Position statement: Neurodiversity
Defining populations by neurotype is possible as it is about how our brains work. For the purposes of our practice, Lotus Collaborations UK will be focusing on support for those individuals who are:
- autistic survivors of sexual violence; and those are
- autistic survivors of sexual violence and with other minority neurologies.
In order to help us focus our attention and resources on our target identity cohort, we recognise and use the terms detailed below:
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Neurodiversity – refers to the diversity of human minds. It is a biological fact. A group of people that is described as neurodiverse reflects many neurocognitive styles of functioning.
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Predominant Neurotype PNT (or Neurotypical NT) – means having a manner of neurocognitive functioning that falls within a perceived societal standard of “normal.” It is the opposite of neurodivergent.
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Neurodivergent ND – means having a brain that functions in ways that differ significantly from the perceived societal standard of normal. It encompasses any significant divergence from perceived dominant cultural norms of neurocognitive functioning. It is NOT a synonym for autistic.
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Neurominority – This refers to a population of neurodivergent people who share the following three elements:
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They share a similar form of neurodivergence (ND).
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This form of neurodivergence is innate and manifests itself in different ways of relating to the world to that of PNT individuals.
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This shared neurodivergence (ND) can result in prejudice, discrimination, misunderstanding and oppression by those outside this cohort (PNT), such that it can be seen as a protected characteristic.
Autistic – This is a form of neurodivergence (ND) and a neurominority.
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A multiply neurodivergent individual may identify with a combination of: autism, epilepsy, ADHD, ADD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, Irlens syndrome, selective mute etc