Neurodiversity

According to the work of Thomas Armstrong in his book Neurodiversity, we can frame the conversation about Neurodiversity in terms of eight principles:

 

The human brain works more like an ecosystem than a machine

"Like an ecosystem, the brain has the tremendous ability to transform itself in response to change". "Since the human brain is more like an ecosystem than a machine, it is particularly appropriate that we use the concept of neurodiversity, rather than a disease-based approach or a mechanistic model, to talk about individual differences in the brain".

 

Human beings and human brains exist along continuums of competence

"People with disabilities do not exist as 'islands of incompetence' totally separated from 'normal' human beings. Rather, they exist along continuums of competence, of which 'normal' behaviour is simply a stop along the way". "This is an important principle, because it helps to destigmatize individuals with neurologically based mental disorders".

 

Human competence is defined by the values of the culture to which we belong

"Perceived 'mental disorders' reflect the values of a given social and historical period." Some examples are focus (vs Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), sociability (vs Autism Spectrum), literacy (vs Dyslexia), happiness (vs Mood Disorders), tranquility (vs Anxiety), and intelligence (vs Intellectual Disabilities).

 

Whether you are regarded as disabled or gifted depends largely on when and where you were born

"No brain exists in a social vacuum. Each brain functions in a specific cultural setting and at a particular historical period that defines its level of competence". "Even in today's world, being at the right place at the right time seems to be critical in terms of defining whether you'll be regarded as gifted or disabled".

 

Success in life is based on adapting one's brain to the needs of the surrounding environment

"People have to live in today's complex and fast-paced world, which places demands on them to read, be sociable, think rationally, follow rules, pass tests, have a pleasant disposition, and conform in other distinctintly defined ways. Consequently, an important part of being successful in the world involves adapting to the environment that we're given".

 

Success in life also depends on modifying your surrounding environment to fit the needs of your unique brain (niche construction)

"While it's true that individuals have to adapt to the world around them, it's also true that the world is very large and that within this complex culture of ours, there are many 'subcultures', or microhabitats, that have different requirements for living. If individuals can only discover their particular 'niche' within this great web of life, they may be able to find success on their own terms."

 

Niche construction includes career and lifestyle choices, assistive technologies, human resources, tailored to the specific needs of a neurodiverse individual

"Making choices about lifestyle or career may be among the most critical in determining whether a person suffers as a disordered individual or finds satisfaction in an environment that recognizes his strengths." "Another dimension [...] involves putting together a rich network of human resources that serve to validate, enable, or in other ways support the gifts of the neurodiverse"

 

Positive niche construction directly modifies the brain, which in turn enhances its ability to adapt to the environment

Niche construction "can literally change the brain". "In his book The Brain That Changes Itself, psychiatrist Norman Doidge challenges the notion that the brain is hardwired as we grow into adulthood. He argues for the concept of 'neuroplasticity", the idea that it is never too late to change the brain through alternative learning strategies or innovative technologies".

 

Source: Armstrong, Thomas. Neurodiversity Discovering the Extraordinary Gifts of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Brain Differences. First Da Capo Press edition. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Lifelong, 2010. 

Psychologists have challenged the concept of a fixed innate intelligence. One of them was Howard Gardner (Harvard School of Education) who in his book Frames of Mind "took on the idea that there is an overarching single intelligence that represents the highest form of cognition". Instead, he identified "multiple intelligences, each roughly equivalent to the others in legitimacy" and argued that "each intelligence is located in specific areas of the brain, providing a unique map for the field of neurodiversity", as follows:

Linguistic intelligence Facility with words and languages	Musical intelligence Sensitivity to the sounds, rhythms, and tones of music
Logical-mathematical intelligence Facility with logic, abstractions, reasoning, numbers and critical thinking	Interpersonal intelligence Sensitivity to others' moods, feelings, temperaments, motivations
Visual-Spatial intelligence Ability to visualize with the mind's eye	Intrapersonal intelligence Deep understanding of the self; strengths and weaknesses
Bodily kinesthetic intelligence Control of one's bodily motions and capacity to handle objects skillfully	Naturalist intelligence Nurturing and relating information to one's natural surroundings

 

Source: Armstrong, Thomas. Neurodiversity Discovering the Extraordinary Gifts of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Brain Differences. First Da Capo Press edition. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Lifelong, 2010.