The neurodiversity concept was developed collectively: An overdue correction on the origins of neurodiversity theory.

Botha, Monique; Chapman, Robert; Giwa Onaiwu, Morénike; Kapp, Steven K; Stannard Ashley, Abs; Walker, Nick

Abstract

This letter discusses the origins of the concept and theory of neurodiversity. It is important to correctly attribute concept and theories to the people who developed them. For some time, the concept of neurodiversity has primarily been attributed to one person, Judy Singer. We consider the available evidence and show that the concept and theory in fact has multiple origins. We draw particular attention to recent archival findings that show the concept of 'neurological diversity' was being used years earlier than previously thought. 'Neurodiversity' means the same thing as 'neurological diversity' and does not change the theory in any way. We conclude that both the concept of neurological diversity or neurodiversity, and the body of theory surrounding it, should be understood as having been collectively developed by neurodivergent people.

Citation

Botha, M., Chapman, R., Giwa Onaiwu, M., Kapp, S. K., Stannard Ashley, A., & Walker, N. (2024). The neurodiversity concept was developed collectively: An overdue correction on the origins of neurodiversity theory. Autism, 28(6), 1591-1594. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613241237871

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 12, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Mar 12, 2024
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: May 13, 2024
• Journal: Autism
• Print ISSN: 1362-3613
• Electronic ISSN: 1461-7005
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 28
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 1591-1594
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613241237871
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2367038