While researching neurodiversity and the unique set of challenges that need to be addressed, I came across several terms that I did not know the meaning of. As I continued to LinguaLink and told others about it, I realized that several others did not know several of the relevant terms. I am writing this blog to educate more people about these valuable terms.
Neurodiversity: Firstly, let’s define neurodivergent: this term describes people whose neurological development and function differ is not considered standard. In simpler terms, people whose brains work differently than what is seen as normal or neurotypical. This is a blanket term, including a wide range of conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and many more. The idea behind the term neurodivergent is that it shifts the focus away from these conditions being deficits and towards understanding that these differences are natural variations. These conditions come with their own strengths and challenges, which can be positive.
Neurotypical: This term is used for those individuals whose brain functions in a way that fits the norms and expectations of our society. The term is a contrast to neurodivergent individuals. We must understnd that neither is necessarily better or worse than the other—just different.
Stimming: is short for self-stimulatory behavior. It involves repetitive actions or movements like rocking, hand-flapping, or repeating sounds. While everyone does some form of stimming (like tapping a foot when anxious), it is more common in and noticeable in neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism. It enables them in managing sensory input, express emotions, and self-soothing in stressful situations.
Executive Functioning: refers to cognitive processes crucial for managing day-to-day tasks, such as memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. Many neurodivergent individuals, especially those with ADHD, may struggle with aspects of executive functioning such as organizing tasks, following instructions, regulating emotions, and more. It is essential to note that it is possible to develop strategies to overcome these challenges with appropriate support.
Sensory Processing Sensitivity: refers to how a person’s nervous system responds to stimuli. Neurodivergent individuals are often sensitive to certain stimuli, such as bright lights, loud noises, or specific textures. This heightened response can lead to sensory overload, where the intensity of this sensory information becomes overwhelming. Understanding and accommodating these sensitivities is vital when creating comfortable and inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals.
Savant Syndrome: is a rare condition in which an individual with developmental disorders such as autism has extraordinary abilities in a specific area, such as math, music, or art. While uncommon, Savant Syndrome is a prime example of the potential for exceptional skills in the neurodivergent community and challenges the idea that neurodivergence is only about challenge and struggle.
Neurodiversity Movement: advocates for the acceptance and inclusion of neurodivergent individuals. It spreads the idea that neurological differences should be respected as part of human diversity and opposes trying to “cure” or “normalize” neurodivergent individuals, instead focusing on creating environments where they can thrive.
These terms provide a solid foundation for understanding how people experience the world. By embracing neurodiversity as part of the human experience, we can work towards building a more inclusive and supportive society for everyone.
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