One way to view this discussion is to address perspectives on Autism in the lens of neurodiversity. The concept of neurodiversity has risen in greater awareness and acceptance as more people acknowledge and celebrate differences in functioning. From the way individuals communicate, process information, or respond to subtle changes in their environment, the stigma of disability is being replaced with rebranded focus on strengths and unique capabilities.

The multi-modal solutions that Vance suggests only further emphasizes the need for schools, workplaces, and other community locations to demonstrate greater understanding and accessibility to content across different sensory systems given that we all process information a bit differently.

Let’s back up a bit to make sure everyone is on the same page about whatneurodiversity is. When you break down the term to its core, “neuro” relates to all things in the nervous system, whereas “diversity” is the practice of inclusion given various different backgrounds. When you add the terms together, you get neurodiversity...

“..the range of differences in individual brain function and behavioral traits, regarded as part of normal variation in the human population...”