The Neurodiversity Movement

The Neurodiversity movement started in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and since then they have been working tirelessly to change the way that we view autism, ADHD, and other neurological “disorders”. They have had a notable impact on how these conditions are viewed by society and the medical field, as well as reducing stigma about neurodiversity. For these reasons, I think it is important to know more about the movement and how it came about, which is why I wrote this blog.

Beginnings in the 1990s:

The movement started in the 1980s and 1990s, stemming from the autism rights community. Autistic individuals and their allies during this time started advocating for a change in how society views autism. Rather than just seeing neurodivergence as a disability, they wanted to shift it into a different way of seeing the world. Thus, the term “neurodivergent” was created to highlight that neurological differences such as autism are natural and normal parts of human diversity, similar to sex, race, and gender.

The movement gained traction through the Autism Network International (AMI), founded by autistic advocates such as the recently departed Jim Sinclair, known for his essay “Don’t Mourn for Us” where he argued against the idea that autistic people should be viewed with pity and emphasized their right to exist just as they are. AMI was an early platform that provided a platform for autistic people to share experiences and advocate for rights.

Expansion of the Movement to Other Conditions:

Although the movement initially focused on autism, it quickly expanded to include other neurological differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, and more. Neurodiversity became an umbrella term for a wide range of these differences, all framed as natural variations.

Additionally, advocates began promoting the idea that society should accommodate neurodivergent individuals similarly to how society makes accommodations for physical disabilities–for example, by providing sensory-friendly environments and different ways of learning to allow neurodivergent individuals to thrive without needing to conform to neurotypical norms.

Growth in the Early 2000s through online communities:

During the early 2000s, the movement, aided by the rise of the internet, gained new visibility in the public eye. Online platforms allowed neurodivergent individuals to connect and share stories in ways never seen before. Communities like Autism Network International and Aspies expanded significantly, leading to increased activism on a global scale and a growing sense of community strengthened the movement.

One prominent feature of the early online communities was the rise of the autistic blogging community. Advocates such as Ari Ne’eman and Linda X.Y. Brown began using blogs and social media to change perceptions of autism.

Influence on Education and the Workplace:

By the mid-2000s, the movement began influencing educational practices. Schools began implementing more inclusive practices as activists pushed for practices that recognized and supported neurodiverse students rather than forcing them into neurotypical learning styles. Individualized Learning Plans became more common in public schools, and several other key changes were introduced to support neurodivergent students inside the classroom and beyond.

As the movement continued to mature, attention began shifting towards employment. Businesses started to recognize the value of neurodiversity in the workplace. Neurodiverse individuals, especially those on the autism spectrum, can have incredible attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and creativity—all traits that are invaluable in countless industries. Because of this, several companies such as Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, and Ford Motor Company have created neurodiversity hiring initiatives and partnerships. Additionally, public policy changes like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act in 2014 have led to more inclusive hiring practices that have helped many enter the workforce.

Present and Beyond:

As the neurodiversity movement continues to grow, more attention is being paid to the intersectionality of neurodivergence with other identities, such as race, gender, and socio-economic background. Advocates are emphasizing how these intersections can add increased challenges due to overlapping layers of discrimination, and that this multidimensional view of neurodiversity is needed to fully understand the issues facing the community.

Looking ahead, the movement aims to continue pushing for societal change, focusing on inclusion in healthcare, education, and employment, and creating policies that uphold neurodivergent rights. The movement is now focusing on creating systems where neurodivergent individuals can thrive without conforming to neurotypical standards.