Introducing the Neurodiversity Umbrella

Neurodiversity is a concept you may be familiar with even if you have not heard the name or term. Neurodiversity is an umbrella term focusing on unique ways individual’s brains process information. Examples of neurodiversity include variations such as dyspraxia, ADHD, autism spectrum, synesthesia, dyslexia, dysgraphia, high-ability, Tourette’s, sensory processing disorder, Down syndrome, mental health conditions, and social anxiety…just to name a few!
While the list of neurodiverse traits is expansive, similarities exist at the core in that neurodiversity is considered variation in function and processing of information. The way neurodiverse individuals process daily experiences, sensory stimuli and environmental information isn’t wrong or incorrect, but may be different than how another individual processes that same information. The term neurodiverse is often used in comparison with neurotypical, or not displaying different patterns of processing experiences or information.
Understanding neurodiversity is important for raising awareness and increasing accessibility for neurodiverse children and adults. Increasing awareness is important because often signs of neurodiversity are invisible or unnoticed by others. Additionally, increasing awareness and communicating the needs of the neurodiverse community can lead to increased community accessibility and participation. Accessibility for neurodiverse individuals looks much different than accessibility for individuals with physical or mobility differences. The inclusion of quiet spaces, visual aids, or sensory spaces in public spaces can increase accessibility for neurodiverse individuals, creating more inclusive communities.
Want to learn more? Check out the link to the Sunflower project, designed to raise awareness for hidden disabilities, including neurodiversity at https://hdsunflower.com/

Written by Courtney Erick