The Rise in Youth Activism:
As society continues to progress, so does the idea of what it means to be neurodivergent. More than ever before, individuals obtain access to an abundance of resources that permit them to educate themselves on the communities around them and the ability to develop platforms to change the historically harmful stigma that encompasses the term neurodivergent.
The rise in youth activism has been a growing trend in recent years and the participation of sharing on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter showcases the value of youth advocacy like never before. Many of the battles for gun control we witness today stem from the students of Parkland High, who define the tragic shooting they endured as “...a wake up call, a tipping point for us as a generation” (Eder) and the call for the protection of the climate from from Greta Thunberg, a young activist that has “spoken at international meetings, including the UN's 2019 climate change gathering in New York, and this year's World Economic Forum in Davos” (BBC).
The Significance of Youth Voices:
Youth voices hold the power to rebuild what it means to be a neurodivergent individual. Neurodiversity has been defined as a “cultural movement” (Youth Today), and cultures have the potential to change. The momentum that the youth can start, whether that be through the means of educating those around them on the capacities of the neurodiverse, advocating for policy changes with their local legislatures, or starting clubs and organization chapters on their campuses, can ripple change by breaking down common misconceptions surrounding neurodiversity. With special education programs blossoming in many school districts, the youth can redefine the culture of neurodiversity and raise neurodivergent voices to promote inclusivity and individuality.
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