An embodied biopsychosocial (Neuro)Diversity model

Neurodiversity is a common term used to describe individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other neurodevelopmental disorders. The term was created to indicate that there are individual differences related to diversity in neurodevelopmental disorders, and to destigmatize individuals diagnosed with these disorders, in order to encourage their enablement. The term neurodiversity is too restrictive in implying that the major etiological source of the disorders at issue are especially biological, physiological, and centrally determined. Variations of the term have been presented, predominantly related to the biopsychosocial model in one way or another. This article suggests a more inclusive term to reflect the multifactorial origins of neurodevelopmental disorders, referred to as embodied biopsychosocial (neuro)diversity. The new term underscores psychological and social (environmental) influences on persons as much as biological influences. The term allows further empowering and advocacy in relation to neurodivergent individuals, as well as interventions that can improve their condition, while fostering their agentic contributions in these regards.