The word ‘neurodiversity’ is an umbrella term to describe a large range or hereditary and acquired conditions that cause differences in brain development. The term was first used by the sociologist, Judy Singer. Singer wanted to move away from the medical model of brain differences in conditions such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia and replace this with a social construct. Through her diligent, peer reviewed research, she hoped to move the focus away from the idea of deficit and disorder and bring it, instead towards strengths and needs. Singer believed that this would create a better understanding of the range of conditions and eventually lead to greater acceptance.

Singer, however was keen that the term she first coined should ‘include all of humanity, not just the neuroatypical’ … ‘as a banner for a new social movement of neurominorities to argue that just as biodiversity is necessary for a flourishing ecosystem, so ND is for a flourishing society.

It is estimated that as many as 1/5 people have at least one neurodivergent condition. Around 70 percent of ND people have 2 or more conditions.