Understanding The Word Neurotypical: Embracing Neurodiversity And Social Differences
If you’ve ever heard the term “neurotypical” in conversation or in popular media, you might wonder what it truly means. Is it a term for people who aren’t Autistic? Is it a term for anyone who doesn’t have a mental illness or disability? Below, explore the meaning of this term, definitions of neurodiversity, and how to know whether you’re neurotypical. In addition, find support options for people who are neurodivergent and explore the social politics surrounding the neurodiversity movement.
What is neurodiversity? Neurodiversity, autism spectrum disorder, and being neurodivergent
To understand the term “neurotypical,” it can be helpful to define what isn’t “typical.” The neurodiversity movement attempts to answer this question. According to Harvard Health doctors, neurodiversity is the idea that “people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one right way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits.”
If you have any mental differences from what is considered “typical,” you might identify with this term. Some people with mental illnesses like depression or anxiety may also identify with the neurodiversity movement, as the way they function mentally may differ significantly from what is expected of a healthy adult. Whether this term fits you is your personal choice.
Why did the neurodiversity movement arise? What it means to be neurodivergent
The neurodiversity movement is still young. It first emerged in the 1990s based on work by the social scientist Judy Singer, a researcher who wanted to shift psychological conversations away from pathology toward social acceptance and uniqueness. The neurodiversity movement addresses three key areas:
- Society and whether the current society is fit to support different mindsets
- The social model of disability
- Self-advocacy work for people with disabilities
In the past, people who mentally function in ways other than what is considered typical may have struggled to find acceptance because they were often labeled as “sick” and unable to function in society. For example, deaf-blind individuals were often assumed to be unintelligent and unable to live independently. With figures like Helen Keller and others who paved the way, accessible technology and other resources have empowered deaf-blind people to go to school, work, and lead independent lives, showing others that they do not lack intelligence but may require different tools to function at the same level as someone who is not deaf-blind.
The neurodiversity movement functions under the concept of equity, which focuses on fairness rather than sameness. Equality may not work for everyone. For example, an Autistic child may require a technological communication device or sign language to communicate with their educators, families, and friends. Contrarily, a non-autistic (Allistic) child might be able to communicate through verbal speech without additional accommodations.
Understanding “neurotypical”: What it means not to be neurodivergent
“Neurotypical” refers to someone who thinks and behaves within the bounds of what is socially accepted as typical. Someone who is neurotypical does not live with a disability or condition like autism or ADHD. They do not have mental illnesses (you can be diagnosed with a disorder per the DSM and not be neurodivergent) and may have normal cognitive function for their age group, regardless of their intelligence scores or background. The term “neurotypical” might be helpful for neurodivergent people to contextualize their experiences when interacting with others who have different mental patterns and needs. For example, an Autistic person might mention how it can be common for a neurotypical person to expect eye contact from them.
Can neurotypical people still have disabilities?
Some individuals might not appreciate the term “neurotypical” being applied to them, especially if they are living with mental or physical challenges that aren’t immediately visible or don’t seem to cause difficulty with various brain functions. Although some people in a community may have more needs than others, such as those with level three autism, people with invisible disabilities also have unique struggles, such as difficulty being taken seriously by providers and finding treatment.
Some people argue that all humans are neurodivergent in different ways, and that judging people for seemingly being “typical” may be counterproductive. Many people have no mental illnesses but still live with disabilities, memory loss, or other cognitive challenges. Others might have personality traits like hypersensitivity that lead to them being misunderstood in social contexts.
Disability politics: Understanding the importance of self-identification
When discussing disabilities, there are many opinions and viewpoints to consider. For this reason, it is generally considered best practice to allow each individual to self-identify if possible. If someone wants to identify as neurodivergent because they experience difficulty in social situations, they can. Contrarily, some people don’t identify with this terminology and may reject it at any opportunity. Try not to speak for others. Instead, let them tell you whether they identify with the term and if they prefer “person-first” or “identity-first” language.
In addition, try not to make judgments upon meeting strangers about whether they are neurodivergent or neurotypical. Some people are living with invisible struggles that you may never see in public. All humans are part of one group: humanity. Regardless of whether someone is neurotypical, they are a person who deserves respect, understanding, and self-advocacy. A huge part of the disability movement is allowing disabled individuals to speak for themselves and use the labels that best fit them.
Additionally, understanding that not all disabled people can speak for themselves may help the community respect all disabilities. For example, some Autistic or developmentally disabled children may be unable to speak verbally, express their needs using assistive technology, or otherwise communicate clearly with others. Those with severe social challenges may not be able to gain independence or communicate with their caregivers. In these cases, caregivers are often pushed to make choices for them, which can be seen as a way to ensure that the person stays alive and safe rather than a loss of autonomy. Autistic adults who can communicate verbally may make a point to consider these individuals and their families when advocating for more support.
Embracing social differences
Embracing differences in everyone can be part of embracing neurodiversity. Below are some ways in which neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals can embrace these differences.
