Just the title. Trying to understand what would genuinely suffice for somebody to be diagnosed as neurodivergent.
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Hoo boy. See that can of worms over there…?
So, the answers here so far are basically right (it’s a term usually used as an umbrella term for ADHD, ASD, dyslexia and some other stuff) but it’s really important to be aware that there are some subtleties associated with *how* it’s used.
There are those who use “Neurodiverse” and “Neurotypical” and apply a thick layer of tribal thinking over the top, so you need to take care that you aren’t mistaken as thinking in those terms if you’re not. (This comes from both sides of the fence)
There are those who use the term “Neurodiverse” as a way to highlight the idea (somewhat controversial(!) but IMNSHO not without merit) that these “neurotypes” are part of a wider understanding of what counts as “normal”. (See “Toxic Positivity” and “Disability Denialism” for some taste of why it’s controversial, though)
There are those who point out that you don’t get diagnosed with one of the more specific terms unless your ability to function in life is impacted, and so these things are *by definition* a problem. (See Autism Speaks and Eugenics for some taste of why *this* side of the fence is controversial!)
I personally use the term “neurotypical” to mean exactly what it says: Neurologically *Typical* and really wish others would do the same. The word “normal” really is just a very judgemental way of saying “conveniently familiar”.
Source: I have ADHD and ASD and am quite happy to acknowledge just about every side of the arguments around the subject providing we’re all grown up enough to talk about it openly and kindly.
I think a massive amount of pain around living with disabilities and other differences could be avoided if we’d all just try to stop being assholes about it all :-/
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