Neurodiversity is an evolving inclusive paradigm of the diversity of human minds.
This paradigm recasts the experiences of neurodivergent people—those whose cognitive styles (e.g., Takiwātanga/Autism, ADHD, Plurality, Dyslexia, Stuttering) differ from presumed common or neurotypical forms of cognition—as neurodivergences rather than as disorders. Neurodivergent communities in the Global North have been developing this paradigm since the late 1990s to achieve justice-seeking goals such as resisting ableism (i.e., implicit and explicit forms of discrimination against disabled people). However, neurodivergent people around the world, especially in the Global South, still encounter systemic dehumanization in science, healthcare, education, and society because dominating theories and narratives continue to pathologize neurodivergence. Hence, my project aims to explore emancipatory philosophical and practical approaches for understanding neurodiversity with globally-informed neurodivergent networks as we advocate for our human rights as neurodivergent and disabled people.
Together, we will attempt to answer this question: How can emancipatory narratives heal us from public and scientific artefacts that stifle neurodiversity such as eugenics, psychiatric classifications, and behaviourism?
Project team
- Marie Adrienne Robles Manalili, MSc, RSLP (siya/she/they)
- Neurodivergent grassroots and research communities globally
Results to date
The results of this intersectional transdisciplinary research initiative will be published by the Autistic Collaboration Trust, and inform the professional education services we provide to the healthcare sector, the education sector, governments, and private sector organisations.
Articles
Work in progress
The Neurodiversity Discussion Group
Relevant domains and disciplines
Dis/ability Critical Race Studies (DisCrit)
Critical Neurodiversity Studies
Science and Technology Studies
Critical Medical/Health Humanities
Social Anthropology
Cognitive Sciences
Philosophy of Science
Speech/Language Therapy
Participating organisations
- Autastic.com Community
- Narratives of Neurodiversity Network
- Neurodivergent Infinity Network of Educators
- Neurodivergent Humanities Network
- AGHAM – Advocates of Science and Technology for the People