We, the concerned citizens and advocates for neurodiverse individuals, call upon the US Senate and Congress to revisit the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in order to provide proper identification, services, and funding for NeuroSpicy (neurodiverse) students. The current lack of support puts these individuals at an alarming risk of death and hinders their ability to thrive in society.

For more information read below the petition and/or visit www.neurospicymovement.com.

WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to address disparities in neurological divergence studies and ensure inclusive research practices, and

WHEREAS, research shows that the Mortality Rate Ratio (MMR) of untreated neurodiverse individuals increases by at least 17% over the approximately 4% MMR of the general populace by age 17, and also that school rejection, depression, and other comorbidities increase as well, and

WHEREAS, historically, studies and identification testing on neurological divergences have primarily centered research and diagnostic criteria on white cisgender males, which has led to a limited understanding of the experiences and has negatively impacted diverse populations, and

WHEREAS, it is crucial to invest in research that includes more diverse populations to enhance knowledge, treatment, and support for all individuals affected by these conditions, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity, and

WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides important protections for individuals with disabilities, but currently lacks a comprehensive Child Find component similar to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and

WHEREAS, incorporating a Child Find component into the ADA would ensure early identification and intervention for children with disabilities, improving their access to appropriate educational and support services, and

WHEREAS, adequate funding for accommodations under the ADA, including special education (SPED), is essential to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and

WHEREAS, the Democratic Party of Oregon is committed to advancing equity, inclusivity, and social justice:

THEREFORE, WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, HEREBY RESOLVE THAT:

Section 1. We urge the Congress of the United States to modernize the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to include a Child Find component, and funding modeled after the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), but not requiring differential educational outcomes, to ensure early identification and intervention for children with invisible disabilities, and to provide them with the necessary support and services to thrive emotionally, developmentally, and socially as well as academically. This will require the Congress to increase funding for ADA accommodations under IDEA, including acknowledging and incorporating a broader need for special education (SPED), to guarantee that individuals with disabilities have equal access to education, which will lead to better employment, and other opportunities, and to eliminate barriers and promote inclusivity.

Section 2. We call upon the Congress of the United States to also allocate resources and funding for research that de-centers white cisgender males from neurological divergence studies and testing. This investment should promote diverse participation, engage marginalized communities, and enhance understanding of neurological divergence across all populations. 

Section 3. We encourage collaboration among stakeholders, including researchers, community organizations, disability advocates, and individuals with lived experiences, to inform and shape policies and practices related to neurological divergence studies, the ADA and IDEA, and special education, as well as a public awareness campaign to help inform the public of modern neurological understanding of neurodivergence as part of the totality of human experience. 

 

Background information:
According to numerous studies conducted by reputable sources such as [https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00168/full​, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/index.html], it has been found that NeuroSpicy individuals with ADHD who do not receive appropriate services by the age of 17 face a Mortality Rate Ratio that exceeds 20%. Similar studies exist for Autistic Spectrum, and other branches of NeuroSpiciness. Yet, this shocking statistic is approximately 18% higher than that of the general population and 16% higher than those identified before they reach five years old. These numbers highlight that early identification is necesary to save lives.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has been instrumental in providing identification and support for students with disabilities. However, IDEA requires kids to be falling behind. This leaves a significant gap when it comes to NeuroSpicy students who are smart enough to hide their struggles by "hyper accommodating." In these cases, the disability is - in addition to invisible - unidentifiable by untrained experts. Because it's focus is considered a medical disorder, if no educational disparities exist, the ADA requires medical professionals like primary care providers to make referrals for testing (but they don't have the expertise to do so, and there are too few testers available, so the the line for testing is sometimes up to a year long, if it's available locally). Meanwhile, school systems don't get funding to cover the extra cost of providing services to children who are identified in this way. It is crucial that we address these oversights by amending the ADA to include provisions specifically tailored towards identifying and supporting NeuroSpicy individuals, like those that exist in the IDEA including a Child Find mandate for schools, and full funding for support services.

By revisiting the ADA, we can ensure that NeuroSpicy students have equal access to education, healthcare services, accommodations within educational settings, employment opportunities post-graduation, and overall societal inclusion. Proper identification will enable these individuals to receive appropriate support from an early age while fostering understanding among educators and peers.

We believe that every individual, regardless of their neurodiversity, deserves equal opportunities to succeed and thrive. By revisiting the ADA to provide identification, services, and funding for NeuroSpicy students similar to how IDEA supports individuals with differential outcomes, we can ensure a more inclusive society that values and embraces NeuroSpici-ness, and recognizes the super powers that comes with it, as well as the hurdles that NeuroSpicy children face!

We urge you to sign this petition and join us in advocating for change. Together, let's make a difference in the lives of NeuroSpicy students by ensuring they receive the support they need to reach their full potential.