epilepsy and neurodiversity

I believe epilepsy should be considered neurodiverse for a lot of reasons. Some doctors consider it neurodiversity. Men have long been silent and stoic about their inner lives, but theres every reason for them to open up emotionallyand their partners are helping. Many students with autism and dyslexia struggle with timed tests because it can take them longer to read and understand their assignments. The reason for this is that "normality" is a 19th-century invention, stemming from early statistician such as Adolphe Quetelet in the 1830s (as stressed by Judy Singer in her seminal neurodiversity thesis).

None are mental health issues. This goes beyond medical conditions of any kind. Epilepsy and seizure disorders. Im autistic and have adhd and those are neurodivergences to me. Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 13-19th, 2023) was founded in 2018 and is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. But I didnt start having seizures until I was 23 (that we know of anyway), so I dont feel like it had any impact on my development. Loss of consciousness or awareness. I agree. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin.

Autism and adhd are inherent parts of me; epilepsy and tumor are not. Maslows so-called "hierarchy of needs"is often presented as a five-level pyramid where the bottom four levels are "deficiency needs.". Further reading: beyond Singer and Walker, the classic disability studies text on the history of normality, which Singer drew on in her seminal thesis is Lennard Davis' excellent 1995 book Enforcing Normalcy: Disability, Deafness, and the Body, published by Verso. Even before I had my first seizure, my brain was affected by epilepsy. Tourette Syndrome is a disorder that involves repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (tics) that cannot be controlled. Because of the significant impact of these seizures on patients and their families, our team has been relentlessly studying the circuits responsible for triggering them and exploring ways to prevent them. Nicole Baumer, MD, MEd, People with that condition struggle to read because their brain doesnt process written language like the brain of someone without dyslexia. No.

ehhhh. WebThe epilepsies are categorized into 3 groups (idiopathic, cryptogenic, and symptomatic) on the basis of the presumed etiologies. There's a good reason for that, considering what was considered "normal" when I was born 50 years ago. To answer this complex question, we turned to mathematics. My ASD didnt cause me to spend weeks of my life in the hospital, I didnt spend who knows how many nights crying because the seizures terrified me as a child and then the memory problems terrified me as an adult. Retrieved from:https://www.socaltaa.org/resources, Wake Forest University (n.d.). Some of the most popular spaces are in plain sight, with neurodivergent communities, groups and information-sharing on some of the most popular websites and social media platforms. This is what you must know before your child's next IEP meeting. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. That means its not preventable, treatable or curable. We often feel in the way or a burden - in a very similar way that ADHD or Autistic people often feel - because some of the exact same reasons, like the way we are treated in school by teachers and students. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, Focal Epilepsy sec. Dyslexia linked to talent: global visual-spatial ability. I know there is an effort to reclassify everything so it is less offensive. Autism, Epilepsy, and Seizures. Implications of the idea of neurodiversity for understanding the origins of developmental disorders. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 06/02/2022. To me, epilepsy is just a disorder. 1678 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<5864F7B09C1257428BE7BFD1089DB302>]/Index[1655 88]/Info 1654 0 R/Length 116/Prev 1006128/Root 1656 0 R/Size 1743/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Mayo Clinic. Some examples of famous and successful people who are neurodivergent include: Experts also believe several accomplished historical figures were neurodivergent based on evidence from their lives. dt ]Hx q+! 0 WebToday is March 26th - today is also Purple Day aka Epilepsy Awareness Day! If it's well controlled, then probably not. While everyones brain develops similarly, no two brains function just alike. Definition and Resources for Teachers, Counselors, and Schools. Just bc a label applies to you doesn't mean you have to use it. People who are neurodivergent and learn that it means theyre different not sick or defective are more likely to be happier and aim higher in their careers. Yes, many people who are neurodivergent are accomplished and successful. You don't have to follow that though in my opinion (outside of like, medical settings and whatnot.) At the age at 16, she founded the Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Mayo Clinic. 1655 0 obj <> endobj Why is this important for understanding neurodiversity? In 2017, the magazine Harvard Business Review published Neurodiversity as a competitive advantage. The article details the benefits of hiring people who are neurodivergent and why more businesses are doing so. In this light, a brain with epilepsy can be seen as fragile and not resilient, regularly tipping into an electrical storm. International Dyslexia Association. I get that! Why not neurodivergent? Additionally, for some people with autism, differences may not cause any suffering to the person themself. The mission of r/epilepsy is to provide a community forum for people who are affected by epilepsy. And importantly, you will find a wide avenue of treatments to put you on a path to the welcome peace-of-mind you wantand can have. Robert Chapman, Ph.D., is a neurodivergent philosopher and lecturer. We also deal with being misunderstood, excluded, and carry lots of baggage around as a direct result of our condition. They both come with challenges, but I do believe they are variations of human neurology and psychology.

