You may already be familiar with the term ‘Neurodivergent’, but before we dive into this week's research, it's important to understand what neurodivergence actually means. Neurodivergence refers to brain differences that affect how people think, learn, process information, and interact with the world. This includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette's syndrome. The term neurodiversity recognises that these differences are natural variations in the human brain, rather than deficits or disorders that need to be 'fixed'.

In recent years, awareness of neurodiversity has increased dramatically. But how do neurodivergent people themselves feel about terms like 'neurodivergent' and 'neurodiversity'? Researchers at Swansea University surveyed (via an online questionnaire) 901 neurodivergent UK adults about their feelings towards this terminology.

Participants were gathered by advertising the survey via organisations that support neurodivergent people, including: BoingBoing, Northeast Autism Society, Asperger's Voice, Burgess Hill (West Sussex) and Autistic UK. It was also shared via the researchers’ personal networks and was widely shared on social media (primarily Twitter (X) and Facebook), including neurodiversity related Facebook groups.

The findings were fascinating. Almost all participants (98.8%) had heard of 'neurodiversity', and nearly three-quarters used 'neurodivergent' to describe themselves. However, thematic analysis revealed mixed feelings. Many appreciated these umbrella terms for communicating experiences without repeatedly explaining specific diagnoses, creating feelings of safety. The neutral language was valued for having 'no emotional or judgemental connotations' and reducing stigma.

However, others felt the lack of specificity could barrier clear understanding of their needs. Many people confuse 'neurodivergent' with 'neurodiverse'. Some worried that softer terminology might reinforce stigma by avoiding specific words like 'autistic', rather than challenging stigma directly.

The researchers' advice? Mirror individuals' preferred language choices and ensure you understand what these terms mean. Getting the language right matters deeply to the people it describes.

References:

BPS Research Digest https://www.bps.org.uk/researc... (accessed 15.12.25)

Original Paper: Grant, A., Leigh, J., Botha, M., Macdonald, S. J., Williams, K., Williams, G., Rose, K., Memmott, A., & Pearson, A. (2025). ‘A Lovely Safe Umbrella to Describe Yourself With’ or ‘Meaningless’: An Online Survey of UK-Based Neurodivergent Adults’ Views of Neurodiversity-Related Terminology. Neurodiversity, 3. https://doi.org/10.1177/275463... (Original work published 2025)

ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS

1. Is the data collected in this study primary or secondary data? Explain your answer.
2. What sampling method did the researchers use in this study? Justify your answer.
3. Outline one strength and one limitation of the sampling method you have identified in your answer to question 3.
4. Write one closed question and one open question that the researchers could have included in their survey about neurodiversity terminology.