We have what it takes to socially integrate the neurodiverse, but we often fall short. Why?
We’ve come a long way when it comes to physically integrating neurodiverse individuals. But physical integration doesn’t automatically lead to social integration. In fact, despite their presence at schools, the workplace, and other social spaces, the neurodiverse are often ostracized, marginalized, and misunderstood. Why?
Many of us don’t even realize that, despite our best intentions, we might unconsciously harbor ableist beliefs and unwittingly discriminate against the neurodiverse.
That’s because our culture is deeply influenced by the medical model of disability, which regards any physical or cognitive variation—particularly those resulting in what might be considered underperformance in some areas—as “unhealthy” or as “problems” that need to be fixed.
It’s not an easy job to face our biases and go out of our way to socially integrate the neurodiverse—but it can be done. When we begin to understand the different neurodevelopmental conditions, we end up naturally discarding some of our prejudices. We also end up realizing that it’s possible to have a rewarding and fruitful interaction with the neurodiverse, despite some of the usual social communication barriers. A healthy dose of curiosity, respect, and flexibility can take us far.
We have what it takes to socially integrate the neurodiverse, but we often fall short. Why?
We’ve come a long way when it comes to physically integrating neurodiverse individuals. But physical integration doesn’t automatically lead to social integration. In fact, despite their presence at schools, the workplace, and other social spaces, the neurodiverse are often ostracized, marginalized, and misunderstood. Why?
Many of us don’t even realize that, despite our best intentions, we might unconsciously harbor ableist beliefs and unwittingly discriminate against the neurodiverse.
That’s because our culture is deeply influenced by the medical model of disability, which regards any physical or cognitive variation—particularly those resulting in what might be considered underperformance in some areas—as “unhealthy” or as “problems” that need to be fixed.
It’s not an easy job to face our biases and go out of our way to socially integrate the neurodiverse—but it can be done. When we begin to understand the different neurodevelopmental conditions, we end up naturally discarding some of our prejudices. We also end up realizing that it’s possible to have a rewarding and fruitful interaction with the neurodiverse, despite some of the usual social communication barriers. A healthy dose of curiosity, respect, and flexibility can take us far.