Understanding Normality and Neurotypicality in Psychology Unit 1 AoS 1.3B Save

Normal

Usual, or even ideal

Normality

The state of having thoughts, feelings and behaviours considered common and acceptable.

Abnormality

The state of deviating from the norm, usually in a undesirable way.

Socio-cultural approach

A way to define normality based on social and cultural context.

Functional approach

A way to define normality based on coping with everyday life demands.

Historical approach

A way to define normality that changes throughout different historical periods.

Statistical approach

A way to define normality based on how the majority of people think, feel, and behave.

Situational approach

A way to define normality based on what is acceptable in different contexts.

Neurotypicality

A term used to describe individuals who display expected neurological and cognitive functioning.

Neurodiversity

Variations in neurological development and functioning, such as those experienced by individuals with Autism or ADHD.

Neurotypical

A term used to describe expected development.

Neurodiverse

Variations in neurological development and functioning.

Key takeaway on normality

There are many ways to consider what is 'normal', and this differs from place to place, culture to culture, and individual to individual.

Normality

Defined by what allows you to function properly and meet the demands of everyday life, what is culturally acceptable, what most people do, or what is contextually appropriate.

Neurotypical

An individual likely displays cognitive and developmental milestones at the expected time.

Adaptive

Being able to adjust to the environment appropriately and function effectively.

Maladaptive

Being unable to adjust to the environment appropriately and function effectively.

Adaptive thoughts

Thoughts that allow you to get the most out of life.

Maladaptive thoughts

Thoughts that may prevent someone from engaging effectively with the external environment.

Adaptive behaviours

Behaviours that enable individuals to manage different environments.

Adaptive development

The ability to adjust to the environment and function effectively in various contexts.

Maladaptive behaviours

Behaviours that hinder an individual's ability to adjust to the environment and function effectively.

Stimming

Repetitive movements, such as rocking back and forth or waving hands, commonly used by individuals with autism or anxiety as a soothing behaviour.

Cognitive development

The progression of thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Emotional development

The evolution of the ability to understand and manage emotions.

Social development

The process of learning how to interact and communicate with others.

Adaptive behaviour

Enables a person to adjust to different environments.

Maladaptive behaviour

Behaviour that prevents effective adjustment to the environment.

Cognitive milestones

Developmental benchmarks related to thinking and understanding.

Developmental milestones

Key skills or abilities that are expected to be achieved at certain ages.

Contextually appropriate

Behaviour or action that is suitable for a specific situation or environment.

Culturally acceptable

Behaviour or action that aligns with the norms and values of a particular culture.

Expected time

The age or period when a certain developmental milestone is typically achieved.

Different cognitive abilities

Variations in thinking and understanding skills among individuals.

Engaging effectively

Interacting in a manner that is appropriate and productive within a given environment.

Avoidance behaviour

Actions taken to prevent facing certain situations or stimuli.

Emotional regulation

The ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences.

Functioning properly

The ability to perform tasks and responsibilities effectively in daily life.

Normality

An umbrella term used for lots of concepts.

Neurotypicality

A term that refers to individuals whose neurological development and functioning are typical.

Neurodiversity

A term that recognizes and respects neurological differences as a social category.

Maladaptive behaviour

Behaviours that inhibit a person's ability to adjust to particular situations.

Situational approach

Normality is based on what is acceptable in different contexts.

Sociocultural approach

People perceive things as normal according to a particular set of codes relating to the social and cultural context that they are part of.

Statistical approach

Normality is based on how the majority of people think, feel, and behave.

Historical approach

What people perceive as normal changes throughout different historical periods.

Functional approach

People are considered normal if their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours allow them to cope with the demands of everyday lives.

Adaptive emotions

Emotions that help individuals cope with their environment effectively.

Maladaptive emotions

Emotions that hinder an individual's ability to cope with their environment.

Cognition

The mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.

Abnormality

A term used to describe behaviours or thoughts that deviate from the norm.

Key terms

Important concepts that are essential for understanding a subject.

Approaches to understanding normality

Different methods or perspectives used to define and interpret what is considered normal.

Confidence in environment

The ability to be oneself in any environment.

Avoidance in environment

The tendency to stay away from certain environments.

Neurotypical

Describing individuals who are considered to have typical neurological functioning.

Neurodiverse

Describing individuals who have neurological differences.