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Neuroqueer Theory

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NOTE: I have removed the sections which I only added citations and minor edits to avoid copywrite issues (you can find the citations I added on the live article).

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(NOTE: I updated this section to reflect my changes throughout the article and added citations to the existing content. Things italicized are the original article, and my additions are marked in bold font)

Neuroqueer theory is a framework that intersects the fields of neurodiversity and queer theory.[1] It examines the ways society constructs and defines normalcy, particularly concerning gender, sexual orientation, and dis/ability, and challenges those constructions.[2] It critiques the pathologization of neurodivergent individuals and the ways in which it intersects with the marginalization of queer individuals.[2] Neuroqueer theory is reliant on a deep understanding of intersectionality, the way in which people's social, cultural, and political identities combine and result in unique combinations of privilege and discrimination.[3]

The term neuroqueer can be used as a verb, adjective, or identity label. As a verb, it refers to the act of challenging neuronormativity and heteronormativity, as well as advocating for recognition and celebration diverse experiences and identities.[4] As an adjective, neuroqueer describes phenomena, theories, or identities that challenge neuronormativity and heteronormativity, emphasizing the intersections and diversity of queer and neurodivergent identities and experiences.[4] Individuals who identify as neuroqueer are often neurodivergent and queer, though this is not a necessity.[2] Nick Walker (she/her), who initially coined the term, has indicated that neurotypical, cisgender, heterosexual individuals may also identity as neuroqueer if they are actively challenging neuronormativity and heteronormativity,[2] especially if they are challenging the existing categorizations of gender, dis/ability label, or sexual orientation.[4][5] Recent studies have suggested the existence of a relationship between queerness and neurodivergence: where neurodivergent people are more likely than their neurotypical peers to identify as LGBTQIA+, and gender diverse people are more likely to be neurodivergent than their cisgender peers.[6][7][8][9][10] At the present time, the reason for the connection between queerness and neurodivergence is not known, though several hypotheses exist, they each require further investigation.[6][10][11]

Definition

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History

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Since the rise of disability studies and the disability rights movement, both scholars and people with disabilities have critiqued the focus on people with physical impairments, often to the detriment of those who have disabilities related to the mind, as well as people with chronic illnesses. This resulted in the development of Mad studies and other disciplines. The term neurodivergence arose in the 1990s "to disrupt deficit-laden narratives of dis/abilities related to the mind, particularly autism" and has since been used "to promote discourses of diversity in terms of neurological functioning and performance". to challenge narratives which described mental dis/abilities as deficits, especially relating to autism. The term has also been used to facilitate discussions on the diversity of neurological function and performance. Further, many advocates and scholars argued against person-first language when referring to neurodivergence as they saw neurodivergence as an identity, not a diagnosis. As such, "to place dis/abled, autistic, or neurodivergent after the preposition ‘with’ is to view the corresponding term as a pejorative, a negative association that should be separated from one's personhood". The advocates and scholars who argued against the use person-first language would suggest that using "person with" then the label of "dis/abled, autistic, or neurodivergent," coveys the term in a negative and pejorative way which should be separated from personhood.

Queer theory emerged in the 1990s to analyze and challenge heteronormativity. Queer theorists have often used the verb to queer to refer to the act of idealizing and inventing "an always-becoming-future by looking and examining the world (and the actions occurring within it) in ways that have not yet been imagined". an ever-evolving future through new methods of examining the world and how we live in it.

Nick Walker coined the term neuroqueer in 2008, though Athena Lynn Michaels-Dillon had also independently coined the phrase, and Remi Yergeau had been considering the concept, as well, referring to it as neurological queerness. Walker used the term in relation to queer theory to "examin[e] how socially-imposed neuronormativity and socially-imposed heteronormativity were entwined with one another, and how the queering of either of those two forms of normativity entwined with and blended into the queering of the other one."The word neuroqueer first appeared in print on the back cover of Michaels-Dillon's novel Defiant (2015) and in Yergeau's Authoring Autism (2018).

