Neurodiversity Origins and Progressions
ND Perspective is an online learning and community platform that engages our neurodivergent community on topics related to work and wellbeing. We hold regular community discussions, to share our experiences and explore ways by which we can gain recognition of the supports that we require as neurodivergent people. Our first discussion was held Thursday 25th April 7-8pm BST and explored the notion of Neurodiversity Origins and Progressions.
Our community discussions are planned for every 4-6 weeks and will cover a wide range of topics related to work and wellbeing. Future sessions will be suggested by and voted on by our ND Perspective community members.
Join ND Perspective Community to be kept informed of our next community discussion topic.
Summary of our Community Discussion:
Jessica hosted this evenings session, presenting on the topic of neurodiversity, and providing a comprehensive overview of its evolution. Throughout this presentation she emphasised the importance of recognising neurodivergent people's rights as human rights. She also introduced the concept of "neuro trait interaction" and highlighted the need for a holistic approach to support individuals in the workplace. This was then followed by a community discussion on the complexities within the neurodiversity community, including the tension between viewing neurodiversity as a disability or a superpower, and the importance of recognising both strengths and support needs.
The conversation then shifted to the challenges faced by high-achieving neurodivergent individuals, including the pressure to constantly excel and the emotional toll of constantly asking for adjustments and support. Community members engaged in a dialogue about their experiences with executive functioning and sought advice on practical supports. The conversation highlighted the importance of finding community-based solutions and challenged the traditional medical model of improvement, advocating for a shift towards improving wellbeing.
This was followed by a thought-provoking discussion on the future of neurodiversity, covering a wide range of topics, including the potential impact of COVID-19 on neurodivergent conditions, the evolving societal perceptions of neurodiversity, and the need for advocacy within the community. The meeting concluded with a candid discussion about neurodiversity in the workplace, stressing the need for creating a supportive and psychologically safe work environment, as well as the importance of self-advocacy and allies in addressing these issues.
Our community discussions are hosted and promoted through the ND Perspective Community. If you would like to join our free ND Perspective Community, please go to – https://nd-perspective.mn.co
Supporting and Celebrating our Neurodivergent Community,
Jess x x
Resources on Neurodiversity Related Topics Discussed
Articles
BPS Article - Hartman et al. (2024) - What does it mean to be neurodiversity affirmative? | BPS
Botha et al. (2024) The neurodiversity concept was developed collectively: An overdue correction on the origins of neurodiversity theory (sagepub.com)
Reflexive Article (open access) Lauder (2024) - Being Neurodivergent in Academia: The meaning of a word | eLife (elifesciences.org)
Position Article (open access) - Dark (2024) "Breaking Away from Past Generational Concepts of Autism. Contextualising Autistic People's Experiences of Employment from a Neuro-Trait-Interaction Perspective" (pages 9-14) - achieveability-neurodiverse-voices-fourth-interactive-issue [pdf]
Position Article (open access) - Doyle (2020) Neurodiversity at work: a biopsychosocial model and the impact on working adults - https://academic.oup.com/bmb/article/135/1/108/5913187
Books
Kapp (2020) - (press download book PDF to get a free digital copy) - Autistic Community and the Neurodiversity Movement: Stories from the Frontline | SpringerLink
Wise (2024) "We're all neurodiverse" - We're All Neurodiverse: How to Build a Neurodiversity-Affirming Future and Challenge Neuronormativity: Amazon.co.uk: Wise, Sonny Jane: 9781839975783: Books
Walker (2021) "Neuroqueer Heresies"-Neuroqueer Heresies: Notes on the Neurodiversity Paradigm, Autistic Empowerment, and Postnormal Possibilities: Amazon.co.uk: Walker, Nick: 9781945955266: Books
Oliver (2009) - "Understanding Disability: From Theory to Practice" - Understanding Disability: From Theory to Practice: Amazon.co.uk: Oliver, Michael: 9780230220287: Books