From Puzzle to Progress: How engaging with Neurodiversity can improve Cognitive Science

Abstract

In cognitive science, there is a tacit norm that phenomena such as cultural variation or synaesthesia are worthy examples of cognitive diversity that contribute to a better understanding of cognition, but that other forms of cognitive diversity (e.g. autism, ADHD and dyslexia) are primarily interesting only as examples of deficit, dysfunction, or impairment. This status quo is dehumanizing and holds back much-needed research. In contrast, the Neurodiversity Paradigm argues that such experiences are not necessarily deficits, but rather are natural reflections of biodiversity. Here we propose that neurodiversity is an important topic for future research in cognitive science. We discuss why cognitive science has thus far failed to engage with neurodiversity, why this gap presents both ethical and scientific challenges for the field and, crucially, why cognitive science will produce better theories of human cognition if the field engages with neurodiversity in the same way that it values other forms of cognitive diversity. Doing so will not only empower marginalized researchers but will also present an opportunity for cognitive science to benefit from the unique contributions of neurodivergent researchers and communities.

Guidelines to improve internationalization in the psychological sciences

“…A study designed this way would lead to a more nuanced perspective, better translations, culture-specific understanding, and better theories (see Gervais, 2021). This is similar to participatory research, particularly that is conducted in neurodiversity research (Azevedo et al, 2022;Balcazar et al, 2004;Elsherif et al, 2022;Gourdon-Kanhukamwe et al, 2023;Manalili et al, 2022), in which neurotypical researchers ensure the neurodiverse community is directly included in research. Policy-making decisions that affect them and can be expressed by the commonly used slogan, 'Nothing about us without us.'…”

Why we need neurodiversity in brain and behavioral sciences

“…Neurodiversity, a term that has gained significant traction in recent years, refers to the inherent and boundless variation in neurocognitive functioning within the human species. [1] This paradigm-shifting concept challenges the notion of a singular, archetypal 'normal' or 'healthy' brain or mind, instead embracing the full spectrum of cognitive abilities and differences as natural expressions of human diversity. [2] Initially coined within the autism community in the 1990s, the concept of neurodiversity has since broadened in scope to encompass a wide array of neurocognitive variances, including but not limited to ADHD, dyslexia, and Tourette syndrome, as illustrated in Figure 1.…”