2.4.1: An Introduction to Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is the difference in how people experience, process, and respond to information. Neurodiversity is a natural form of human variation like height, skin colour, voice, etc.
Why is neurodiversity important to understand?
Approximately 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. Neurodivergence occurs in all races, genders and socioeconomic statuses, which means you likely know someone who is neurodivergent.How do I talk about neurodiversity?
Neuro-affirming language focuses on language that encourages, accepts and acknowledges the neurodivergent existence. This and the following definitions were adapted from the Neurodivergent Affirming Language Guide by Neurodiverse Connection.1
Neurodivergence is the variation of neurodiversity. Examples of neurodivergence include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, epilepsy, Tourette Syndrome, giftedness and sensory processing differences. Example: Autism is a form of neurodivergence.
Neurodivergent refers to a specific individual or group with a form of neurodivergence. Example: I have ADHD, I am neurodivergent.
Neurotypical refers to anyone who is not neurodivergent. Example: I am neurodivergent, but my sister is neurotypical.
Neurodiverse refers to those who are neurodivergent and neurotypical. Example: We are a neurodiverse team.
Below is an example of how the language used to talk about neurodiversity has changed and why.2
Potentially Offensive: Autism is a disease, illness or disorder.
Preferred Language: It is a neurological difference.
Why? It allows for the inclusion of positive characteristics as part of the definition.
Potentially Offensive: ADHD symptoms or impairments.
Preferred Language: Specific description of ADHD experiences, characteristics or traits.
Why? Avoids medical terminology and labelling people as abnormal.
Potentially Offensive: Suffers from, affected by, impacted by…
Preferred Language: Neurodivergent person.
Why? It is important not to use language that connotes pity or shame.
Another important term to understand related to neurodiversity is masking. Masking is changing behaviours or characteristics to fit in. This is not unique to neurodivergent people but can be experienced by other equity deserving groups such as people of colour and people of different cultures or religions.
It is important to understand why people mask in the workplace: reasons can include fear of stigma, social expectations, and lack of accommodations to help them succeed.
Masking who you are can impact your health – studies have shown that masking led to negative mental health outcomes including exhaustion, burnout and depression.
To learn more about neuroinclusion across the employment life cycle, please visit the following tools:
2“Neuro-affirming Language Guide.” The Sinneave Family Foundation, 2024. https://sinneavefoundation.org/resources/neuro-affirming-language-guide/
Hire for Talent has made every effort to use the most respectful words possible while writing these materials. We realize, however, that the most appropriate terminology may change over time. We developed these materials with the intent to respect the dignity and inherent rights of all individual.
