and was later determined to have dyslexia and possibly autism. 

Bill Gates founded Microsoft, one of the largest and most successful technology companies with a global revenue of over $125 billion. While Gates was in school he was considered “incapable of learning” and was diagnosed with dyslexia. Despite this condition he still went on to be one of the richest men in the world with one of the most successful companies. 

Lastly, Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company, one of the most successful businesses in the world and the second largest automaker based in the United States. Ford changed American society by creating cars that were accessible and luxurious. But what many do not know is that Ford struggled with dyslexia and later claimed that he used his neurological difference as an advantage and it helped him accomplish amazing things.