#loveneurodiversity

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#CelebrateNeurodiversity Campaign Manifesto

Differences: Changing the Conversation

As a society, we tend to glorify the normal while ostracizing the different. Whether it is a matter of gender, race, sexuality, or disability, those who stray too far from the norm are expected to work harder to at least appear normal. Particularly when it comes to mental disability, we have a tendency to “medicalize and pathologize” brain differences rather than recognize them as contributing to human diversity. Even advocacy groups for mental disorders tend to focus on the negative aspects because it is easier to raise funds when these brain differences are deemed as deficits rather than strengths. In the words of Dr. Thomas Armstrong, author of the book The Power of Neurodiversity, “[p]eople won’t contribute financially to an advocacy group if the individuals to be served are merely instances of the wide variety of human diversity.” Even so, we need to change the conversation and we start by talking about neurodiversity.

What is Neurodiversity?

The term “neurodiversity,” first coined by Australian sociologist Judy Singer in 1999, functions as an acknowledgement and affirmation of the brain differences that stand apart from the norm, aptly referred to as the “neurotypical.” The labels used for brain differences such as autism, ADHD, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders are used to separate as well as diagnose. By re-framing these labels as elements of the rich ecosystem that is the human brain. With that, we have neurodiversity.

Neurodiversity is often overlooked, misunderstood or demonized by the neurotypical public. Neurodiverse people are likewise misunderstood, and their lives are often swept under the rug or recontextualized with their neurodiversity as a mere footnote. 

We believe that recognizing and celebrating neurodiversity is incredibly important, on both an interpersonal and societal level in order to lift up people marginalized for a lack of conformity to neurotypical standards and help everyone to understand and appreciate each other more.

What Are We Doing?

When we looked for social media accounts dedicated to celebrating neurodiversity, they seemed to be few and far between. There were many accounts for the awareness of neurodiversity, but not many solely dedicated to celebrating all the things neurodiverse people contribute to this world. We strive to ignite this change, starting with this movement. #CelebrateNeurodiversity is for all neurodiverse people and those with neurodiverse loved ones to participate.

We at @CNeurodiversity believe in spreading the word about all the amazing things neurodiversity brings to the world. We have seen the news blaming mental illness for a number of horrible things, and we are here to do the exact opposite. We have seen the wonderful things neurodiverse people can do, and we want to share their accomplishments with the world.

What Can You Do?

Engage with us on Twitter and Instagram at @CNeurodiversity and like/retweet our posts!

Post a picture or video of you and/or your loved one and post a comment in the caption. Memories, accomplishments, struggles, declaration of love and pride--whatever you feel like sharing, we would love to hear it!

Use the hashtag #CelebrateNeurodiversity and tag us in your caption!