The use of neuroqueer has since grown to refer to a field of academic study, as well as an identity label. Those who claim "a neuroqueer identity recognize that discourses of person-first language or celebrated differences do not shift ableist constructions of neurological functioning as they purport to do", given that "ableism systematically and systemically constructed what it means to be ‘normal’", which excludes neurodivergent and queer individuals. Some people argue that because ableism has defined what is considered "normal," where neurodivergent and queer people are deemed "atypical," recognition of person-first language and "celebrated differences" do not shift ableist constructions of neurological functioning. As such, individuals who claim a neuroqueer identity "deliberately dissociate with ableist assimilation practices by purposefully resisting conformity while finding pride in one’s selfhood. This act, in turn, queers what it means to exist, act, and perform in social spheres." These same scholars and activist say that people who identify as neuroqueer actively reject ableist assimilation practices; by embracing their selfhood and refusing to conform, they are queering their existence, actions, and behaviors in social spaces.

Prevalence of neuroqueerness

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Statistical data on both queer and neurodivergent people is limited by differing social and cultural definitions of identity, safety concerns of coming out, the ability to receive a diagnosis, and other factors.[11][6][12] It is also important to note, research on the relationship of neurodivergence and queerness is prominently focused on autism and gender diversity, and more research is needed to better understand the other identities within neuroqueer community.

Baseline statistics

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The latest data compiled from around the world estimates about 10-20% of the general population have some form of neurodivergence.[13][14] For example, of the general global population about 1-2% have been diagnosed with autism,[6][12] 1.13% have been diagnosed with ADHD,[15] and 5-17% with dyslexia;[16] though global data lacks the nuance of individual countries, the criteria, and timing of assessments.[6][12] A 2023 survey of adults in 30 countries suggests about 9% of the general population identifies as LGBTQ, however, this data leaves out many other countries and is limited by who participated and how comfortable they felt answering the survey freely.[17][18] Similar studies compiling world-wide data have estimated about 0.4-1.3% of the general population identifies as gender diverse.[6][19] There is variation in population statistics between countries. For example, 2021 census data from the United Kingdom reports that only 3% of the general population identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, where the global estimate is about 9% of the general population.[20][21]

Statistical relationship between neurodivergence and queerness

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Recent research suggests neurodivergent people, especially individuals with autism, are more likely than their neurotypical peers to identify as LGBTQIA+.[11][6][21][7][9][8] More specifically, individuals with autism are 3 times as likely to identify as transgender compared to their neurotypical peers;[21] high scores on traits of autism have been associated with a higher rate of identifying as gender diverse.[10] Further research expands on this, finding that of their participants, 0.7% of non-autistic children identify as gender diverse, while 4-5.4% of autistic children do identify as gender diverse.[6] Additionally, a study on sexuality and neurodivergence found that while 70% of neurotypical participants identified as heterosexual, only 30% of autistic people identified as heterosexual.[10] Other research on neurodivergence and sexuality has suggested neurodivergent people 8 times as likely to identify as asexual than their neurotypical peers.[21][22]

The relationship between neurodivergence and queerness appears to go both ways, neurodivergent people more likely to identify as LGBTQIA+, and gender diverse people are more likely to be neurodivergent.[6][7][8] Individuals who do not identify with their sex-assigned-at-birth are between 3 and 6 times more likely to be autistic compared to their cisgender peers.[7][9][8] Compared to their cisgender peers, gender-diverse individuals are more likely to report traits of autism --enhanced pattern recognition, sensory issues and difficulty understanding other emotions-- and 5 times more likely to suspect they have undiagnosed autism.[6][7][8] Research on transgender adolescents suggest about 6-25.5% of people who identify as gender diverse are also autistic.[10] One study in the Netherlands suggested 5% of the general population identified as gender diverse, compared to15% percent of autistic adults, highlighting the relationship between gender diversity and autism.[10] A study in the U.S. showed a similar result, where 3-5% of the general population wanted to be the opposite gender compared to 11.4% of autistic adults.[10]

Applications

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Education

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Because neurodivergence has been pathologized, educational institutions generally view neurodivergence as a deficit and focus on what students are not able to do or learn. Therefore, educational such institutions tend to take steps to "correct" the ways students act, behave, and learn in schools that do not fit into the social expectations, in line with rehabilitative, behaviorist and interventionist approaches. veer "toward rehabilitative, behaviorist, and interventionist approaches, seeking to remediate students who do not perform in socially acceptable ways of acting, being, and learning in schools". Similarly, educational research regarding neurodivergent individuals, based on discrete measures of performance, regularly points to evidence-based practices and strategies as a means to help student's improve their academic skills throughout different content areas. "habitually emphasizes evidence-based practices to promote the improvement of students’ academic skills across content areas based on discrete measures of performance".[5] Neuroqueer theory rejects the pathologization of neurodivergence and thus pedagogical and research approaches which focus on "fixing" students so they fit into the standards set by their neurotypical peers. "rejects pedagogical approaches and research inquiries that seek to ‘fix’ students, so they present similarly to their ‘typical peers.’"[5] Within education, neuroqueer theory aims to serve students with intersecting identities related to gender, sexuality, and dis/ability, by reframing educational spaces. By reframing educational spaces, neuroqueer theory can center and better serve students who have historically been not centered or recognized for their contributions. By centering neuroqueer voices and neuroqueering educational spaces, neuroqueer theory hopes make future pedagogical approaches and research inquiries more radically inclusive.[5] As Kleekamp describes, "future neuroqueer educational possibilities serve to reframe educational spaces, including higher education, for students at the intersections of normalized expectations related to gender, sexuality, and dis/ability". Importantly, neuroqueer theory

