Blog: Neurodiversity
That light exchange led to a deeper dive into something I now see as essential: neurodiversity. It’s not just a buzzword but something we should all understand and embrace.
What Is Neurodiversity?
Coined by sociologist Judy Singer in the late 1990s, neurodiversity brings together “neurology” and “diversity.” It reflects a simple truth: there’s no one “normal” way to think or experience the world. Our brains work differently and that’s a strength, not flaw.
Neurodiversity is hence the umbrella term for the full range of human cognitive differences and thus it is a spectrum. Although no two brains are the same, there are certain brain functionalities that have become accepted as normal in society - ‘neurotypical’. So, when there is a variation that causes a person to diverge from neurotypical behaviour, we are looking at a sub class of neurodiversity called neurodivergence.
Just like the mother term neurodivergence is also a spectrum as shown in the image above. Let’s be clear neurodivergence is not necessarily a neurological disability albeit the two could co-exist.
Diagnosis
Unlike physical disabilities, neurodivergence is mostly invisible. Diagnosis may come later in life, sometimes never, especially for women and marginalized individuals. Conditions like ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) fall under this umbrella—but remember, neurodiversity itself is a broad spectrum, and everything within it can vary widely too. Many only seek answers during life shifts—starting a job, becoming a parent, or hitting burnout. Adult ADHD may not be as clear as that in children. However, discovery in adulthood is mostly indicative that it went undiagnosed in one’s childhood.
Just because a person has one or all the symptoms does not mean they are neuro divergent! A formal medical diagnosis through assessment is required!
Many neurodivergent adults have spent years masking or compensating, until those strategies stop working under pressure. We need to stop mistaking brilliance under strain for laziness.
Why It Matters in Research and Tech
Neurodiversity isn’t just a personal concern; it’s a collective one. In academic labs and research teams, recognizing diverse cognitive styles improves collaboration, communication, and well-being.
In Societal Computing, inclusion means building systems that work for all users. Yet too often, neurodivergent individuals are left out of training datasets, leading to AI that doesn't recognize or serve them. That needs to change.
“Neurodiversity may be every bit as crucial for the human race as biodiversity.” — Harvey Blume
We don’t need a one-size-fits-all world. We need classrooms, labs, and digital tools that practically embrace different ways of thinking and value them.
Final Thoughts
Neurodiversity isn’t an abstract idea; inclusivity starts with awareness. As researchers, we have a role in creating spaces that honor and support every kind of brain.
For more in-depth information check out the references below.
References
- Written by Ethel Elikem Mensah
