NEURODIVERSITY

In my research I collaborate with people on the autism spectrum. I feel very privileged to meet so many beautiful people that share their intimate lived experiences with me. When presenting my research I am often dismayed by people’s preconceptions of these lived experiences. I wanted to share a little of what I have learned so far, whilst acknowledging that I still have so much more to learn.

The human race is neurodiverse. Neurodiversity means that humans experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways. There is no right way of thinking, learning and behaving. All our brains work in different ways, therefore autism is a normal human difference. Diversity is beautiful and important. In fact, the human race thrives on neurodiversity in the same way the planet thrives on biodiversity. Our unique experience of the world is something we each own. Each of us have the right to create an experience that empowers us to make our unique contribution to the world; unlocking human potential.

Whilst I do not want to diminish the personal challenges of being neurodivergent, I believe design has a huge responsibility to limit those challenges through more thoughtful consideration of what we put out into the world. The sensations our designs craft is just one example of such necessary considerations. These considerations can only emerge by including people with neurodiverse lived experiences in the design process, collboratively exploring ways to improve their own lives.

Some resources that I have borrowed from to help shape my language on neurodiversity and universal design are: