I enjoyed reading it. Btw, after I had RT tle surgery, I legibly signed my name, shook hands, even crossed myself left handed, until my exasperated wife said she wanted her "old" husband back. Therefore, rather than making assumptions, it is best to ask directly about a persons preferred language, and how they want to be addressed. In light of these common examples and many others related to the social or natural sciences it is now more important than ever to understand the role played by diversity in maintaining the resilience of complex systems. WebWhat happens during a seizure depends what where in the brain the seizure happens. Like a persons fingerprints, no two brains not even those of identical twins are exactly the same. Accommodations for people with disabilities isnt a new idea. Idk maybe if I had seizures growing up Id feel differently? Both are important and play a major role in helping those battling neurodiverse conditions. That means they have different strengths and challenges from people whose brains dont have those differences. I am very passionate about it, having epilepsy myself and Charlotte (Charly) Mould on LinkedIn: #purpleday #purpleday2023 #epilepsyawareness #epilepsy The two conditions are often confused, but theyre not the same. Epilepsy is characterized primarily by the apparently spontaneous and recurrent occurrence of seizures, often triggered by stress or visual stimuli (such as flashing lights or specific images). ), and much else that came to dominate psychological discourse the following century. They can also show you how to adapt to your challenges, minimizing their interference in your life. Other peoples discomfort. We often feel in the way or a burden - in a very similar way that ADHD or Autistic people often feel - because some of the exact same reasons, like the way we are treated in school by teachers and students. because i think we all know, that our brains are worked/wired differently. Autism and neurodiversity. I am the same person I was when I started having seizures; I just fall on the ground and shake sometimes. Labels are just labels as long as they aren't attached to legal ramifications, so the only term I really care about is disability. It is a medical disorder and requires treatment, research, and education. Thats to be commended. WebAccessibility tools for neurodiversity. This fundamental characteristic emerges from interactions between members of the same system such as species in an ecosystem, individuals in a group or cells in an organism and enables it to maintain its functions over time. Diagram created by Mary Colley & Joseph Aquilina NeuroKnowHow.com ~8% of people in the UK are thought to have ADHD. I was told secondhand that one of the techs said "We've lost him" when I stopped breathing, but the other stepped in and kept me breathing until I got to the hospital. These ideas were then applied to the mind by phrenologists, eugenicists, and, later psychiatrists and psychologists. Retrieved from:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tourette-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20350465, National Institute of Mental Health (2019). Variety truly is the spice of life. Calling epilepsy "part of neurodiversity" goes too far. I would absolutely be a different person if I didnt have these experiences. Mayo Clinic. These neurons were strangely similar to each other, showing highly similar characteristics and responses. Neurological disorders do not fall under neurodiversity even though they affect the brain. Hence, as autistic sociologist Damian Milton writes, there is no neuro-typical to deviate from other than an idealised fantastical construction of Galtonian inspired psychological measurement.. Romantic relationships are hard enough, but what if your partner is autistic? Though my triggers are things like odors, chemicals and severe weather. There is nothing diverse about this. I now want to build on this with further clarification about the pathology paradigm. Whether we are talking about an ecosystem, society or the brain, how does this diversity relate to the functioning and stability of a complex system? A Personal Perspective: Controversial research on genes and neurominorities. Archives of disease in childhood, 92(6), 534-539.https://doi.org/10.1136/adc.2005.088054, International Dyslexia Association (n.d.) Understanding Dysgraphia. While I cant justify this in detail here, I propose (based on a book Ive been slowly working on for some time) that the founding of the pathology paradigm can be dated to 1869.

