I am  Autistic and ADHD. Every day, I feel the weight of labels like 'inattentive' or 'constantly hyperactive'. Instead of having a disorder, I believe we should consider it as a neurodiverse trait, a difference rather than a deficit. Our terms can shift from 'Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder' to 'Attention Divergence Hyperactivity Difference', or 'ADHD diagnosis' to 'official ADHD recognition'. 'Autism spectrum disorder' to 'Autism Spectrum Difference' These are much kinder terms because the language currently used for neurodivergence is also used for horrible diseases ( for example 'cancer diagnosis').

In a study on the social construction of ADHD, the language used to describe neurodivergent individuals was found to significantly impact their self-perception and societal acceptance (Martin, E. (2007). Bipolar Expeditions: Mania and Depression in American Culture). Redefining the terminologies would not only decrease the social stigma surrounding neurodiversity but also improve self-esteem and mental health among the neurodivergent community.

By adjusting the terms used to discuss neurodivergence, we recognize the diversity of human minds and celebrate the strengths that come from this uniqueness. It's time to emphasize the 'difference' rather than the 'disorder'. 

I do admit that, as a neurodivergent person, there are things I struggle with that a neuro-typical person would not however as my mother always tells me "what presents itself as ones greatest weakness in one scenario, in other scenario may be ones greatest strength." Another quote that I find inspiring is "If we judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, then it will live its whole life believing it is stupid." That quote is attributed to Albert Einstein, however there is no proof he actually said that. (Regardless of who said it, it will always ring true.)

Please sign this petition to support a change in the way we speak about those with a neurodiverse brain.