The Need for Clear Language Around Neurodiversity - with Judy Singer 481h2a

Judy Singer, sociologist and pioneer of the neurodiversity movement discusses the role of language around neurodiverse populations, her views on autism, whether HSP’s fit into the neurodivergent ecosystem, and her feelings about the use of the term “woman” when considering transgendered individuals. Judy Singer, sociologist and pioneer of the neurodiversity movement, discusses her views on the complexities of language, identity, and the nuances of social change. Singer discusses her contributions to societal dialogue on neurodiversity and her ongoing efforts in academic and public spheres, amidst navigating online controversy. Singer shares her pioneering thoughts on neurodiversity, the critical role of language, and naming in transgender identities. She gives her opinion on autism, and whether HSPs can be considered neurodivergent. The discussion also goes into Judy’s experience living in Sydney, and her future plans aimed at fostering inclusivity. Judy Singer is an Australian sociologist credited with coining the term “Neurodiversity” in 1997-8 while completing an Honours Thesis at the University of Technology, Sydney. Her thesis, subtitled “a personal exploration of a new social movement based on “neurological diversity”, was the first non- psychomedical academic work to map out what was proving to be the last great civil rights movement to emerge from the 20th century. The movement was based on the pioneering work of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Movement, which was being ed by other neurological minorities who clearly needed a catchy, authoritative banner term The idea grew out of her lived experience in middle of 3 generations of women whom she then described as “somewhere on the autistic spectrum”. Like many people “on the spectrum” and especially as a woman seeking work in the early 1970s, Judy experienced difficulty finding employment. Fortunately, like many autistics, she was able to find a career in the burgeoning new field of IT which opened up a new world of opportunities for women. When Judy became a parent with a child who appeared to have a “mysterious” disability, her career responsibilities compelled her to give up her career. Instead she went back to University to pursue her true interests: anthropology and sociology. Judy has a long career in community organizing: she was the founder, via the internet, of the world's first group for people raised by autistic parent, became the secretary of Sydney’s largest group for the parents of autistic children and a co-founder of Sydney’s only independent social club for teenagers on the spectrum. She was elected a director of Shelter NSW, Australia’s peak body for housing justice but since the rediscovery of her work in 2017, she has been fully occupied with advocacy within the Neurodiversity discourse. CHAPTERS 5:53 Judy's thesis and academic background 10:22 The importance of naming 12:10 Neurological diversity to neurodiversity 16:33 I do claim crediting the buzzword neurodiversity 24:03 Neurodiversity is a property of a place, not a person 26:33. Nature is not benign 27:48 What about those who don't care about being so particular about language? 29:47 Where does the trait of high sensitivity fit in? 31:50 Why do we need all these labels? The welfare system and the medical model of disability 38:41 The expansion of autism 43:32 Labels can lead to solidarity 44:12 Faking depression to get help 53:33 The importance of naming yourself LINKS Sage Journal: The neurodiversity concept was developed collectively: An overdue correction on the origins of neurodiversity theory Neurodiversity - The Birth of an Idea - Judy Singer’s Sociology Thesis Neurodiversity by Harvey Blume - Atlantic Article Word Slut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language Aspar - Group for People Raised by Autistic Parents Divergent Mind by Jenara Nerenberg Episode 16 - Still in Search of Excellence - with Tom Peters Simon Baron Cohen Research 6 Cultures that Recognize More than Two Genders Quote Source: First They Ignore You, Then They Laugh at You, Then They Attack You, Then You Win Alexandra Samuels, Canadian journalist and author Harvey Blume - Reflections on Neurodiversity IMAGE CREDITS Simon Baron Cohen - Wikipedia Harvey Blume - Reflections on Neurodiversity Judy Singer headshot - Autism Awareness Australia JK Rowling - Harry Popper Wiki WordSlut - Goodreads Autism - Sage Journal The Birth of an Idea - Judy Singer The Divergent Mind - Goodreads Tom Peters Headshot - Tom Peters Other images - Canva Learn more about and follow Judy: Twitter LinkedIn Website 6a3n1d