Understanding Neurotypical and Neurodiverse

Labels, Definitions, and Their Implications

I have talked about and written about labels before. They always seem to be a double-edged sword. On one side, it is typically great for people to finally have a name for a condition. It gives reality to their pain or suffering. On the other side, it often becomes an identity and can be a crutch. - "I do this because I am 'X'"

Having a label can sometimes add a feeling of permanence to the condition as you adopt the label.

There are two new(ish) labels in the stratosphere of mental health - Neurodiverse and Neurotypical. The whole realm of neurodiversity carries the essence of the term diversity. - The many differences that we have as people. Diversity is important in society - Diversity in race, creed, gender, sexual preference, and so on. Diversity exists already in most societies, but it is important to acknowledge it and understand it.

This is the same with neurodiversity.

Let us first understand what neurodiversity and neurotypical is.

Defining Neurotypical and Neurodiversity

The term neurotypical refers to individuals whose neurological development and functioning align with societal norms and expectations. This encompasses typical cognitive, behavioral, and emotional patterns that are considered the "standard" in a given cultural context. Neurotypical individuals often navigate a world designed with their needs in mind, with fewer systemic barriers compared to those with atypical neurological profiles.

In contrast, neurodiversity is a concept that embraces the variation in human neurological functioning. Coined in the late 1990s, the term highlights that differences in cognition, behavior, and processing—including conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette Syndrome, and others—are natural and valuable variations of the human experience, rather than deficits to be corrected. Neurodiversity challenges the stigma often associated with these conditions, advocating for acceptance and accommodation.

Societal norms and expectations caught my attention. It was not universal human norms and expectations. Also, behavioral and emotional patterns that are considered the "standard" in a given cultural context. Wow! Being neurotypical is subject to culture and society. This confuses me because the term 'neuro' is included. Is our neurology, nervous system, or brain subject to society and culture? (Definitely, the way we think is subject to those, but our brain's neurology is the same around the world.)

That's the definition of neurotypical. It should stand that people who are neurodiverse don't adhere to the standards of neurotypical, meaning they are defined and subjected to societal and cultural norms.

This confusion led me down a rabbit hole for a while. (I just found out that there are societies where hole-digging rabbits don't exist. Argh!)

I finally got it. With some research and thought, it started to make more sense.

Diagnoses like ADHD, autism, dyslexia came about because people were measured against the expectations of school systems, workplaces, and social norms in industrialized Western societies.

I finally got it! With some research and thought, it started to make more sense.

ADHD, itself, was probably seen as the norm for many children, pre 1980's. When the diagnosis did come out and a test for it was released. Many people that I know, including myself, seemed to qualify as having ADHD. (BTW, I do know that ADHD is a real condition that children and adults alike suffer from. I know that it is not the majority of either age as well.)

Perhaps there are societies where inattentiveness and impulsiveness are not seen as outliers, but seen as part of natural development. The people with these conditions may be considered neurotypical in those societies.

Ok, I am buying into the idea. One of the other things that I had not focused on was the terms' neurological development and functioning. I focused on behavior when considering neurotypical individuals. People can choose to act erratically, take risks, and be impulsive, which can be out of the realm of normal or typical in a society. However, because these behaviors are voluntary and conscious, and don't have anything to do with neurological development, these people are still neurotypical and not neurodiverse.

My original theory was that we are all neurodivergent since we all can have different behaviors, driven by our beliefs, values, and morals. I personally celebrate being different. (I am an entrepreneur, after all. Only about 10% of the population is self-employed.)

If our behaviors are different because of past trauma, environment, genetics, or accidents, and we cannot control them, then we are neurodivergent. This is true neurodiversity - all the people who don't meet the neurological (and I'll add - psychological) norms.

How Many People Fit Into Neurodiversity?

Determining how many people fall under the umbrella of neurodiversity is complex. Globally, millions of individuals fall into this category. For example:

• The World Health Organization estimates that around 1 in 100 people are autistic.

• ADHD affects an estimated 5% of children worldwide, with many carrying traits into adulthood.

• Dyslexia impacts approximately 10-20% of the population depending on varying definitions.

These numbers suggest that neurodiversity is far from a niche concept—it represents a significant portion of humanity. Growing awareness of neurodiverse conditions, and efforts to create inclusive environments, have fueled the neurodiversity movement.

Neurodiversity: A Powerful Movement or Just Another Label?

While neurodiversity has sparked a profound shift in understanding and respecting neurological differences, concerns have emerged about its potential to become just another label.

Labels can be empowering when they provide individuals with language to describe their experiences, access resources, and advocate for their rights. Identifying as neurodiverse can foster community and connection among people who face similar challenges. It can also drive institutional change, pushing for workplace diversity, educational accommodations, and greater societal acceptance. (These are great results for all.)

However, the risk of labels lies in their oversimplification and misuse. As neurodiversity enters mainstream discourse, it sometimes becomes a catchall term, diluting its meaning and depth. When used indiscriminately, it may box individuals into predefined categories or reduce them to their neurological traits, overshadowing their complexity and individuality. Additionally, some fear that the label of neurodiversity could inadvertently perpetuate divisions, creating an "us vs. them" dynamic between the neurotypical and neurodiverse. (This can happen with all medical and mental health labels.)

Moving Beyond Labels

To ensure that neurodiversity remains a constructive concept rather than an oversimplified label, society must strive for nuanced understanding. This involves:

• Supporting educational initiatives that unpack the richness of neurodiverse experiences.

• Advocating for systemic change that addresses the needs of neurodiverse individuals without enforcing conformity.

• Encouraging dialogues that celebrate diversity while resisting the urge to categorize people solely based on neurological traits.

Ultimately, recognizing neurodiversity is about embracing human variability in all its forms. When seen not as a label, but as a lens to understand and celebrate differences, it opens doors to a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Conclusion

My research and writing process for this was a journey, and I am happy to have shared it with you.

Neurotypicality (The word just got bigger.😂) and neurodiversity are terms that help define and explore the diversity of human minds.

While neurodiversity represents a significant portion of the global population, it is vital to approach it thoughtfully, acknowledging its empowering potential while avoiding the pitfalls of oversimplified or discounted labeling.

By fostering deeper understanding and acceptance, society can move toward celebrating the full spectrum of humanity’s neurological tapestry.

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Kevin Martin is not only a mindset coach. He has a background in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and hypnosis. He has worked with many people with a variety of mental health issues, helping them get back to as much of a typical life as possible.

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