Terminology about Neuro-Diversity
There has been some discussion about the term neuro-diversity and in particular, whether the term ‘neuro-diverse’ is appropriate to use of people who are not neuro-typical. ‘Diversity’ includes both the neuro-atypical and the neuro typical. So should another more appropriate term be found?
There have been many terms suggested - ‘neuro-diverse’ being the most common, but ‘neuro-divergent’, ‘neuro-atypical’ and 'ND' are also terms that have been used.
However these terms are not really satisfactory for various reasons. ‘Neuro-divergent’ has negative connotations. Neuro-atypical sounds clinical and does not fit the initials ‘ND’ that are commonly used to denote the condition. ‘Neuro-diverse’ as mentioned above covers both ND and NT.
Therefore I think we should not use the term ‘neuro diverse’ any more. Instead I propose we use ‘neuro-different’. I would welcome any comments or ideas.
