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Visions Journal

The Many Faces of Neurodiversity

PDF | EPUB | Vol. 18, No. 3 (2023)

Neurodiversity recognizes that each person’s brain functions and develops in unique ways. From neurodiversity comes the word neurodivergent: brain function or development that is different from most others. This may include conditions like autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and some mental illnesses such as Tourette syndrome, as well as intellectual disabilities and some genetic conditions that affect cognition. Neurodivergent isn’t a diagnosis in itself—instead, it’s a way to understand that neurodivergent people develop their own knowledge, skills, and strategies and that each person is an expert in what they need to live well. However, institutions and systems don’t always support people who are neurodivergent—neurodivergence may be a reason to exclude rather than include. Some conditions under the umbrella of neurodivergence increase the risk of mental health problems, but people who are neurodivergent are also more likely to experience bullying, exclusion, and discrimination than people considered neurotypical. As you’ll see in this issue of Visions, we all need the opportunity to fit in and feel understood. 

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