An Overview of Neurodiversity:
According to the National Conference for Community and Justice, Dr. Nick Walker, a professor at the California Institute of Integral Studies, defined neurodiversity as “the diversity of human brains and minds – the infinite variation in neurocognitive functioning within our species.” Similar to racial or cultural diversity, neurodiversity focuses on the valuable input and abilities that a multitude of individuals can bring. Additionally, it is vital to recognize that neurodiversity encompasses a spectrum rather than focusing on one condition or group of conditions. Moreover, neurodiversity should be considered a biological characteristic. In other words, neurodiversity refers to the idea that each of us has differences in our brain function and these are common or normal, and even beneficial. Rather than view these variations in cognitive and behavioral abilities as hurdles to overcome, we should aim to determine the positive attributes of each individual and utilize these assets to further our knowledge and progress.
Judy Singer, an Australian autism rights advocate and sociologist, first formulated the term, “neurodiversity,” in 1988, however it was not well known or commonly used. In fact, journalist Harvey Blume made this term more well known in an article by The Atlantic, expressing, “Neurodiversity may be every bit as crucial for the human race as biodiversity is for life in general. Who can say what form of wiring will prove best at any given moment? Cybernetics and computer culture, for example, may favor a somewhat autistic cast of mind.” Since then, the word has gained popularity and has spread to usage in education, medicine, and other fields.
The Importance of Neurodiversity in Our Society:
While recent years have highlighted the progression of an accepting society where the neurodivergent are acknowledged through the forms of an increase in special education schools and aid specific organizations, much work remains undone. In the Harvard Business Review, Austin and Pisano discuss the challenges the neurodivergent face in a world where societal conformity remains prevalent. Approximately 35% of individuals with autism continue into higher education and those who receive college degrees oftentimes must settle for low paying, minimum way jobs according to the Market Watch. Not only do the neurodiverse tend to struggle finding jobs, those who do enter the market endure a separate series of complications where work places remain reluctant to create accommodations to the individual’s needs and work styles. The inability for the world to empathize with these unique disabilities prompts a closed minded society plagued with a single story where the lenses are simply focused on those thriving rather than the importance of elevating those who need a more supportive foundation. As the struggles of the neurodiverse remain in the shadows, the lack of resources and opportunities that are open to them will remain limited, restricting them from contributing to the development of a more empathetic world that is open to unleashing each individual’s potential and hearing each person’s story.
Currently, organizations exist to support the neurodivergent ranging from Autism Speaks, to RAD. Such organizations provide resources for the neurodivergent as many platforms such as MeetUp, an autism support group, promotes communities for the neurodivergent to share their stories and the Stanford Neurodiversity Project, which educates students on the importance of neurodiversity while permitting these students to help the neurodiverse through the implementation of their own innovative ideas. Each of these programs highlights the significance of advocacy and education, key components society must adopt in order to aid the neurodivergent. However, more can be done to break down the stigmas that cast shadows over these individuals.
Project Illuminate:
We began Project Illuminate to dismantle the stigmas surrounding neurodiversity, combat ignorance in our society, and raise awareness and increase knowledge about neurodivergence. While our high school is situated in a well resourced community where alumni, parents, and community members work hard to provide us with the necessary tools to exceed in our studies, we recognize that for many individuals, this is simply not the case. Moreover, amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, our district, along with all of California, resorted to a full online learning environment which posed many unprecedented challenges. The personal challenges that we faced during these adaptations seemed trivial in comparison to those with fewer resources, less accessibility, and other adversities beyond our own.
With Project Illuminate, we wanted to create a platform where neurodivergent individuals are engaged with their learning in a manner that accommodates their needs and allows us to share our love of the sciences. We want to be able to showcase the beauty of inquisition, curiosity, and discovery, and more importantly, gain insight and spread awareness to the difficulties that neurodivergent individuals face on a daily basis. Along with providing opportunities for neurodivergent students and empowering these individuals and ourselves, we want to increase empathy and open mindedness in our society via education in order to break down the barriers that stifle growth and welcome progress towards a more accepting and diverse future.
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