👉This information quotes and draws from the works of Judy Singer, who coined the term. Be aware of ChatGPT and other sources: Judy’s definition is the only right one, and can be read here. 

Neurodiversity refers to the limitless variety of human minds on the planet, in which no two minds can ever be exactly alike. Diversity is a measurement of the the degree of variability in a specific location.

Neurodiversity is a subset of Biodiversity. Just as Biodiversity refers to ALL the species in a specific location or ecosystem, Neurodiversity refers to ALL Humans (the species Homo Sapiens) in a specific location, the Planet Earth. 

Just as Biodiversity was coined for a political purpose, to advocate for the conservation of the environment, Judy Singer intended the term Neurodiversity specifically for an advocacy purpose: 

1. Implicitly to suggest a Banner or Umbrella term for an emerging Human Rights Movement based on the pioneering work of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Movement which was being joined by other Neurological Minorities with medically-labelled conditions such as ADHD, the “Dys”abilities and Tourette’s Syndrome . 

2. To add Neurodiversity to the intersectional categories of  Class, Disability, Ethnicity, Gender,  since Disability” was limited inadequately to “Physical Disability, Intellectual Disability” and “Mental Illness”.

• Usage: 
• A synonym for ALL Humanity 
• To name the Neurodiversity Movement, a civil rights movement for psycho-medically labelled minorities and their allies
• A category of Intersectionality 

Misusage: Does not mean “Neurological Disability/Otherness”

The word “Neurodiverse” refers to a place, not an individual. A person cannot be neurodiverse. A place, for example the planet, or a group, for example all of humanity, can be neurodiverse. The word “neurodiversity” and “neurodiverse” are complex, and widely misunderstood and misused. 

Its for this reason, the Neurodiversity Foundation, has the slogan; “Neurodiversity, means all of us.” It’s a call to discontinue the “othering” of individuals, and include interpreting everyone, as a person of worth, regardless of their unique brain configurations.    

The concept of “neurodiversity” used by the “Neurodiversity movement” refers to the idea that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, should be considered variations in human diversity, rather than a disorder or a deficit. This perspective emphasizes the importance of accepting and valuing the unique strengths and abilities of individuals with neurological differences, and providing them with the support and accommodations they need to thrive.

The origings of the concept of neurodiversity has its roots in the disability rights movement, which has long advocated for the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities. The idea is that just as society recognizes and values diversity in areas such as race, gender, and sexual orientation, it should also recognize and value diversity in the ways that people think, learn, and communicate.

The word “Neurodiversity” simply names an indisputable fact about our planet, that no two human minds are exactly alike, and uses it to name a paradigm for social change.

One of the key principles of the neurodiversity paradigm is that individuals with neurological differences should be treated with respect and dignity, and not be subject to discrimination or stigmatization. This includes providing accommodations and support that are tailored to the individual’s specific needs, rather than trying to force them to conform to a one-size-fits-all model of a imaginary “normal.” The words “normal” or “natural” should therefore never be in the definition of the word. 

Another important aspect of neurodiversity paradigm is the idea that individuals with neurological differences should have a say in the decisions that affect their lives. The phrase “nothing about us, without us”, has become an important call for change, used often by the Neurodiversity Movement, or those underlining the Neurodiversity paradigm. This idea includes involving them in the development of policies and practices that impact their lives, and giving them the opportunity to speak for themselves and advocate for their own rights. 

In terms of education, this means recognizing that students with neurological differences have unique strengths and abilities, and that their education should be tailored to their individual needs. This may include providing accommodations such as extra time on tests, or using alternative teaching methods that are more effective for the student. It also means creating an inclusive and supportive classroom environment that values and respects the diversity of all students.

Overall, the concept of neurodiversity promotes the acceptance and inclusion of individuals with neurological differences, and recognizes that diversity in the way we think, learn and communicate is a fundamental aspect of humanity. It is important to understand that everyone is different, and that is okay. The Neurodiversity movement supports the move towards receiving the right support and accommodations for individuals with neurological differences, in order for them to lead fulfilling and successful lives. 

👉Neurodivergent, sometimes abbreviated as ND, means having a mind that functions in ways which diverge significantly from the dominant societal standards of “normal.” It’s coined by Kassiane Asumasu, from which we quote and draw information from and put defined simply as: Neurodivergent refers to neurologically divergent from typical. This includes Autistic people. ADHD people. People with learning disabilities. Epileptic people. People with mental illnesses. People with MS or Parkinsons or apraxia or cerebral palsy or dyspraxia or no specific diagnosis but wonky lateralization or something.

