Episode 63 - Neurodiversity vs. Neurodivergence: Every Brain Is Different, But Not Everyone Is Neurodivergent
14m | Nov 4, 2026Episode Summary:
In this episode of Exploring Brain and Mind, we unpack the history, language and core concepts behind neurodiversity.
While it's common to hear individuals described as "neurodiverse," grammatically and conceptually, a single person cannot be neurodiverse – humanity as a whole is.
We trace the origin of the term back to Australian sociologist Judy Singer's 1998 honours thesis, highlight activist Kassiane Sibley's (now Kassiane Asasumasu's) coining of "neurodivergent" and address the common myth that "everyone is a little neurodivergent”.
We also clarify a distinction the UK's Oliver McGowan training makes explicit – that a "learning disability" and a "learning difficulty" are not the same thing.
Finally, we contrast the Medical Model of Disability with the Social Model to explain why environmental design – not individual pathology – determines how different minds experience the world.
Key Takeaways
· Language Precision: Neurodiversity is a collective noun describing the total spectrum of human minds. An individual is neurodivergent (if their cognitive processing diverges from societal norms) or neurotypical (if it aligns with dominant norms).
· Historical Roots: Judy Singer's 1998 honours thesis is widely credited with popularising the term neurodiversity as a civil rights framework for human minds, building on earlier language from journalist Harvey Blume and the online autistic community; Kassiane Sibley (now Kassiane Asasumasu) coined neurodivergent in the early 2000s to give individuals a personal identity label.
· The "Everyone is Unique" Myth: While all human brains process information differently on a raw biological level, saying "everyone is neurodivergent" erases the specific systemic friction faced by people with conditions like Autism, ADHD, or Dyslexia.
· Learning Difficulty vs. Learning Disability: In UK usage, a learning disability affects general intellectual ability (typically an IQ below 70) and everyday adaptive functioning from childhood, while a learning difficulty – such as Dyslexia or Dyspraxia – creates a specific barrier to one kind of learning without affecting overall intelligence. The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training specifically covers learning disability and autism, not the broader category of learning difficulties.
· Medical vs. Social Model: The Medical Model seeks to cure or fix "deficits" in the individual, whereas the Social Model focuses on removing environmental barriers so diverse minds can thrive.
Keywords:
Neurodiversity, Neurodivergent, Neurotypical, Judy Singer, Kassiane Asasumasu, Kassiane Sibley, Social Model of Disability, Medical Model of Disability, learning disability vs learning difficulty, Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Cognitive Science, Exploring Brain and Mind Podcast
Resources & Further Reading
· Reflections on Neurodiversity by Judy Singer: Official writing and reflections from the Australian sociologist widely credited with popularising the term neurodiversity in her 1998 honours thesis.
· Neurodiversity: The Birth of an Idea by Judy Singer: Judy Singer's e-book outlining the history of the neurodiversity movement and its evolutionary importance.
· The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism: The official UK framework emphasizing the Social Model of Disability, effective communication, and reasonable adjustments in healthcare and social settings.
· Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities – "Learning difficulties": A clear, UK-specific explainer distinguishing learning difficulties (e.g., dyslexia, dyspraxia) from learning disabilities.
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