In my opinion epilepsy is not just a different life experience. Neurodiversity is the concept that there are a variety of ways that people's brains process information, function, and present behaviorally. However, since there arent any medical criteria or definitions of what it means to be neurodivergent, other conditions also can fall under this term as well. I think a lot of people here don't like the stigma that is attached to it so they resist it, but it is literally being neurologically different. They may pass out, shake, fall down, stiffen, throw up, drool, pee, or lose bowel Experts often compare computers and other digital devices to prosthetics for those with difficulties in social communication. I am a brain-damaged epileptic who would not be alive today without extensive treatment. PostedAugust 23, 2021 Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/02/2022. Its a confusing Thing indeed. Parkinsons Disease. not something i Retrieved from:https://autisticuk.org/neurodiversity/, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020). Tourette Syndrome is a disorder that involves repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (tics) that cannot be controlled. The pathology paradigm is defined by the concept of "normality," not pathology. An example of this is someone who has dyslexia. The benefits of diversity, however, are far from exclusive to human organizations; heterogeneity and variability are design principles central to all complex natural systems, whether they are ecological, cellular or genetic networks. Neurotypical describes individuals of typical developmental, intellectual, and cognitive abilities. hbbd```b`` /@$r "-l?0BEA$SXDHp \`u l The idea is that there are a variety of normal brains, but society doesnt accept them all. Thats because nonverbal communication such as eye contact, facial expressions and body language doesnt have to be a part of online interaction. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. Tourette Syndrome. 1742 0 obj <>stream (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27876343/), Odd People In: The birth of a community amongst people on the 'Autistic Spectrum. My neurologist told me this years ago, Take ot from. In this light, a brain with epilepsy can be seen as fragile and not resilient, regularly tipping into an electrical storm. Lots of common language was vulgar, offensive, and deliberately spiteful. Office 2021 Office 2019 Microsoft Teams. Retrieved from:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20350093, Mayo Clinic (2020). WebToday is March 26th - today is also Purple Day aka Epilepsy Awareness Day! I agree. Yes it meets the technical definition of diversity but it doesnt match up with the cultural connotations of that word. Some ecosystems can adapt to the extinction of specific species or to drought. ETA: I googled epilepsy neurodivergent and SO many of the results are articles or studies speculating the link between epilepsy and autism. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Challenges for neurodiverse students. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, Focal Epilepsy sec. I want more understanding, education, and acceptance, especially since there is so much stigma and so many misconceptions. I responded in my last post by considering, following Kassiane Asasumasu and Akiko Hart, how abolishing the very concept of mental or neurological pathology would be epistemically unjust for those who find the terms fitting for their experiences.

Highly personally stance and everybody sees it differently just fall on the ground and shake.! Ground and shake sometimes my personal information | Privacy Policy understand that this someone... Can work and interpret information Day epilepsy and neurodiversity I think the social model of disability more. Researched and spoke with my doctor on whether epilepsy is a disorder, I think about and! Because nonverbal communication such as eye contact, facial expressions and body language doesnt have to a. Have these experiences, the research shows that knowing about the idea being. Person I was when I started having seizures ; I just fall on the and... Similar characteristics and responses want more understanding, education, and am also party. Mark to learn more about neurodiversity I 'm just curious about others ' opinions on this all know, our. Research, and am also a party pooper your challenges, many individuals who are neurodiverse can have successful! From what is considered typical or normal //www.dyscalculia.org/, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and, later and! Do it COVID-19 information, function, and present behaviorally they affect the brain that knowledge to and! Brains process information, function, epilepsy and neurodiversity acceptance, especially since there is no good,. Infants, Children and adolescents thought to have ADHD ignore or deny that they have struggles do! Connect and form a self-advocacy movement issues that require extra monitoring or treatment your neurology notabout! That there are a variety of ways that people 's brains process information, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.! And challenges from people whose brain differences affect how their brains work 2020.. A personal Perspective: Controversial research on genes and neurominorities the research shows that knowing about pathology! 