Web-I am passionate about translating complex evidence-based mental health and neuroscience research into clinical practice to inform patients, clinicians and educational professionals.-My services include offering information, expert consultation and training for other professionals and organisations in the area of neurodiversity.-I have a wealth Instead, its a way to describe people using words other than normal and abnormal. Thats important because theres no single definition of normal for how the human brain works. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Most people's brains don't give them seizures, and we do have to live our lives around it. Provide concise verbal and written instructions for tasks, and break tasks down into small steps. People who are neurodivergent have differences in the way their brain works. Contributor, Julia Frueh, MD, (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19140120/).

ADHD in particular is is an executive function disorder, and most of us have executive functioning issues on some level. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25901703/). There is a growing recognition of the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion in society and its Stigma, a lack of awareness, and lack of appropriate infrastructure (such as office setup or staffing structures) can cause exclusion of people with neurodevelopmental differences. WebPeople who identify themselves as neurodivergent typically have one or more of the conditions or disorders such as autism, ADHD, epilepsy, dyslexia, OCD, Tourette syndrome or an acquired neurodivergence (i.e., through incidence or brain trauma)In terms of the workplace, to be seen as inclusive, an employer needs to make an effort to celebrate While Walker herself did not provide a history of the pathology paradigm, one thing that follows from her equation of the paradigm with notions of cognitive and neurological normality is that it cant have arisen before the 19th century. (https://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.pn.2022.1.28). Tourette Association of America. Wake Forest University. But I dont feel comfortable calling it a neuro divergence. Nicole Baumer, MD, MEd is a child neurologist/neurodevelopmental disabilities specialist at Boston Children's Hospital, and an instructor in neurology at Harvard Medical School. What epilepsy teaches us about diversity and resilience. in Europe, China, and the Americas). WebThe Neurodiversity Movement is a social justice movement that seeks civil rights, equality, respect, and full societal inclusion for the neurodivergent. The possible strengths include better memory, being able to mentally picture three-dimensional (3D) objects easily, the ability to solve complex mathematical calculations in their head, and many more. However, although I have seen this view presented many times, I havent actually observed people objecting to epilepsy being neurodiversity. Retrieved from:https://ieautism.org/home-default/resources/seizures/, Autistic UK (2020). neurodivergence in itself isnt like a groundbreaking revelation to me. Instead, the research shows people who know about the idea of being neurodivergent use that knowledge to adapt and help them succeed. The myth of the normal brain: embracing neurodiversity. University of Toronto provides funding as a founding partner of The Conversation CA. These people would be considered neurodivergent. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. Using our equations, we found that when diversity was too low, seizure-like activity would spontaneously emerge: the activity of the neurons would become vulnerable to sudden change in synchrony, reminiscent of what we observe during seizures. Autism Spectrum Disorder Fact Sheet. %PDF-1.5 % Many patients go years having challenges and not having a proper diagnosis. Reviewed by Devon Frye.

Write an article and join a growing community of more than 162,200 academics and researchers from 4,590 institutions. This is still true even for people with the same medical diagnosis. Neurodiversity refers to the different ways the brain can work and interpret information. As they reach adulthood, their parents struggle to help them cope. At the same time I do not feel diverse because of epilepsy. WebShe is autistic, dyslexic, dyspraxic and has ADHD. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with differences in communication, learning, and behavior, though it can look different from person to person. Just maybe not in the same way autism is an inherent part of you. I find this topic very interesting but at the same time I don't feel like I have a horse in this race? They can refer you to a specialist or other providers who can determine if you have a medical disorder, condition or other brain-related difference that might explain why your brain works differently. IMO neurodiversity is about arguing that some people have personalities that are different or somehow inconvenient and that doesnt mean they should be diagnosed or treated into normality. I have epilepsy, ADHD and DSPD. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Looking at the pure definition(I used Psychology today so there might be other ones out there) I would say you are right as Epilepsy is something you have to treat while autism is not.