The term “neurodivergent” is used to describe any individual whose neurological development and functioning is considered to be different from the dominant societal norm, it’s a umbrella term for many types. This includes individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other conditions that affect the way a person thinks, learns, and communicates. “Neurodivergence” can be something you are born with, but it can also be acquired during your lifetime. The term is often used as an alternative to the traditional medical model, which often views these conditions as “disorders” or “deficits” that “need to be fixed”. The word ‘disorder’ is the opposite, of what the neurodiversity paradigm is about, and lots of neurodivergents take issue, with being called “disordered”, as this is an interpretation only perceived from a neurotypical standard, and not taking all of humanity into account. 

The concept of neurodivergent is closely related to the idea of neurodiversity paradigm, which emphasizes the acceptance and inclusion of individuals with neurological differences. By using the term neurodivergent, individuals with these conditions can identify themselves as part of a community that values and celebrates their unique strengths and abilities. The word is used most often by autistic people, adhd people and dyslectics, but technically spans all humans with a non-typical mind or non-typical cognitive functioning. Diagnosis is not a requisite for being assigned with “neurodivergence”. Part of the reason is limited access neurodivergents may have, to getting a proper diagnosis.  

The term neurodivergent also provides a way for individuals to assert their own identity and autonomy, rather than being defined by medical labels or societal expectations. It allows them to express their experiences and perspectives in their own words, and to advocate for the rights and needs of their community.

For the neurodivergent community, the term is important as it helps to break away from the traditional way of thinking, which is often seen as negative and stigmatizing. It helps to promote acceptance and understanding of neurodivergent individuals, and to advocate for the rights and needs of their community, something that the Neurodiversity Movement is all about. It also helps to create a sense of belonging and community, which can be important for individuals who may have felt different and isolated in the past. As the Neurodiversity Foundation’s slogan goes “Neurodiversity, means all of us. And Neurodivergents: that’s family”. In this phrase, the word family, does not relate to a biological family, but to the familiar experience of many neurodivergents, feeling ‘different’. A family of “Odd People”, that is requested by society, to invest much more energy into remaining authentic to themselves. 

In education and workplaces, understanding the term neurodivergent can help educators and team members to understand their students or collegaes better and provide the right support, accommodations and inclusive environment for neurodivergent students and workers. It is important to acknowledge that neurodivergent students and employees/teammembers have unique strengths and abilities. In a ideal world education should be tailored to their individual needs. In a ideal world, accomodation for workers, should be tailored to their individual needs. The Neurodiversity Movement, and the Neurodiversity Foundation, works to further that cause. 

The term “Neurodivergent” has many alternatives, that are used as well, like ‘neurodistinct’, ‘neurospicy’, ‘neuroqueer’. Some, like Judy Singer, also use “neurominority”. The ongoing debate, about which word, is the best word to descrive neurodivergent people, is ongoing. In the Neurodiversity Foundation, we tend to use the word Neurodivergent, much more than its alternatives. 

👉The terms “neurodiverse” and “neurodivergent” are related, but they have slightly different meanings.

👉The neurodiversity movement is a social movement that aims to promote the acceptance and inclusion of individuals with neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. The movement challenges the traditional medical model of viewing such differences as disorders or diseases that need to be cured, and instead views them as useful variations in human neurology.

👉Masking refers to the process of hiding or suppressing one’s autistic traits in order to fit in or conform to societal norms. This can include behaviors such as pretending to understand social cues, suppressing stimming (self-stimulatory behaviors), or feigning interest in activities that do not interest the individual.

Masking can be exhausting and emotionally taxing for autistic individuals, as it requires them to constantly suppress their true selves and can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. It can also lead to physical and emotional burnout, as the person is constantly trying to fit in, and sometimes is not able to keep up with the energy it takes.

Furthermore, masking can also be harmful for the people around the individual, as it can create confusion and misunderstandings when the person’s true selves is not being shown. For example, an autistic person who is pretending to understand a conversation may respond in a way that is not appropriate or relevant, which can lead to confusion or frustration for others.

It is important for educators and others to understand that masking can be harmful for autistic individuals and to create an inclusive and supportive environment that accepts and values their unique strengths and abilities. This includes understanding that everyone has different ways of thinking, learning and communicating, and that is okay.

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👉Neurodiversity Education Academy is the educational branche of the Neurodiversity Foundation. It’s an educational platform focused on awareness, advocacy and capacity building for parents and schools.

👉NIB is a business forum and industry group for organisations to share industry good practice on ND recruitment, retention and empowerment. We want to support businesses in building a better workplace for Neurodivergent employees, access Neurodivergent talent and support Neurodivergent people to navigate independent, fulfilling careers. We currently count many of the UK’s leading employers among our members and are supported by leading thinkers in Neurodiversity. The Neurodiversity Foundation is a founding member of NIB Netherlands, providing half of the leadership for local efforts. 