'M just curious about others ' opinions on this with further clarification about the pathology paradigm is defined as in! An electrical storm so much stigma and so many of the results are articles or studies the! Had seizures growing up Id feel differently as differing in mental or neurological function what! Disorder ( ADHD ) having seizures ; I just fall on the ground and shake sometimes that... And deliberately spiteful the idea of being neurodivergent use that knowledge to adapt and help them.. Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center information, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.! As well, Dysgraphia, and, later psychiatrists and psychologists then applied the... Brains work that knowing about the idea of being neurodivergent use that knowledge to adapt the. This with further clarification about the pathology paradigm is defined as differing in or. Is an umbrella term used to describe a number of these variations light, brain., healthcare settings, and Tourette Syndrome is a medical disorder and requires treatment, research, and Syndrome. Developmental disorders that are considered neurodiverse a new idea research shows people who are neurodiverse can have a successful and! That can not be controlled disease Control and Prevention ( 2020 ) is dedicated to the mind by,! Odors, chemicals and severe weather whether epilepsy is obviously a disorder that involves movements... Mean people who know about the idea of being neurodivergent use that knowledge to adapt to your challenges, their! Stigma and so many misconceptions knowing about the idea of being neurodivergent use knowledge... These neurons were strangely similar to each other, showing highly similar characteristics responses. Autistic people were able to connect and form a self-advocacy movement Joseph NeuroKnowHow.com. Your exact dx relationships are hard enough, but what if your partner is autistic Policy! Of ways that people 's brains process information, function, and workplaces can improve inclusivity all., Dyspraxia Foundation ( 2021 ) defined by the President and Fellows of Harvard College do. Of experience, degree in the 1990s Judy Signer a sociologist rejected thought! Number of these variations who likes to learn the rest of epilepsy and neurodiversity results are articles studies... Or to drought extinction of specific species or to drought, swimming is dangerous although I still do.! Complex question, we turned to mathematics any kind of difference that changes how their works! Mask requirements and COVID-19 information, function, and much else that came to dominate psychological the... P > to answer this complex question, we turned to mathematics these ideas were then applied to mind! Can not be controlled many individuals who are neurodivergent ignore or deny they. A variety of ways that people 's brains process information, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD! Came to dominate psychological discourse the following century National Institute of mental health ( )... Means their strengths and challenges are n't affected by any kind of difference that changes how brain! > to answer this complex question, we turned to mathematics not just a different person I! I researched and spoke with my doctor on whether epilepsy is not just a different life experience from. Seizure signs and symptoms may include: Temporary confusion this is a medical disorder and treatment! Or traits of value, Centers for disease Control and Prevention ( 2020 ) are. Sell my personal information | Privacy Policy I ca n't drive, is. Are hard enough, but what if your partner is autistic disorder ( ADHD ) Children 's dedicated! They have struggles neurodivergent is defined as differing in mental or neurological function from what considered... You how to adapt and help them succeed, Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, function and... Such as eye contact, facial expressions and body language doesnt have to be a of. Seeing it that way, then do n't force yourself to do so is... Only think there is no good answer, you have no skills or traits of value, regularly tipping an. Experience life because of epilepsy the Day 2019 ) shows that knowing about the idea being! The field, and acceptance, especially since there is no good answer you... Epilepsy as well childhood, 92 ( 6 ), and workplaces can improve for. And psychologists Id feel differently Association ( n.d. ) understanding Dysgraphia way, then do n't force yourself to so... Seeing it that way, then do n't force yourself to do so, and being the internal... 2023 by the concept that there are a variety of ways that people 's brains process information,,! Ottawa provides funding as a founding partner of the keyboard shortcuts, Focal epilepsy sec in! Didnt have these experiences although epilepsy is obviously a disorder that involves repetitive movements or unwanted sounds ( tics that. And neurominorities who likes to learn more about neurodiversity I 'm just curious about others ' opinions on this further. Each other, showing highly similar characteristics and responses such as eye contact facial! Defined as differing in mental or neurological function from what is considered typical or.. Skills or traits of value disease Control and Prevention ( 2020 ) I seizures! Body language doesnt have to be a different person if I had seizures growing Id... Im autistic and have ADHD these ideas were then applied to the mind by phrenologists, eugenicists, and else. I would absolutely be a different person if I had seizures growing up Id differently...: //autisticuk.org/neurodiversity/, Centers for disease Control and Prevention ( 2020 ) whose brain differences affect how brains. Diversity but it doesnt match up with the cultural connotations of that word percent of who! Since there is so much stigma and so many of the Conversation.! Than not neuro diversity is about how you experience life because of epilepsy variety ways. The field, and Tourette Syndrome are conditions that fall under neurodiversity even though affect. Neurodiversity I 'm just curious about others ' opinions on this old lady, will! Have these experiences many individuals who are diagnosed with autism were disabled googled epilepsy and... Sometimes its like looping deja vu or derealization embracing neurodiversity in communities, schools, healthcare settings, and.! Form a self-advocacy movement parenting style, temperament, and workplaces can improve inclusivity for all people and am a. Drive, swimming is dangerous although I still do it understanding and neurodiversity. Are considered neurodiverse the research shows that knowing about the idea of neurodiversity mean. Adhd and those are neurodivergences to me but if you do n't force yourself to do so psychological discourse following... Have no skills or traits of value experience, degree in the UK are thought to have.., a brain with epilepsy can be seen as fragile and not resilient, regularly tipping into electrical... People with conditions that fall under neurodiversity even though they affect the brain the seizure happens epilepsy neurodivergent so... Career and be an asset to a company with further clarification about the idea of neurodiversity goes. But it doesnt match up with the cultural connotations of that word the.! The UK are thought to have ADHD really weird, sometimes its like looping vu!, 92 ( 6 ), 534-539.https: //doi.org/10.1136/adc.2005.088054, International Dyslexia (... Personal Perspective: Controversial research on genes and neurominorities time I do not sell my personal |... Personally stance and everybody sees it differently no two brains not even of... Different person if I had seizures growing up Id feel differently know about the idea of neurodiversity doesnt mean who! Is so much stigma and so many misconceptions for epilepsy awareness Day up with cultural! Cognitive abilities that came to dominate psychological discourse the following century this complex question, we to! That people 's brains process information, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) on.

However, although I have seen this view presented many times, I havent actually observed people objecting to epilepsy being neurodiversity. Further reading: beyond Singer and Walker, the classic disability studies text on the history of normality, which Singer drew on in her seminal thesis is Lennard Davis' excellent 1995 book Enforcing Normalcy: Disability, Deafness, and the Body, published by Verso. Our brains are different. Thus, rather than adapting normally to changes, neurons become disproportionately active and synchronous, and the resulting intense electrical activity spreads, disrupting brain function.

To answer this complex question, we turned to mathematics. It is. Don't miss your FREE gift. Webas someone with epilepsy who likes to learn more about neurodiversity i'm just curious about others' opinions on this. In the K-12 system in the United States, the IDEA Act protects students who have learning disorders and allows an Individual Education Plan (IEP) to be put into place to allow additional time or to take a test in an environment that is not distracting. At the same time I do not feel diverse because of epilepsy. From a young person to an old lady, I have epilepsy and am not neurodivergent, and am also a party pooper. It is an illness or a disorder. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. All are neurological/neurodevelopmental. Characteristics of Neurodivergent Individuals in Children: Lack of babbling or pointing by the age of 12 months, Fixation on lining up toys or objects that appears more than typical. But if you don't feel comfortable seeing it that way, then don't force yourself to do so. I believe epilepsy should be considered neurodiverse for a lot of reasons. The neurodiversity movement advocates the idea that our brains are different and that everyone (whether neurotypical or neurodivergent) should be treated equally by individuals, the workplace and external environments. Dyspraxia is the inability to utilize voluntary motor abilities effectively in all aspects of life from play to structured skilled tasks or motor difficulties caused by perceptual problems, especially visual-motor and kinesthetic motor difficulties. This is actually a really interesting question. I think about interview and can only think there is no good answer, you have no skills or traits of value. Forget my 10 years of experience, degree in the field, and being the only internal applicant. Retrieved from:https://childmind.org/article/how-to-spot-dyscalculia/, Mayo Clinic (2021). However, some people with conditions that fall under neurodiversity can also have neurological disorders. Neurodiversity refers to the different ways the brain can work and interpret information. The role of parenting style, temperament, and attachment. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12744954/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Neuro diversity is about how you experience life because of your neurology, notabout your exact dx. Definition of Dyslexia. Ranger Review. Retrieved from:https://www.dyscalculia.org/, Dyspraxia Foundation (2021). WebNeurodiversity is an umbrella term used to describe a number of these variations. I have temperal lobe seizures and they can feel really weird, sometimes its like looping deja vu or derealization. Last time I researched and spoke with my doctor on whether epilepsy is a neurodivergent condition it was not considered one. University of Ottawa provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation CA-FR. The term neurodivergent describes people whose brain differences affect how their brain works. I know I should be used to it by now, but it just keeps progressing, the memory problems didnt start coming on until I was 22, the post-ictal aphasia (terrifying) didnt start until I was 23c and the nocturnal seizures with post-ictal hallucinations didnt start until I was 24. Despite having challenges, many individuals who are neurodiverse can have a successful career and be an asset to a company. If anyone told me to look for the plus sides of my epilepsy and see it as part of who I am Id probably tell them to go f themselves for being so insultingly oblivious to the pain of this disorder. Additionally, neurodevelopmental conditions may also be associated with other health issues that require extra monitoring or treatment. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development |cipd.co.uk. Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight lossfrom exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. its a problem to be dealt with on a daily basis, and i consider myself disabled and i struggle and blah blah, but i didnt grow up having to integrate into a society that wasnt built for me. Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits. Neurodivergent is differing in mental or neurological function from what is considered typical or normal whereas neurotypical describes individuals of typical developmental, intellectual, and cognitive abilities. ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Tourette Syndrome are conditions that fall under neurodiversity. They can refer you to a specialist or other providers who can determine if you have a medical disorder, condition or other brain-related difference that might explain why your brain works differently. Some common neurodiverse conditions are: ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Seizures are due to some Neurodiversity and Opportunities in Psychiatry. The word for people who arent neurodivergent is neurotypical. That means their strengths and challenges aren't affected by any kind of difference that changes how their brains work. Understanding and embracing neurodiversity in communities, schools, healthcare settings, and workplaces can improve inclusivity for all people. Through online platforms, more and more autistic people were able to connect and form a self-advocacy movement. Dyspraxia (difficulty with coordination). Look at me. They unequivocally suck, as they progressed they made my dreams firmly out of reach, nearly destroyed my life, made many normal activities impossible, and Id give just about anything to make them and the lasting damage theyve inflicted go away. However I understand that this is a highly personally stance and everybody sees it differently. WebIn celebration of Purple Day, I will be writing some posts for epilepsy awareness throughout the day.

Others might not be able to communicate their needs or feelings, may struggle with impairing and harmful behaviors that impact their safety and well-being, and may be dependent on support in all areas of their life. Neurological disorders do not fall under neurodiversity even though they affect the brain. However, some neurological disorders can be associated with developmental disorders that are considered neurodiverse. Approximately thirty percent of individuals who are diagnosed with autism have epilepsy as well. Im autistic and have adhd and those are neurodivergences to me. In the 1990s Judy Signer a sociologist rejected the thought that individuals with autism were disabled. I can't drive, swimming is dangerous although I still do it. Austin, R.D. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22545843/). For someone with a disability, an accommodation is a way to accept that theyre different or have challenges, and then give them a tool or a way to succeed. These results are unequivocal: low diversity made these neuronal circuits fragile, poorly resilient and unable to maintain the type of activity required to preserve brain function. Instead, the research shows people who know about the idea of being neurodivergent use that knowledge to adapt and help them succeed. Neurodivergent is defined as differing in mental or neurological function from what is considered typical or normal. Although epilepsy is obviously a disorder, I think the social model of disability applies more often than not. Cleveland Clinic Children's is dedicated to the medical, surgical and rehabilitative care of infants, children and adolescents. What does diversity have to do with epilepsy? However, research shows that knowing about the idea of neurodiversity doesnt mean people who are neurodivergent ignore or deny that they have struggles. 2023 by The President and Fellows of Harvard College, Do not sell my personal information | Privacy Policy. Neurodiversity Club Event Thursday! Seizure signs and symptoms may include: Temporary confusion.