Neurodiversity terminology
How do you talk about neurodiversity? Here's some general information.
Definitions
Neurodivergent Minds
You can use these words to describe yourself and people you know.
- Disability: A variation in ability not accommodated by society
- Neurodivergent (ND): Someone with a brain-based disability or mental illness
- Neurodiverse: (Applied to a group of people) having different types of brains
- Neurodiversity: The natural diversity of human brains
- Neurotypical (NT): Someone with a "neurologically typical" brain, lacking any disabilities
Experiences and Ideas
Knowing about these things can help you understand and support the neurodivergent people in your life.
- Masking: Hiding your neurodivergent traits to "blend in" at the expense of your comfort and mental health
- Sensory overload: A temporary state of stress and difficulty thinking caused by too much sensory input
- Social model of disability: The idea that disability is caused by society's failure to accommodate a difference in ability
- Stimming: Repetitive fidgeting movements, like hair-twirling or hand-flapping, that can help a neurodivergent person self-regulate
Example usage
"Jacob is disabled because he has dyspraxia."
"Ella is neurodivergent. She has ADHD, her daughter is autistic, and her husband is neurotypical. They are a neurodiverse family."
"Amir is a disability advocate who uses the social model of disability to explain accessibility. He can participate normally in society until he's thrown into a chaotic sensory environment. He aims to advance inclusion."
Person first or identity first?
Some people believe in saying "person with X." This is a way to say "I am more than my disability/illness."
Other people believe in saying "X person." This is a way to say "There is nothing bad about who I am."
| Person First | Identity First |
|---|---|
| Person with a disability | Disabled person |
| Woman with Down syndrome | Down syndrome woman |
| Adult with autism | Autistic adult |
| Kids with ADHD | ADHD kids |
| Man with dyslexia | Dyslexic man |
You may have seen campaigns urging you to "always put the person first!" But it's a little more complicated than that.
- Americans often prefer person-first language. Brits often prefer identity-first language.
- People with developmental disabilities usually prefer person-first language. Autistic, blind, and deaf people often prefer identity-first language.
- People who see their condition as an illness or impediment usually prefer person-first language. People who see their condition as part of their identity often prefer identity-first language.
If there is no clear community preference, a mix of both will work.