If you’re starting to explore the topic of neurodiversity, you might find it a bit complicated to know what language to use. Neurodivergence is a broad subject that includes various differences and conditions, such as ADHD, autism, social anxiety, dyspraxia, and dyslexia. It’s really important to approach these conversations with care and sensitivity.
When discussing “neurodiverse,” it’s good to be mindful and sensitive about the terminology. This term shouldn’t just label individuals who differ from the so-called “mainstream” neurotypical population.
Instead, remember that neurodiversity celebrates the wide range of human minds and the unique ways we think and function.
We should avoid using “neurodiverse” to suggest that someone is “different from me – the neurotypical person.” This small but meaningful shift in perspective helps us have more thoughtful conversations about neurodivergence and our language.
An individual who is not neurotypical is neurodivergent.
This is the term for people whose brains function differently in one or more ways than is considered standard or typical, meaning no two brains are the same.
This is a term for groups of people who process information in similar ways.
This is the concept that everyone’s brain is unique. It recognises the biological fact that we are all diverse—we think, learn, and act differently, and we all have different strengths.
This is a term for the majority; people who process information in a more standardised way.
We believe that being neurodivergent gives our children strengths that should be nurtured and their challenges that should be effectively supported.
Because no two children are the same, all neurodivergent children will experience the world differently.
As a parent, it is important to understand your child’s needs and differences so that you can approach things differently.
This can help minimise your child’s challenges and difficulties in a neurotypical-centred world.
Neurodivergent conditions are dynamic, can change over time, and present differently on different days.
They may be affected by stress, hormones, environmental factors and lack of proper support.
It is widely recognised that neurodivergent conditions will have dynamic presentations that vary day to day and throughout someone’s lifetime.
The level of challenges or difficulties can be affected by, for example:
You cannot be mildly, moderately or severely diabetic or pregnant; you either are or you are not, and neurodivergence is the same.
With individually tailored support, everyone can thrive.
We have chosen to use identity-first language, such as “autistic child, rather than a person-first language, like “child with autism.”
This is the preferred terminology of most autistic adults, who view autism as an intrinsic part of themselves, much like having blonde hair or being left-handed.
This is the preferred terminology of most autistic adults, who view autism as an intrinsic part of themselves, much like having blonde hair or being left-handed.
Unlike diseases such as cancer or diabetes, autism cannot be cured.
People with autism do not “suffer from” autism, nor do they “live with” it in the same sense that one might live with a disease.
We are a ‘ by parents for parents’ registered charity.
Our mission is to improve the lives of families in Southend and Essex whose children have been identified or are suspected of having specific educational needs and/or disabilities.
SEND the Right Message Charity is registered in England.
Charity Number 1193572
