The concept of “neurodiversity” refers to the diversity of neurocognitive and/or sensory functioning differing from that associated with the “neurotypical” population (also known as the “predominant neurotype”). In defining “neurodiversity” one should first consider the meaning of “neurotypical.” Perszyk (2013, p. 1) defines “neurotypical” as:
Description of a medically and psychologically healthy individual demonstrating a normative pattern of neurodevelopment. Typically used specifically in contrast with individuals experiencing an atypical developmental course, such as autism
The implication in Perszyk’s definition that a nonnormative pattern of neurodevelopment is a “psychologically unhealthy” one is incorrect as many neurodivergent conditions simply represent the wide variety of differences amongst humanity. For instance, autistic advocates argue persuasively that autism is an example of ordinary human difference. However, the reference to atypical development in the Perszyk...
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References and Reading
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Chown, N. (2019). Neurodiversity. In: Volkmar, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102298-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6435-8_102298-1