Judy Singer

Judy Singer is usually acknowledged for having coined the term 'neurodiversity', in this sociology thesis about autism and society. Part personal journey (she is the daughter and mother of women with Asperger, and is herself on the autistic spectrum) part academic (she challenges social constructivism to put forward a new model of disability) here's a punchy read which captured brilliantly the zeitgeist of our era. No cutting around the bush: here's a must read.

What is 'neurodiversity'? show more Well, in essence, it's the recognition that there are many forms of intelligence, different ways of thinking, and that not all human brains are the same (whether affected by a neurological disorder or not). So far, it's stating the obvious. Where her view are radical, though, is when she uses such human diversity to put forward a powerful metaphor: as biodiversity is essential to an ecosystem, so is neurodiversity to human society. Why is that radical? Because, whereas for decades we have been used to perceive people on the autistic spectrum as being disabled (a weakness), such view, on the contrary, acknowledges them as being different but useful (a strength).

That such a view came to prominence in our times is not so surprising. After all, Asperger was recognised in 1994, the decade when digital technologies also started to emerge. If before that such individuals might have been misunderstood, bullied, and ostracised somehow for being nerds and geeks, it shouldn't surprise us much that nerds and geeks are now in demand, with Asperger (for example) turning out to be an asset:

'Perhaps it is not too fanciful to suggest that we are entering an era of co-evolution with machines that opens up a new ecological niche for people 'on the spectrum', allowing them to flourish.'

Indeed!

Now, plainly acknowledging differences in brain functioning doesn't mean she falls into the trap of post-modernist nonsense! Disabilities are NOT just social constructs, forged by oppressive 'neurotypicals'. She owes to identity politics for bringing under the spotlights individuals who are different, yet she has no patience for social theories; and certainly no patience for whose ignoring neuroscience to serve their own political agenda (the victimhood mindset so en vogue these days among some...). She, on the contrary, perfectly makes clear that, in term of brain functioning, if 'different' doesn't mean 'less', it doesn't mean 'everybody is the same' either. As such, she sneers at psychotherapy; that she perceives (rightly or wrongly) as still seeing autism as a behavioural issue that needs to be fixed. She also values back the 'medical model'; no longer 'the bogey it once was' (doctors knowing best and fixing patronised patients through drugs and other treatments) for now being a 'partnership' with patients turned 'informed consumers'. Doctors came a long way indeed since the 1960s! She gives them that.

This book, of course, is not without its weakness. Let's nail the point: she only adresses here high functioning autism, including Asperger. Obviously, it therefore makes it easier for such individuals to be included and accepted for their differences, their brain wiring an asset. Sadly, we can't say the same of others, on the spectrum too, yet so cognitively impaired that they don't have such intellectual capabilities or level of independence. 'Neurodiversity' as inclusive and accepting is a great concept; yet one has to be careful in not letting it blind us to what still is an harrowing reality: autism can also be a seriously disabling disorder. Yes, 'normalcy' is an ideal some can (and should) have access to, but to others it still remains biologically denied.

Such caution put aside, there is no denying that 'neuro-diverse' vs 'neurotypicals' is a powerful new sociological paradigm when it comes to differences. In fact, Judy Singer only addressed Asperger, and, yet, her view was so striking that it has since been taken over by a multitude of people, experiencing from other cognitive disabilities to mental illnesses. Isn't that ground-breaking? Then there we are! Again: here's a must read. show less

Singer claims to have coined the term "neurodiversity" in her undergrad thesis about autism, disability and society, which is printed here with a lengthy Introduction. It's a quick read and a worthwhile one from a historical perspective and for its blend of social commentary, autism advocacy and personal memoir.

It's interesting to note that the term "neurodiversity" now covers a much bigger range than just the categories of neurotypicals and autistic people/Aspies. It's been adopted as an show more umbrella to cover dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, AD(H)D, stroke survivors and more. It's become an important social movement in less than twenty years but still needs much greater recognition and acceptance by society as a whole. show less