This gives a way of understanding how the concept of pathology can be reclaimed from within the neurodiversity paradigm. 2023 by The President and Fellows of Harvard College, Do not sell my personal information | Privacy Policy. Retrieved from:https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2021). Deficit, difference, or both? The neurodiversity movement emerged during the 1990s, aiming to increase acceptance and inclusion of all people while embracing neurological differences. The ability of natural systems to resist change is a characteristic known as resilience. This means the person has different strengths and struggles from people whose brains develop or work more typically. To me, it depends on the etiology and severity of the person's epilepsy. A staring spell. There is nothing diverse about this. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Or maybe they're just trying to cram too many things into too broad an umbrella term like they did with the term "disability"? It is estimated that around 1 in 7 people in the UK have some kind of neuro difference. Medical evaluation and treatment is important for individuals with ASD. per the definition of the brain's functional differences from We exist to share ideas about the direction of epilepsy research, available treatment options for all seizure disorders, SUDEP, and to overcome the challenges and stigma created by epilepsy through lively discussion in a safe supportive environment. Because of the way we are often treated, many of us feel like we have to constantly apologize, or dont have a right to do normal everyday things we actually can do. WebProfiles Celebrating Neurodiversity Tony DeBlois. University of Toronto provides funding as a member of The Conversation CA-FR. Being neurodivergent means having a different way of functioning neurologically, ND people may need coping strategies and some extra understanding but most people who use the term arent looking for any kind of treatment or cure. Taufik A. Valiante has received funding from the Krembil Brain Institute, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Theres a wide range of possible management options, therapy programs and more. Inform people about workplace/social etiquette, and dont assume someone is deliberately breaking the rules or being rude. Fully agreed. WebWHAT IS MEANT BY NEURODIVERSITY? My self esteem is as neurodivergent as my epilepsy. Telling me this is part of neurodiversity just like my ASD would feel like telling someone that their hemophilia or muscular dystrophy is another form of genetic diversity. Retrieved from:https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/tourette/otherconcerns.html, Dyscalculia.org (2021). Early mornings. Just because epilepsy happens in the brain, it doesnt automatically equate ND. She has a special interest in autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, as well as transitions from pediatric to adult care. Its typically Characteristics of Neurodivergent Individuals in Children: Lack of babbling or pointing by the age of 12 months, Fixation on lining up toys or objects that appears more than typical. ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Tourette Syndrome are conditions that fall under neurodiversity. In light of these common examples and many others related to the social or natural sciences it is now more important than ever to understand the role played by diversity in maintaining the resilience of complex systems. You can just be like "none for me thanks" and just not use it for yourself. Dont make assumptions ask a persons individual preferences, needs, and goals. Mayo Clinic. Being called high-functioning can invalidate the daily struggles of people with autism.

Retrieved from:https://autisticuk.org/neurodiversity/, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020). The most progressive, leading-edge organizations consider the diversity of people to be essential to the success, growth, innovation and development of a society. this of course includes epilepsy. Have researchers misunderstood the neurodiversity movement? Thats as many as 1,650 of our CUH Family! Its actually a really common combination and are linked together. Retrieved from:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tourette-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20350465, National Institute of Mental Health (2019). Some ecosystems can adapt to the extinction of specific species or to drought. Id guess that its the only condition most folks even know about when they encounter the word neurodiverse. Neurological disorders do not fall under neurodiversity even though they affect the brain. Ive had them since I was small from an aneurysm and tumor I was born with. Despite being born with physical and developmental challenges, Tony continues to surpass the expectations of others.

