Understanding Neurodiversity: Embracing Differences

Neurodiverse. Special needs. On the spectrum. Autistic. People with autism.

These are just a few of the terms used to describe how people’s brains can work differently. But what do they mean? How are they different? And how might they come up for you as a parent?

What does neurodiversity mean?

Neurodiversity is the idea that differences in how our brains work are a natural part of being human and that those differences shouldn’t be viewed as problems to fix. The term was first used in the 1990s by Judy Singer, an autistic Australian sociologist.¹ Her goal was to reduce the stigma surrounding neurological differences and to highlight the valuable contributions neurodivergent individuals make to society.

Neurodivergent individuals include those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities like dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia, and other conditions like Tourette Syndrome.

Why is embracing neurodiversity important?

The neurodiversity movement encourages us to accept differences—not change or “fix” them. It also reminds us to listen to and respect the experiences of neurodivergent individuals rather than viewing their differences as deficits.

With more people being diagnosed with autism, many families and professionals are now part of this movement of working together to create spaces where every child feels seen, heard, and supported.

What does it mean to be autistic?

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) describes autism as a different way of thinking, sensing, moving, communicating, and interacting with the world: “There is no one way to be autistic. All of us experience autism differently, but we all contribute to the world in meaningful ways. We all deserve understanding and acceptance.”²

By recognizing that children with autism learn and communicate differently, we can better meet their individual needs and build environments where they can thrive.

“There needs to be a lot more emphasis on what a child can do instead of what he cannot do.” —Temple Grandin

Should I say “autistic person” or “person with autism?”

You may have heard people use different terms like “autistic person” or “person with autism.” For a long time, person-first language (“person with autism”) was considered the most respectful. However, the neurodiversity movement has highlighted the importance of asking people how they want to be described.

In a survey by AutisticNotWeird.com, over 51% of people with autism preferred “autistic person,” while only 11.8% preferred “person with autism.”³ That shift in language reflects a growing effort to respect how individuals define themselves.

How can I support neurodivergent individuals?

There are many ways you can celebrate and support neurodivergent individuals. Here are a few ideas:

• Talk with people who are neurodivergent
• Listen to parents of neurodivergent children
• Celebrate their strengths and interests
• Be open to different perspectives and ways of thinking
• Provide opportunities to express creativity and imagination
• Accept various forms of communication (talking, writing, drawing, using visuals)
• Read books and articles that help explain neurodiversity

How can I help my children understand neurodiversity?

According to the (CDC), about 1 in 31 (3.2%) of children have autism spectrum disorder.⁴ It’s likely your child will have classmates or friends who are neurodivergent. Here are a few ways to help your child be inclusive and understanding:

• Ask your child’s teacher or school if they have resources or reading materials on neurodiversity
• Look for children’s books that explain differences in age-appropriate ways
• Include neurodivergent classmates in birthday parties and playdates
• Talk with parents of neurodivergent children to learn how to make events more inclusive
• Attend local events that support autism and neurodiversity
• If you live near Mesa, Arizona—visit! It’s the first Autism Certified City in the U.S.

“We are freshwater fish in saltwater. Put us in fresh water, and we function just fine. Put us in salt water, and we struggle to survive.”
—Anonymous student with autism

How Action Behavior Centers celebrates neurodiversity

At Action Behavior Centers, we believe that every child is unique. And that’s something to celebrate. We provide compassionate applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy that respects each child’s strengths, needs, and individual learning styles.

We’re also proud to be part of a movement that values understanding over judgment and progress over perfection. Our goal is to support children with autism while working with families to build a world that embraces neurodiversity.

Want to learn more about ABA therapy and how it supports neurodiverse children? Contact us today to get started. We don’t have waitlists, so your child can get started right away!

‍