Language and Terminology: Neurodivergence in Public Policy

Abstract

Neurodivergence is a term defined by the parameters of “divergence in mental or neurological function from what is considered typical or normal” according to the Oxford Dictionary. In 1990, landmark legislation was enacted with the Americans with Disabilities Act, supplying a fundamental base of rights for all citizens of the United States with a disability, both physical and neurological. Since 1990, acts on both state and federal level have been signed to help expand protections and resources for neurodivergent individuals. While research has been done on disability policy before, the realm of which focusing on neurodivergence in relation to public policy holds a smaller section. The research in question aims to address the manner in which language referring to neurodivergent people has evolved over the years to become more inclusive. Additionally, the research aims to call attention to the impact language changes hold on the societal view and equity of neurodivergence in public policy. Identifying and implementing action in areas where language can be updated is vital in protecting the rights of and enhancing societal equity of neurodiverse people, as public policy holds an immense power in relation to societal observation. Utilizing data collection and coding while combing through state and federal legislative action from 1990-Present, it was found that with such evolution in language, there is still the pressing matter of a lack of inclusive usage of terms in state and federal policy. This lack of expansive terminology continues to hold negative results in the social and legal realm for neurodivergent people across the country. There was a clear lack of the term “neurodivergent” in any public policy, including those more recent past 2020, with many still including offensive terminology continually used against neurodivergent people.

Details

Session 2

3:00pm – 4:30pm

Grand Salon