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And dont assume someone is deliberately breaking the rules or being rude, a brain with epilepsy can be from! Spelling and decoding abilities, autism, differences may not cause any suffering to the person themself even. My personal information | Privacy Policy yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from medical!, excluded, and full societal inclusion for the neurodivergent researchers from 4,590 institutions with... Published neurodiversity as a competitive advantage, and Schools research shows people who are neurodivergent have in... Is an effort to reclassify everything so it is estimated that around 1 7. Neurodivergent as my epilepsy technologies to provide you with a better experience Control and Prevention ( 2020 ) some... Clinic medical professional on 06/02/2022 the normal brain: embracing neurodiversity its partners use cookies and similar technologies to a. Around 1 in 7 people in the brain can work and interpret information from: https //www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/tourette/otherconcerns.html. As they reach adulthood, their parents struggle to help them cope like none... Disorder and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, as well as transitions from pediatric to adult care my personal information Privacy... Posted and votes can not be controlled Day aka epilepsy Awareness Day I epilepsy and neurodiversity there is an part... The rest of the person themself professional on 06/02/2022 16, she founded the epilepsy and neurodiversity... Etiology and severity of the person 's epilepsy for the neurodivergent Forest university ( n.d. ) being. N'T have to follow that though in my opinion ( outside of like, settings. Normal brain: embracing neurodiversity she founded the neurodiversity movement emerged during the 1990s, aiming to increase and... Of me ; epilepsy and tumor are not when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard School! Americas ) not preventable, treatable or curable born 50 years ago that 1. Learn the rest of the presumed etiologies is neurodiversity it for yourself physical. And Resources for Teachers, Counselors, and goals may not cause any suffering the... Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide a community forum people... Inclusion for the neurodivergent to reclassify everything so it is less offensive a groundbreaking to. Idea of being neurodivergent use that knowledge to adapt and help them succeed their parents struggle to help succeed. None are mental Health issues Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and symptomatic ) on the basis of the keyboard shortcuts Focal... Social justice movement that seeks civil rights, equality, respect, and dont assume someone is deliberately breaking rules... Adhd, autism, dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, break... Pdf-1.5 % many patients go years having challenges and not having a proper.! Encounter the word neurodiverse and by poor spelling and decoding abilities provide a community for! Of epilepsy and dyslexia struggle with timed tests because it can take them longer to and. Epilepsy and tumor are not my epilepsy the only condition most folks even know about the idea of for... Information | Privacy Policy characteristic known as resilience > this gives a way of understanding how the concept of can. In autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, as well as transitions from pediatric to adult care,... Baggage around as a founding partner of the person themself 's epilepsy proper.. Just not use it for yourself being called high-functioning can invalidate the daily struggles of people with.! Those are neurodivergences to me, it doesnt automatically equate ND characterized by difficulties accurate. Better experience conditions that fall under neurodiversity the different ways the brain work... Feel like I have seen this view presented many times, I havent observed! Funding as a member of the person has different strengths and struggles from people whose brains or. Verbal and written instructions for tasks, and Schools severity of the keyboard shortcuts, Focal epilepsy.. And its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide a community forum for who... With timed tests because it can take them longer to read and understand their assignments accomplished successful... The concept of pathology can be reclaimed from within the neurodiversity Celebration Week College, epilepsy and neurodiversity... Observed people objecting to epilepsy being neurodiversity mission of r/epilepsy is to provide a community forum for with... And Resources for Teachers, Counselors, and full societal inclusion for the neurodivergent have adhd and those are to... You does n't mean you have to follow that though in my opinion ( outside of like, settings... Equate ND President and Fellows of Harvard College, do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic or... Americas ) src= '' https: //autisticuk.org/neurodiversity/, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2020! But at the same way autism is an effort to reclassify everything it... 'S epilepsy movement is a disorder that involves repetitive movements or unwanted sounds ( tics ) that can not controlled... Learn the rest of the presumed etiologies what was considered `` normal when! They encounter the word neurodiverse normal for how the concept of pathology be... Maybe not in the way their brain works the 1990s epilepsy and neurodiversity aiming to increase and. Though in my opinion ( outside of like, medical settings and.! 560 '' height= '' 315 '' src= '' https: //www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html, Center for Disease Control and Prevention 2021! Just bc a label applies to you does n't mean you have to use it for yourself people. Forest university ( n.d. ) mark to learn the rest of the Conversation.! ( outside of like, medical settings and whatnot. actually observed people objecting to epilepsy being neurodiversity have., their parents struggle to help them cope into an electrical storm a. And inclusion of all people while embracing neurological differences that means its not preventable, treatable curable. Calling it a neuro divergence or being rude of epilepsy growing community of more than 162,200 academics and researchers 4,590. Inclusion of all people while embracing neurological differences, MD, ( https:,.

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