Under the medical model of mental health, autism is considered a disorder, a dis-ability, or a dis-functionality.
If we consider that Dis– means “not, without, less”, this conception describes the population within the autism spectrum as deviant, deficient, without capacity, and without functionality.
But what if for an instant we admitted that these brains, cataloged under what we consider “pathological,” went from being a developmental error to a natural adaptation success under certain circumstances?
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Different studies suggest that certain genetic variants, today known as characteristic of autism, have been positively related to human development for more than 10,000 years.
Generally, the autistic brain is especially capable of tasks involving information systematization. They also often exhibit exceptional memory, hyperfocus on specific tasks, a particularly developed perception regarding senses and details, and less interest and skill in the social sphere.
From an evolutionary point of view, the combination of these brain characteristics (concentration on a single task, specialization, systematization, and detachment from social aspects) could have been responsible for great advances in humanity. The discovery of fire, the refinement of tools, the selection of fruits, or the generation of art are some examples where a possible presence of autistic people in very remote times is hypothesized.
However, this view suggests that, in past times, the presence of these traits was considered something extremely respected within communities. Currently, diagnostic manuals have radically changed this conception, leading to the pathologization and generating a much more pejorative and shameful view of these very particular characteristics.
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In 1998, Australian activist Judy Singer introduced a term that began to mark the collapse of the paradigm of “socially normal” as a concept and aspiration: Neurodiversity.
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What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is understood as the idea that there are many types of neurological development that generate different ways of processing information. Its advocacy considers that all these forms must be recognized and respected, without intending to modify or eliminate them. This view alludes to the biological reality that all human beings possess a unique and distinct brain, responsible for the variety of human cognition.
One way to explain neurodiversity is to think in terms of human operating systems: According to autistic standards, the normal human brain is easily distracted, obsessively social, and suffers from an attention deficit to details. Furthermore, a large number of studies have shown that this group of people, called neurotypicals, process information from general to specific. In contrast, the autistic brain does so from specific to general, paying greater attention to details and detaching from the social world to further develop their particular interests.
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As a result of this new vision, which is gradually gaining strength, and greater knowledge about the condition, interventions in the field of autism have undergone significant changes in a very short time.
It has shifted from blaming the parents of autistic children for their difficulties to relieving them of this burden; and from carrying out medically-centered interventions to others oriented towards sensory-motor regulation, communication development, and autonomy.
Currently, inspired by Asperger, the idea is being revisited that the “cure” for autistic people primarily resides in the understanding of capable professionals, supportive communities, and family environments that trust in the potential of these children, so that they can develop as full individuals and enhance their fields of interest.
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This personal development is, however, greatly hindered by our neurotypical society, which rejects neurological atypicality. As a result, very limited responses are offered to different minds, preventing these individuals from accepting themselves, discovering their potential, and finding a place in society that values their particularities.
From a social point of view, we have advanced greatly with respect to the acceptance of other diversities, such as ethnic, cultural, or sexual, but we have not yet developed enough in terms of listening to neuronal diversity, to which very few people pay attention.
In this sense, the difficulty of adaptation that autistic people present to develop within a world created to the measure of the neurotypical population is exacerbated when most of the population rejects them and considers them within pathology.
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Accepting neurodiversity means committing to respect and knowledge of those with whom we share our nature. For this, it is of vital importance to promote tolerance to neurodiversity and generate a society open to acceptance. Only then can different neurological patterns be celebrated instead of pressuring neurodivergent people to fit into neurotypical schemes and demands.
As specialists, what we can do is offer the necessary keys to autistic people to be able to develop within a neurotypical society, while also intervening in our society to raise awareness, accept, and better integrate neurologically different people.
Diversity in any sense makes our world a better world.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_cta h2=”Ángela Martín Bragado” h4=”Author” style=”3d” color=”violet”]
Former student of the Postgraduate Program in Autistic Disorders and the Master’s in Artistic and Creative Therapies at ISEP, among others. Psychologist and educator specializing in children and adolescents with ASD and adults with disabilities.
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