Neurodiversity in Literature & Literary Theory

Neurodiversity: Etymology, Meanings and Concept

Etymology/Term:

The term “neurodiversity” originated in the late 1990s, combining “neuro,” referring to the nervous system or brain, and “diversity,” emphasizing the variation within a given population. Coined by Australian sociologist Judy Singer, neurodiversity challenges the traditional medical model of viewing neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others, as disorders to be cured or normalized. Instead, it promotes the idea that neurological differences are natural variations of the human brain, contributing to the diversity of human cognition and experience.

Meanings and Concept:

• Celebration of Differences: Neurodiversity emphasizes the value of neurological differences and sees them as integral to the richness of human diversity.
• Rejecting Pathologization: It opposes the pathologization of neurodivergent conditions, challenging the notion that these differences are inherently negative or need fixing.
• Social Model of Disability: Neurodiversity advocates for a social model of disability, asserting that societal barriers and stigma contribute significantly to the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, rather than the conditions themselves.
• Inclusion and Acceptance: The concept encourages inclusive environments that accept and accommodate neurodivergent individuals, fostering a more understanding and supportive society.
• Intersectionality: Neurodiversity recognizes the intersectionality of identities and experiences, acknowledging that neurodivergent individuals may also have other marginalized identities that influence their lived experiences.

The neurodiversity paradigm promotes a shift from focusing on deficits to recognizing and embracing the strengths and unique perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring to society.

Neurodiversity: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Neurodiversity is a theoretical concept that challenges the traditional pathologization of neurological differences by viewing them as natural variations within the human population. It posits that conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia are not disorders to be cured but rather represent diverse ways of thinking and experiencing the world. The neurodiversity framework advocates for acceptance, inclusion, and understanding, emphasizing the societal value of embracing the unique strengths and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals.

Neurodiversity: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists:

1. Judy Singer:
   • Coined the term “neurodiversity” in the late 1990s.
   • Advocate for the acceptance of neurological differences.
2. Harvey Blume:
   • Introduced the concept of neurodiversity in a 1998 article in The Atlantic.
3. Nick Walker:
   • Autistic scholar and advocate for neurodiversity.
   • Contributed to the understanding of autism from an insider perspective.

Works:

1. Neurodiversity: The Birth of an Idea (1998) by Harvey Blume:
   • One of the early articles that introduced the concept of neurodiversity.
2. The Power of Neurodiversity: Unleashing the Advantages of Your Differently Wired Brain (2011) by Thomas Armstrong:
   • Explores the positive aspects of neurodiversity and how it can benefit society.
3. Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity (2015) by Steve Silberman:
   • Traces the history of autism and its changing perceptions over time.

Arguments:

1. Social Model of Disability:
   • Argues that disability is not solely a result of an individual’s impairments but is also shaped by societal attitudes and structures.
2. Pathologizing vs. Neurodiversity Paradigm:
   • Critiques the traditional medical model that pathologizes neurological differences and advocates for the acceptance of neurodiversity.
3. Inclusive Education:
   • Advocates for inclusive educational practices that accommodate diverse learning styles and needs.
4. Identity and Pride:
   • Emphasizes the importance of recognizing neurodivergent identities and fostering a sense of pride in one’s neurological differences.
5. Employment and Neurodiversity:
   • Highlights the strengths and contributions that neurodivergent individuals can bring to the workplace, promoting inclusive hiring practices.

Neurodiversity: Major Characteristics

Neurological Condition	Major Characteristics	Literary References
Autism	– Social Communication Challenges: Difficulty with nonverbal communication and interpreting social cues. – Repetitive Behaviors and Special Interests: Engages in repetitive movements or activities and develops intense interests.	– “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” by Mark Haddon – “Rain Man” (film)
ADHD	– Inattention and Hyperactivity: Difficulty sustaining attention and impulsivity or hyperactivity.	– “Fidgety Fish” by Ruth Galloway
Dyslexia	– Reading Difficulties: Difficulty with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and poor spelling.	– “The Dyslexic Advantage” by Brock and Fernette Eide
Dyspraxia	– Motor Coordination Challenges: Difficulty with motor planning and coordination.	– “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion
General Neurodiversity Themes	– Strengths and Talents: Emphasizes the unique strengths and talents associated with neurodivergent individuals. – Diversity and Acceptance: Advocates for embracing neurodiversity as a natural and valuable part of the human experience.	– “NeuroTribes” by Steve Silberman – “The Reason I Jump” by Naoki Higashida

This table provides a concise overview of major characteristics and literary references associated with different neurological conditions within the neurodiversity framework.