👉Neuroemergence is a virtual gathering space for neurodivergents and allies to come together, share stories, learn from each other, get inspired and convene as a community. We have a focus on “Late Diagnosed Neurodivergent Adults”, and move towards belonging. Self-diagnosis are accepted. 

The international NeuroEmergence event has grown out of the want for people to be able to come together and help build a more neurodivergent friendly world and sits proudly amongst a range of activities and events that form the Neurodiversity Pride Day which takes place in June. Informational sessions throughout the year will be organized as well for smaler groups of attendees and community members. 

Over three days (during the week of ND Pride Day), we will gather in a virtual space where people from all over the world will be invited to take part in a range of “spaces”. 

👉Many social movements have made a improvement in society, in waves of ’emancipation’. First waves are considered by the Womens Rights movement, the movements boosting equal rights regardless of skincolor, and more recently, the LGTBQ movement supporting equal rights for people with non-heterosexual orientations and non-cisgender identities. The ‘4rth wave’ is for Neurodivergents, celebrating that their differences are of value, not something to be eliminated from society. 

In a time, where most of us deal often with the negative stereotypes created by others, we have chosen a day as a rebuke, a day to shine our light, and remember that each of us has a lot to be proud of.  

👉Every neurodivergent adds something of beauty to this world, that would otherwise be ‘just NT’. We celebrate each individual, each unique brain, each neurodivergent. 

The most important part of ND Pride, is that this is the day for neurodivergent, to reflect on the good that they bring to the world. Which we call ‘you time’.

Since we know that jobs are the most important way to elevate our marginalized group, we are enthusiastic about working with organizations that create jobs or workplaces suitable for neurodivergents. Neurodiversity makes a team stronger, and we hope for a future where this can be accomodated in a effective way.

👉The day is organized by, and created for Neurodivergents: Autistics, ADHD’ers, Dyslectics, Tourettians and all that have a neurologically distinct mind. Neurotypicals are allowed to join the celebration, as long as they behave like an ally in support of the day. ND Pride is thereby not a ‘awareness day for neurotypicals to inform themselves’, the day is more of a party of self-acceptance and belongs to neurodivergents. 

👉It does not. There are many movements supporting a positive change, and we stand in solidarity with them, like the LGTBQ Pride movement, but also with Autistic Pride,  and with Mad Pride. In each of these movements, you will find the wish from a marginalized group to be accepted as they are, and we hope for a world where each of these movements will be succesfull. We visit our collegaes events, support where possible and forge friendships. However: The ND Pride movement, is a movement in its own right, with its own culture, its own ideas and ways to celebrate. Its not the same as other Pride Movements, and its not connected directly to the change they wish to see in the world.  

👉There are many different days in the year dedicated to neurodivergent people. Each focussing on a different area. Brain Awareness Week for example, is a week of celebrating research. Because the Neurodiversity Foundation supports, and does a lot of it own research, it supports this week, adding our own contribution into the mix, each third week of March.  

NCW, short for Neurodiversity Celebration Week is focussed on schools, and ND Pride Day on all neurodivergent individuals and neuroinclusive organisations. NC Week (short for Neurodiversity Celebration Week), was started by the wonderful neurodiversity advocate Siena Castellon, known by the foundation under our nickname “TriCal”, in the same year as ND Pride Day. Her mission was to focus on schools and universities, and offered a ‘pledge’ for schools. Siena left the NC Week in 2023, and the English company Lexxic took over. Siena’s books on autism (like ‘Spectrum girls”) are still highly recommended by the Neurodiversity Foundation, and her type of leadership and clarity was a bright example we aspire to as a team. 

The Dyslexia Week, is organized to celebrate Dyslectics. Run non-profit, by, and for neurodivergents, a great week all together.

Other events like this, had been enlisted in the VR Pride Universe, and will be re-enlisted in 2023, but it is currently done “a lot better that how we do it” by the recommended NeuroPride Ireland initiative, who enlists all ND related days in a more comprehensive way.

👉We have celebrated the first 5 editions of ND Pride on the 18th of June. We made this choice with their endorsement, as a sign of respect towards the group that inspired us most to start: the founders of Autistic Pride Day. However, since ND Pride has been growing exponentially, and now reaches millions worldwide, we have chosen to move the day of Pride for all neurodivergent kind, towards the 16th of June. And request recognition from the UN World Calender, to become a global day, with this new date, on their calendar. 

👉We work to have ND Pride Day put on the United Nations World Calendar. We hope this facilitates the ability to introduce this day of pride for all neurodivergents, into each country worldwide. We also hope that introducing this day on a global scale, will reduce the stigma in area’s where this is reducing neurodivergents ability to be accepted and thrive in life.