History of Neurodiversity

​The term neurodiversity was first coined in 1998 by sociologist Judy Singer. 🧠✨

And it changed the conversation.

Neurodiversity is the idea that neurological differences — like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others — are natural variations of the human brain. Not defects. Not failures. Differences.

Instead of asking, “How do we fix this person?” the neurodiversity movement asks, “How do we create environments where different brains can thrive?”

That shift matters. Language shapes how we see ourselves and others. When we move from a deficit-based model to a difference-based model, we open space for acceptance, accommodations, and strengths-based support.

This doesn’t ignore challenges. It simply recognizes that diversity in thinking styles, learning patterns, and processing speeds is part of being human.

Words matter. History matters. And conversations like this matter.

#Neurodiversity #MentalHealthHistory