Some basic readings on Neuro-atypicality; referring to mental processing and perception that is not ‘neuro-typical’. I.e., Individuals such as those with Autism, mental illnesses, and processing disorders.
Some individuals declare their neuro-atypicality/neuro-diversity upfront (such as in the third article), while others prefer to put their identity as a person first before their cognitive processing (such as in the first article). This is an individual choice, and one which I leave to those who have neuro-atypical experiences. I, myself, come from a neurotypical experience, and thus cannot make comments on the behalf of those who are diagnosed with neuro-atypicalities such as Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism, and Dyslexia.
Myths and Misconceptions,
The Autistic view of the world is not the Neurotypical Cliche, and
How an Aspie found happiness in a Neurotypical world.
Something which has bothered me a bit recently, is the amount of times educators, lecturers, and even colleagues give talks making assumptions that everyone in the audience is Neurotypical.
Particularly with mental health and public health spaces, there is no room or acknowledgement made for those who are on the ‘spectrum’ of experiences that make someone neuro-diverse. The immediate assumption is that everybody is the ‘same’, everyone ‘gets’ the same experiences, and that we talk about issues such as trauma and lack of parental attachment as ‘anomalies’ in theory. In a detached, disjointed way, as if nobody in the audience is hiding that information because you’ve just demonstrated that it’s unsafe to declare it.
‘How could I know?’ echoes someone’s defense incredulously, ‘how can you go about assuming these things?’
For starters, if you’re going to start a conversation in a group about these topics, I expect you to be equipped with basic knowledge and awareness so that you can approach the topic safely. And by ‘safe’, I mean by creating an intellectual safety net that respect and makes room for those to whom you are referring. Don’t talk about issues such as trauma as if there is nobody in the room with these experiences. Don’t make assumptions about people’s families, or relationships with medical professionals. Basic, right?
Apparently not. We can do better, everyone. If you’re unsure, get a sensitivity reader to go over your material to ensure that you’re being respectful during lectures. Bill it on your operating budget if you have to. Just because individuals do not immediately make life easy for you by risking their safety for the benefit of your presentation, doesn’t mean that everyone in your audience is homogeneous. You will present to Indigenous people, Black people, people with intergenerational trauma, with direct trauma, with processing issues, with various disabilities requiring accommodation, and difficult childhoods. You will speak to adults who were bullied as children, abused as adults, and who do not have a Hallmark-perfect December with loved ones. So, please stop basing your entire presentation on the assumption that two-dimensional people are your audience. Be considerate. Be thoughtful.
Assumed neurotypicality only achieves the alienation of those in your audience who are referred to in the abstract. Who you speak about ‘in theory’, dismissing their existence.
Research & Beyond 