Mind Matters

Emily Kircher-Morris chats with Emily Paige Ballou about the need for a more nuanced conversation around identity and support for neurodivergent individuals. They talk about the social model of disability, and the implications of public discourse on autism. They also explore the superpower narrative, and the importance of understanding both strengths and challenges of neurodivergent individuals. They touch on the cultural context of autism today, and critiques of the label of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). TAKEAWAYS Neurodiversity is rooted in the concept of biodiversity. The term neurodiversity is often misused in mainstream conversations. Disability is an inherent part of human diversity. The superpower narrative can overshadow the challenges of neurodivergence. Support must address both strengths and disabilities. The social model of disability is a useful framework but has limitations. Identity-related statements can be problematic and oversimplified. PDA may obscure underlying issue