Neurodiversity: Relevance in Literary Theories

1. Postcolonial Theory:
   • Recognizes the diversity of voices and experiences, including those of neurodivergent individuals.
   • Challenges the dominance of a singular narrative and encourages the representation of marginalized perspectives.
   • Acknowledges the importance of hearing stories from different cultural and neurological backgrounds.
2. Feminist Theory:
   • Emphasizes the intersectionality of identities, including neurodivergent experiences in the context of gender.
   • Advocates for the inclusion of diverse voices and challenges stereotypical portrayals of women, including those with neurodivergent identities.
3. Disability Studies:
   • Considers neurodivergence as a form of disability and examines the societal constructions of normalcy.
   • Explores how literature reflects and shapes attitudes towards neurodivergent individuals.
   • Critiques ableism in literary representations and advocates for more nuanced and authentic portrayals.
4. Narrative Theory:
   • Explores the ways in which neurodivergent individuals construct and engage with narratives.
   • Examines the impact of neurodivergent perspectives on narrative structure and storytelling techniques.
   • Considers the role of neurodiversity in shaping both fictional and non-fictional narratives.
5. Queer Theory:
   • Recognizes the diversity of identities and experiences within the neurodivergent community.
   • Challenges heteronormative and neurotypical assumptions, fostering a more inclusive understanding of sexuality and neurodivergence.
   • Examines how literature can contribute to the representation and validation of queer neurodivergent voices.
6. Psychoanalytic Theory:
   • Explores the ways in which neurodivergent characters and themes are represented in literature as reflections of societal attitudes towards the mind and behavior.
   • Analyzes the portrayal of neurodivergent individuals in relation to broader cultural and psychological dynamics.
7. Critical Race Theory:
   • Considers the intersections of race and neurodivergence, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by individuals with diverse identities.
   • Advocates for the inclusion of neurodivergent voices within discussions of race and ethnicity in literature.

Neurodiversity: Application in Critiques

1. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon:
   • Neurodiversity Perspective: This novel is narrated by an autistic protagonist, Christopher Boone. The narrative offers readers insight into the unique thought processes and sensory experiences of an autistic individual.
   • Critique: While the novel is praised for its empathetic portrayal of autism, some critics argue that it may inadvertently perpetuate certain stereotypes. A neurodiversity critique would highlight the need for a range of autistic voices in literature and question the responsibility of authors in representing diverse neurodivergent experiences.
2. The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner:
   • Neurodiversity Perspective: The novel includes a character, Benjy Compson, who is intellectually disabled. Faulkner’s use of stream of consciousness provides a unique window into Benjy’s fragmented perception of time.
   • Critique: A neurodiversity critique might explore how the novel navigates the line between presenting a character with intellectual disability authentically and avoiding stereotypes. It could also discuss the impact of the narrative technique on the reader’s understanding of neurodivergent experiences.
3. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion:
   • Neurodiversity Perspective: The protagonist, Don Tillman, exhibits characteristics associated with neurodivergence (possibly Asperger’s syndrome). The novel explores his challenges and successes in the realm of romantic relationships.
   • Critique: A neurodiversity critique might commend the novel for humanizing neurodivergent experiences but may also question the extent to which it reinforces or challenges stereotypes. It could discuss the portrayal of neurodivergence in the context of romantic relationships and societal expectations.
4. The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon:
   • Neurodiversity Perspective: The novel is narrated by an autistic protagonist, Lou Arrendale, who faces a moral dilemma related to an experimental treatment that could potentially “normalize” him.
   • Critique: From a neurodiversity standpoint, the critique might discuss the ethical implications raised by the narrative and the broader societal attitudes toward neurodivergent individuals. It could explore whether the novel promotes acceptance or inadvertently supports a “cure” narrative.

Neurodiversity: Relevant Terms

Term	Definition
Neurodivergence	Individual differences in neurological structure and function.
Neurotypical	Describing individuals without neurological differences.
Neurodivergent	Refers to individuals with neurological differences.
Neuroatypical	Deviating from the typical neurological profile.
Neurodivergent Identity	A sense of self associated with neurological differences.
Neurodivergent Advocacy	Activism and support for the rights of neurodivergent individuals.
Neuroinclusion	The practice of inclusivity for individuals with diverse neurological profiles.
Neurodiverse Community	A group of people with varying neurological conditions.
Neurodivergent Culture	Shared values, experiences, and perspectives among neurodivergent individuals.
Neurodivergent Pride	Embracing and celebrating one’s neurodivergent identity.

Neurodiversity: Suggested Readings

1. Grandin, Temple. Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism. Vintage, 2006.
2. Haddon, Mark. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Vintage, 2004.
3. Higashida, Naoki. The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism. Random House, 2013.
4. Moon, Elizabeth. The Speed of Dark. Ballantine Books, 2003.
5. Silberman, Steve. NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity. Avery, 2015.
6. Simsion, Graeme. The Rosie Project. Simon & Schuster, 2013.
7. Singer, Judy. “Why Can’t You Be Normal for Once in Your Life?” in Disability, Handicap & Society, vol. 2, no. 3, 1987, pp. 259-267.
8. Walker, Nick. “Throw Away the Master’s Tools: Liberating Ourselves from the Pathology Paradigm.” in Disability Studies Quarterly, vol. 23, no. 3, 2003.
9. Yergeau, Melanie. Authoring Autism: On Rhetoric and Neurological Queerness. Duke University Press, 2018.