Let me start by telling you what ‘neurotypical’ is first.
Well it’s an adjective to start with… so it’s a describing word.
This is from my MAC computer’s dictionary:
The meaning of Neurotypical is… Not displayed or characterised by autistic or other neurologically atypical patterns of thought or behaviour.
Along with autism, I’m going to include; dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD and specific language impairment.
Neurotypical individuals often assume that their experience of the world is either the only one or the only correct one.
Coined in the 1990s by the autism movement, the word ‘neurodiversity’ is a noun.
It describes the range of differences in individual brain function and behavioural traits, regarded as part of normal variation in the human population.
I love the use of the word ‘normal’. What is normal and who is normal anyway?
Reflecting on this… it’s making me think that a majority of our teachers are neurotypical… and that creates a problem…
Because many of their students are neurodiverse.
Without even realising it, I have spent my life surrounded by neurodiverse people. I have three children who were diagnosed with dyslexia early on and many family members who have similar traits. I myself definitely have traits of dyscalculia.
My desire to see my intelligent neurodiverse children thrive in a formal school setting has set me on a journey to help not only my children but thousands of others too.
It is without a doubt that we need neurodiverse individuals. We need people who can think outside the square, create, innovate, and make the world a better place.
If you would like to know more about neurodiversity, visit my website www.DyslexiaDaily.com. There you will find multiple resources, blogs, programs and a complete community of thousands to support you on your journey to advocate on behalf of your neurodiverse children.
I look forward to hearing from you there.
Hi Liz. Yes, you are spot on. I work with neuro-diverse adults – as opposed to neuro-diverse children. The wasted potential in the workforce of people who were short changed by the education system and have gone on to under perform – or hide their special talents in the workplace is a productivity waste. No country, or business can afford to leave its most productive people hiding in the shadows
Thanks Mike, Great to hear. Where do you work that has you working with neurodiverse individuals? Kind regards Liz