To think “neurodivergent” is being used too casually and too often?

[MauveOrca]

Every quirk or preference doesn’t mean you’re ND. I know diagnoses help some people but it feels like it’s now shorthand for anything outside the mainstream. Can we not just have variation without a label?

Ah OK. I'm sorry, I think I misunderstood your original comment and pounced on you a bit. Apologies.

I do agree that businesses pay lip service, but IME they do this even when they specifically name the condition i.e. "autism friendly" which I always know straight away will not be inclusive of my autistic child because they are generally only catering to the same small handful of needs that only some autistic people have. Not that I begrudge those people having their needs met whatsoever, but I think it shows there's a lack of real engagement with disabled people to dig a bit deeper into more of the barriers to participation that they face.

it isnt just parents seeking the diagnosis, it is teachers, so many of them

As an autistic woman I do dislike how interchangeably “ND” is used for meaning a specific diagnosis. ND can mean many, many things. From Autism to Dyslexic to Downs Syndrome to Bipolar.

I hate when people use it as such a broad blanket term thinking it means only “on the spectrum”

It’s self perpetuating because no one is going to post on mn that their DC is bright, has lots of friends, always chosen for the best role in the school play -do you think they could be NT? ….mind you

Oh bless.

When it is used as an excuse for bad behaviour and lack of boundaries then absolutely, I agree, yes!
Otherwise, I believe the diagnosis is beneficial to help understand the needs and challenges that individual may face in everyday life so they can receive the necessary support available if the so want it.

20% of the population consider themselves neurodiverse.

I have to agree. My son is obviously neurodivergent (as told by health visitors, doctors he’s seen both at the gp and hospital, the school etc) but because hes been awaiting his diagnosis for 4 years now on the list - I say ‘suspected autism/adhd’. It’s ridiculous because I know someone who is all on the Facebook groups for autism and claims her daughter is autistic and plays on it, but she has NEVER took her even to the gp to seek help. She plasters her daughter with this medical condition but has never sought help for testing for a diagnosis.

Yet my poor son is only in part time school (even with an ehcp) because his needs are so severe and he attacks me and himself daily to the point where I have bald spots on my head, he also has vicious daily meltdowns which basically end up in panic attacks and he runs into roads on a daily basis. But hey, because everyone labels their child as neurodivergent and are blocking up the waiting lists, genuine people like my son can’t get a diagnosis .

it is not just in this particular context,
i read on another thread, Tell me you know nothing about working for the NHS without telling me you don’t know what it’s like

ergh

do you actually speak to people like this?

most of those on the waiting lists are diagnosed tbh

Says who,you? Who cares anyway. Neurodiversity isn’t a diagnosis. It’s an internet catch all phrase.

i read it online @L1ghyn1ngBug
Are we becoming a more neurodiverse nation? - Options Autism

Because they are screened beforehand.

15% @L1ghyn1ngBug
Raising Teens: Neurodiversity | Make Good Trouble

Have you considered that people may mention it because they are hoping to be treated with a little understanding rather than being treated like shit for being different?

It is outrageous that anyone should feel they need to disclose their medical information for a chance of being treated with thoughtfulness but sadly NT people are not generally known for their willingness to embrace ND.

If youre not disabled you're fine, if you're disabled enough you get the pity, the bless you's, the tick box inclusion and the performative compassion but if you're in the 'not nt enough not nd enough' section then you can either tell people your struggles or you can get laughed at, sneered at, bullied and ostracised.

My younger son is much more severely autistic than my older son. He gets more understanding from strangers than my older son, who is autistic enough to be seen as weird and be rejected but not autistic enough for the NTs to get themselves some kindness stickers on their inclusion star chart.

I dont blame any autistic person for doing what they need to do to get by.

Other ND children aren't the problem. The problem is massive underfunding in every area that affects ND children leading to years long waiting lists. You're directing your anger at the wrong people, but i guess berating other ND children and parents on mumsnet is an easier target than lobbying the government for change.

I'm also confused as to how this other woman is taking up space on a waiting list if as you've said, she hasn't been to the GP. That's how you get on the waiting list. So she can't be both taking up space on a waiting list and also never have been to the GP.

While you're writing to your MP to lobby for help for more healthcare for ND children, id suggest you get your son on the right to choose pathway.

Also - who are you to decide all these other people aren't ND but your kid is?

1% of children have an autism diagnosis, 5% adhd. “Neurodiversity” isn’t a diagnosis it’s an internet catch all phrase.

i dont think neurodiversity is an internet catch all phrase @L1ghyn1ngBug

People only get on nhs waiting lists after screening.

it all boils down to lack of funding in education.

Yes it is. It’s not a diagnosis.

What does?

the problems in schooling, the problems catering for neurodiversity in schools.

No, neurodivergent/neurodiversity are medical terms. Many things are a neurodivergence including some very common things such as left handedness and dyslexia. You are being unreasonable to demand that the term is re-defined to include only the things that suit you.

It’s not just funding- it’s ignorance, abelism,lack of training and the education system too.