Neurotypes

Day 28 of a 30-day series originally published for Facebook April 2021

The term "neurotype" is the name given to one individual form of brain wiring. The so-called "normal" or most widely recognized brain type is referred to as "neurotypical." (wiki)

The terms "neurotype," "neurotypical," "neurodivergent," etc are not medically recognized terms. They are terms mostly used within the autism community, and they are specifically used by those who reject the idea that Autism is a disorder. "According to some theorists, autism can be described as a human variant with extreme advantages. Instead of seeing autism as a disorder that needs fixing, they see autism as a characteristic of an individual, like having brown hair or being left-handed. Being neurodiverse simply means having a brain that’s wired differently." (Healthline)

As a parent, I can see both sides. I think M is incredible, and although the need for support exists, we absolutely see autism as part of who he is. He does not need to be fixed, he needs to be understood. That said, my son is verbal, he is affectionate, and at times he will share with me what's in his head. We are connected. This is not every family's experience. Supports for autism are extremely expensive. Imagine if Autism were only recognized as a neurotype and not a disorder? At that point, would insurance stop covering the necessary supports? Would those supports be as available as they are right now? It's hard to say, I don't know the answer.

As a society, I would like to see us all move towards a more accepting place. We should consider it our responsibility to "get comfortable" with people who are different than us; to learn about others, to seek to understand. At the same time, as a parent, I recognize there are deeply rooted systems in place that will make that shift slow and difficult, and at this time I am unwilling to jeopardize losing the incredible supports we have in place for a label change.