This informal CPD article, ‘Neurodiversity: A Philosophical Perspective on Acceptance Then and Now’, was provided by Yasmeen Center, a Special Needs Training and Consultancy based in Kuwait.
The concept of neurodiversity challenges the traditional view that neurological differences are deficits or disorders. Instead, it promotes the idea that conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia are part of natural human diversity. This philosophy encourages the acceptance of neurodivergent individuals, recognizing their unique ways of thinking and interacting with the world. However, the journey toward this acceptance has not been a smooth one. Historically, people with cognitive differences faced significant stigma and exclusion, and while many societies have made progress, some continue to misunderstand and marginalize neurodivergent individuals. There is still a long way to go before true inclusion is achieved globally.
Historical Perspectives on Neurodiversity: Misunderstanding and Stigma
In the past, societies viewed neurological differences through a negative lens, often labeling individuals with cognitive differences as “abnormal” or “mentally ill.” People who behaved or communicated differently were frequently institutionalized or isolated. For much of the 20th century, there was little understanding of conditions like autism or ADHD, and those with these conditions were often subject to harmful stereotypes.
One of the most damaging ideas was the “refrigerator mother” theory proposed by Bruno Bettelheim in the 1950s. He claimed that autism was caused by emotionally cold mothers who failed to bond with their children. This theory not only blamed parents but also perpetuated the idea that autism was a disorder to be “fixed.” While this theory has long been discredited, it illustrates how society once viewed neurological differences as problems rather than natural variations.
Throughout the 20th century, the medical model of disability dominated, which focused on diagnosing and treating neurological differences as if they were illnesses. Individuals were seen through a deficit-based lens, and little attention was given to their strengths or unique abilities.
The Shift Toward Acceptance: The Rise of the Neurodiversity Movement
In the late 1990s, the neurodiversity movement began to shift societal perspectives. Coined by Judy Singer, a sociologist on the autism spectrum, the term“neurodiversity” promotes the idea that neurological differences are part of human variation, much like differences in race or gender. This movement encourages society to move away from trying to “fix” neurodivergent individuals and instead focus on creating inclusive environments that allow them to thrive.
This shift also brought the social model of disability into focus. Unlike the medical model, the social model suggests that individuals are disabled not by their differences but by society’s failure to accommodate their needs. For example, an autistic individual might struggle in a loud, chaotic classroom but excel in a quieter, structured environment. The problem lies not in the individual but in the environment.
Countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have made significant progress toward adopting inclusive policies in education and the workplace. Many companies now recognize the value of hiring neurodivergent employees, who often bring unique problem-solving skills and creativity to their roles. Many high-profile organizations have launched neurodiversity hiring initiatives, setting an example for other businesses to follow.
However, while these advancements are promising, acceptance is not universal. In some cultures and societies, neurodivergent individuals continue to face stigma, exclusion, and a lack of support. Families in more conservative cultures may hide children with disabilities out of fear of judgment, and many neurodivergent adults struggle to access the accommodations they need to thrive.
