‘Children should be raised like this’: A history of the neurodiversity movement in Italy and its implications for children's well-being

Abstract

Childhood Studies scholars have increasingly engaged with the concept of neurodiversity, particularly with respect to neurodivergent children's mental well-being. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the history of the neurodiversity movement in Italy, and the consequences on children's mental health, drawing on eight in-depth interviews with movement leaders, researchers and members of parent associations. We argue that Italian education and health services serve as promising sites within which a neurodiversity approach can foster neurodivergent children's self-esteem and give them powerful tools to fight against oppressive practices.