Neurodiversity

The Neurodiversity Paradigm by Dr. Nick Walker

The fundamental principles of the Neurodiversity Paradigm:

Neurodiversity – the diversity among minds – is a natural, healthy, and valuable form of human diversity.
There is no “normal” or “right” style of human mind, any more than there is one “normal” or “right” ethnicity, gender, or culture.
The social dynamics that manifest in regard to neurodiversity are similar to the social dynamics that manifest in regard to other forms of human diversity (e.g., diversity of race, culture, gender, or sexual orientation). These dynamics include the dynamics of social power relations – the dynamics of social inequality, privilege, and oppression – as well as the dynamics by which diversity, when embraced, acts as a source of creative potential within a group or society.

Neurodivergence is understood to be a naturally-occurring part of human diversity, not as a problem to be fixed, cured, intervened upon, or solved.
Neurodivergent voices and experiences are valued and prioritized as sources of learning and information. The neurodiversity movement and the self-advocates therein help to inform our language, understanding, goals, parenting and caring approaches, and ways of being with one another. Neurodivergent voices are positioned above neurotypical and traditional ways of being and working with neurodivergent individuals.
I recognize that I am always learning and will make mistakes along the way. When I know better I do better, and so there may be changes made along the way that reflect this growth. Acknowledging and learning from mistakes and making repairs is important.
I will not encourage myself or those I engage with to fit into neurotypical norms. I value neurodivergent self-expression in any form so long as no person or thing is being harmed.
I use identity-first language (i.e. “autistic person” rather than “person with autism”), as I understand that neurodivergence is an integral and beautiful part of the person.