Neurodiversity

Page 1: Introduction to Neurodiversity

• Title: "Unveiling the Spectrum: Exploring Neurodiversity"

• Course Code: FYF 101

Page 2: Models of Disability

• Diversity in Models of Disability

  • Disability is not one-size-fits-all; several models exist.

  • Medical Model:

    • Definition: Views disability as a result of health conditions or traumas affecting physiological or cognitive functioning.

    • Focus: Prevention, Treatment, Cure.

  • Functional Model:

    • Definition: Considers disability as impairments or deficits.

    • Limits functionality and causes deficits.

  • Social Model:

    • Definition: Emphasizes barriers in society rather than focusing solely on individual impairments.

  • Social Adapted Model:

    • Definition: Suggests societal and environmental limitations can be more constraining than the disability itself.

Page 3: Disability Rights Movement

• Significant Organizations:

  • League of the Physically Handicapped:

    • First national disability non-profit to fight against job discrimination for individuals previously considered "unemployables."

  • Group of Psychiatric Patients:

    • Advocated for rights and support within the community.

  • National Association for Retarded Children (NARC):

    • Established in the 1950s, consisting of thousands of parents dedicated to alternative care and education forms for children.

Page 4: Key Legislation Impacting Disability Rights

• Rehabilitation Act of 1973:

  • Mandated equal employment opportunities and federally-funded programs free from discrimination due to disability.

  • Ensured equal access to public services for the disabled.

• Education for All Handicapped Children Act:

  • Guarantees equal access to public education for children with disabilities (renamed IDEA in 1990).

  • Focused on inclusion in regular classes and the role of parents in educational decisions.

  • Required Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

  • Passed in 1990 to ensure equal treatment and access for individuals with disabilities in various sectors including employment and public accommodations.

Page 5: Invisible Disabilities

• Definition and Characteristics:

  • Refers to physical or mental impairments not visibly apparent to others.

  • Examples include specific learning disabilities, diabetes, epilepsy, and allergies.

Page 6: Neurodiversity and Disability

• Neurodiversity Definition:

  • Coined in the 1990s to combat stigma.

  • Influenced by Judy Singer, advocating that neurodiversity represents natural human variation rather than a medical issue.

  • Neurodiversity aims to enhance acceptance and inclusion of diverse neurological profiles.

  • Not all individuals with neurodiversity are eligible for disability supports.

Page 7: Car Analogy

• An analogy illustrating the differences in neurodiverse individuals through comparisons to cars (details not provided).

Page 8: Neurodiversity Terminology

• Neurodivergent:

  • Individuals whose neurological functioning differs from societal norms.

• Neurotypical:

  • Individuals whose brain functions align with societal expectations.

• Neurodiverse:

  • A group comprising both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.

• Neurodiversity Movement:

  • An advocacy effort promoting positive perceptions and treatment of neurodivergent individuals.

Page 9: Understanding Neurodivergent Individuals

• Characteristics of Neurodivergent Individuals:

  • Behave, think, and learn differently from neurotypical individuals.

• Not labeled as abnormal or incorrect, and neurotypical individuals should not be classified as normal or correct.

• Examples of Neurodivergence:

  • Autism, ADHD, Tourette’s, Dyslexia.

Page 10: List of Neurodiversities

• Neurodiversities Include:

  • Tourette’s Syndrome

  • Autism

  • ADHD

  • Dyscalculia

  • Intellectual Disability

  • Dyslexia

  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

  • Developmental Language Disorder

  • Epilepsy

Page 11: Neurodiversity Focus - Autism

• Characteristics of Autism:

  • Challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication.

  • Varies widely among individuals with some being nonverbal and others having intellectual disabilities.

• Prevalence:

  • Affects an estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the U.S.

Page 12: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Definition:

  • A neurodevelopmental disability impacting social communication and interaction, along with engagement in restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.

• Severity Levels:

  • Ranged from Level 1 (requiring minimal support) to Level 3 (requiring substantial support).

Page 13: Neurodiversity Focus - ADHD

• Common Characteristics in ADHD:

  • Inattention: Easily distracted, forgetfulness, loss of items.

  • Hyperactivity: Fidgeting, difficulty remaining quiet.

  • Impulsivity: Tendency to act quickly or engage in risk-taking behaviors.

• Differences in expression between genders: females may show more inattentiveness, males may exhibit more hyperactivity.

Page 14: ADHD Signs and Symptoms in Children

• Common Misconceptions:

  • What is Thought: Trouble focusing, fidgeting.

  • What ADHD Actually Is: Involves issues like sensory processing disorder, poor time management, and emotional dysregulation among others.

Page 15: Neurodiversity Focus - Tourette's Syndrome

• Definition:

  • A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by involuntary movements and/or vocalizations known as tics.

• Types of Tics:

  • Motor tics (e.g. eye blinking, head jerking) and Vocal tics (e.g. throat clearing, grunting).

Page 16: Neurodiversity Focus - Dyslexia

• Definition:

  • A condition marked by difficulties in language skills, particularly reading, with implications for spelling, writing, and pronunciation.

Page 17: Importance of Neurodiversity

• Relevance:

  • Neurodiversity affects many people; fostering awareness and inclusion is vital for overcoming challenges related to it.

Page 18: Promoting Neurodiversity

• Steps We Can Take:

  • Education: Understanding and spreading knowledge about neurodiversity.

  • Ask Questions: Engage with neurodiverse individuals to learn how best to support them.

  • Respect Boundaries: Acknowledge personal limits.

  • Clear Communication: Practice effective communication strategies.

  • Universal Design Advocacy: Promote designs usable by all without the need for modification.