Support people with developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Learn as much as you can about developmental disabilities and how these conditions can impact communities. In addition, learn about multiple viewpoints when researching advocacy within these communities. For example, you might watch the ad “Assume That I Can,” which explores the topic of assuming capability in individuals with Down syndrome instead of infantilizing them. Similar campaigns exist for Autistic adults and people living with disabilities like cerebral palsy or deaf-blindness. Learn as much as possible about these movements from people who live with the conditions themselves. You can also learn from families of people living with these conditions by exploring their stories.
Encourage the use of inclusive language to describe people
Encourage people in your life to use inclusive language, and speak up when you hear people being unkind or see harmful jokes online. For example, if someone makes light of personality traits commonly seen in a group of people like Autistic people, remind them that making fun of other people’s personalities or difficulties is not okay. In addition, allow anyone to identify with the terms that resonate with them. If someone living with autism spectrum disorder wants to call themselves “Autistic” or “a person with autism,” let them do so.
Support research and non-profits
Supporting disability rights research and associated non-profits can provide people in these communities with more funding to speak up for themselves. Your support can also foster more widespread acceptance and understanding. Below are some organizations to consider:
- Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
- Rooted in Rights
- American Association of People with Disabilities
- Disabled in Action
- RespectAbility
- Disability Rights Fund
- National Down Syndrome Society
- Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (for those in the Autistic community)
- American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today (ADAPT)
- National Council on Independent Living
- United Nations
- World Institute on Disability
Find a community outside of neurotypical people
If you identify as a neurodivergent person, you might enjoy meeting with other neurodivergent people by joining a community. Support groups, therapy groups, and community centers are a few places to find support and understanding. Having people who understand your challenges can remind you that you’re not alone and reduce the loneliness you might experience when interacting with neurotypical people. Consider looking for groups that highlight neurodivergent employees or causes.
How to know if you’re neurotypical or neurodivergent
Because neurodivergence has so many unique definitions and can encompass a wide variety of people in and out of the autism community, it’s generally up to each individual to decide if they connect with the term. However, if you’re wondering whether you have a mental illness or a condition like autism or ADHD, a licensed mental health professional can provide an evaluation and diagnosis. Talk to a therapist, psychiatrist, counselor, social worker, or psychologist to learn more.
Professional support options for neurodivergent and neurotypical people
Professional support can help you cope with challenges related to socializing, accommodations, and fitting into society. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with mental health conditions, live with a developmental disability, or simply believe you were born different, talking to a therapist can help you manage daily life. If you struggle to find in-person support, consider an online therapy platform like BetterHelp.
With BetterHelp, you can receive professional help from the comfort of home via phone, video, or live chat sessions. You can also access resources like weekly group sessions, journaling prompts, worksheets, and goal-tracking features. According to a 2021 qualitative study, internet-based treatment can serve as an accessible and energy-saving treatment alternative for adults with autism spectrum disorder.
Takeaway
What is being a neurotypical person?
In general, neurotypical individuals do not have developmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The word “neurotypical” can describe individuals whose brains work in ways that are considered typical by society.
What's the difference between neurodivergent and neurotypical?
Neurodivergent people usually have neurological differences from those considered neurotypical. For instance, people who are considered neurodivergent may approach social communication and social interactions differently than most people. They may experience sensory issues, common compulsions in the form of repetitive behaviors, and other behavioral traits due to specific brain functioning. They may also have unique strengths.
Is ADHD still neurotypical?
Sociologist Judy Singer coined the term “neurodiversity,” as noted in a 2020 article from the British Medical Bulletin. The concept of neurodiversity encompasses the idea that brains can work in many different ways, and none are necessarily better than others. People whose brains don’t work in “typical” ways are sometimes called neurodivergent. In most cases, people with ADHD do not fall under the neurotypical umbrella and are instead considered neurodivergent. However, people get to decide for themselves whether or not they identify with this label.
How can you tell if someone is neurotypical?
It’s not always possible to tell whether someone is neurotypical by simply looking at them or interacting with them. Many people function differently from others but engage in masking behavior to fit in. It can be important to note that the level of emotional labor associated with masking can be taxing and may contribute to various mental health challenges.
Are gifted people neurotypical?
Giftedness is often seen as a form of neurodivergence. Understanding neurodivergence can mean recognizing that there are many ways to diverge from typical brain function.
What are neurotypical habits?
People who are neurotypical usually meet all of their developmental milestones as they grow up. They may easily navigate education and employment settings without requiring higher support.
Do neurotypical people get overstimulated?
Anyone can experience overstimulation. However, the threshold at which a person becomes overstimulated varies from person to person.
Do neurotypical people experience burnout?
All individuals can experience burnout, but the circumstances that lead to burnout may differ between people. Neurotypical individuals tend to be most likely to experience burnout in situations like long-term caregiving and high-stress jobs.
What is a neurotypical mind like?
In general, a person with a neurotypical mind processes information and navigates situations in ways that are viewed as standard in their culture. They may be in their natural element in situations that can be challenging for neurodivergent individuals.
What are the advantages of being neurotypical?
The world is often easier to navigate for individuals who are neurotypical. Most education and employment settings cater to neurotypical minds. In addition, neurotypical individuals may find it easier to make friends, as noted by a 2015 article from the Scandinavian Journal of Disability Research.
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