Some of the terminology used throughout this blog may be unfamiliar to new readers.
This is because, unlike in many Autism-related blogs, the terminology used here reflects upon the principles of the social model of disability and the neurodiversity paradigm.
Most people are more accustomed to the use of pathologizing terminology, the type of terminology that implies - or even directly states - that disability is inherently negative and needs to be eliminated. That type of terminology will not be used here unless absolutely necessary.
For the sake of convenience all terms which are likely to cause confusion are defined below.
This glossary will be expanded upon as needed, so check back occasionally.
Neurodiversity - Neurodiversity is a term for the near-infinite diversity of human brains.
Neurotype - A neurotype is the term for an individual form of brain-wiring, typically shared by a group of people. All disabilities that affect the brain can be considered different neurotypes.
Neurotypical - Neurotypical is a term for anyone whose neurotype is characterized by the lack mental disability. This neurotype is currently considered to be the most common one, and it is certainly the most accepted and accommodated neurotype.
Neuroatypical - Neuroatypical is a term for anyone whose neurotype is anything other than that of a neurotypical.
Neurodivergent - Neurodivergent is, essentially, a synonym to neuroatypical, it’s just easier to tell apart from the term neurotypical due to the extreme differences in the spelling of the two words.
Disabled - Anyone who is not an able-bodied neurotypical is disabled by society’s lack of willingness to accommodate the needs of people within this category.
Able-bodied - Anyone who isn’t physically disabled is considered able-bodied.
Enabled - Enabled is a term used to refer to anyone who is not disabled, people whose needs are automatically accommodated by society.
All the definitions provided here are phrased in my own words, however, given that I did not coin any of these terms on my own, it can be assumed that my definitions of them are influenced by both the people who created them and other members of the disabled community.
No comments:
Post a Comment