creates space for a wide range of research and pedagogical aspirations seeking to restore the experiences of students who have not often been centered as legitimate classroom actors nor honored for their unique educational contributions. In turn, to center and imagine from a neuroqueer perspective serves education in moving toward a more radically inclusive pedagogical and research future.[5]

Intersections of gender, sexuality, and disability

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Neuroqueer theory is reliant on an understanding of intersectionality.[3]

Through popular media and research, dis/abled people are often viewed as asexual and agender,[23] especially when they do not conform to expectations on how gender is "typically" performed, "when they are unable to meet typical performative expectations", as is common for neurodivergent people.[4] This not only leads to the infantilization of dis/abled people but can also restrict access to certain communities, resources, and support; this is especially of concern for individuals who also identify as LGBT+.[4]

The relationship between queerness and neurodiversity

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There is no definite explanation as to why there is relationship between being neurodivergent and queer, there are several hypotheses that seek to explain the connection. One hypothesis is that neurodivergent people, especially autistic individuals, are less influenced by societal norms, and therefore less likely to feel the need to conform to societal expectations of gender and sexuality and more likely to express themselves without the fear of judgement.[11][6][10] However, it is important to note that the experiences of neurodivergent, queer, and neuroqueer individuals are not monolithic, this includes how and to what degree individuals experience the fear of judgement.[6] Another hypothesis suggests prenatal mechanisms, like sex steroid hormones, which shape the brain's development, including the development of autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions, also contributes to gender role behavior - however more research is needed to better understand this potential connection.[6]

Prejudice based on intersectional identities

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Neuroqueer theory is reliant on the idea of intersectionality, where the various identities and individual holds cannot be separated from each other as the ways they interact produce unique experience of privilege and discrimination.[2][3] Holding a multiple minority status can contribute to greater levels and unique forms of prejudice and discrimination.[24] Having membership in multiple minority identity communities can contribute to isolation within both communities as a result of holding traits from multiple groups simultaneously.[24]

Both queer and neurodivergent identity communities face a lack of support and understanding.[6] Individuals within queer and neurodivergent communities are more likely than their neurotypical, heterosexual, and cisgender peers to engage in self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behaviors.[6][8]

Individuals can also be discriminated against for holding a specific identity.[24] In one study, one third of autistic participants reported they had been repeatedly questioned about their gender identity, due to prejudice against their diagnosis, which questioned their competence and understanding of self.[6][21] For neurodivergent individuals, neurodiversity is often closely linked with their sense of identity and can inform how they understand their identities.[9]

Notable scholars

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "What can we learn from 'neuroqueer' theory?". QueerAF. 2024-07-20. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
  2. ^ a b c d e Walker, Nick (2021). Neuroqueer heresies: notes on the neurodiversity paradigm, autistic empowerment, and postnormal possibilities. Fort Worth: Autonomous Press. ISBN 978-1-945955-26-6.
  3. ^ a b c philosophy, Dallyce PotessDallyce is a Texas native who recently graduated from the University of North Texas Her main focuses are; women's; Studies, Gender; Science, Political; sociology. (2019-07-30). "An Introduction to Neuroqueer Theory". NeuroClastic. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
  4. ^ a b c d e Egner, Justine E. (2019-02). ""The Disability Rights Community was Never Mine": Neuroqueer Disidentification". Gender & Society. 33 (1): 123–147. doi:10.1177/0891243218803284. ISSN 0891-2432. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ a b c d e K. Strunk, Kamden; Anne Shelton, Stephanie (2022-01-01). Encyclopedia of Queer Studies in Education. BRILL. doi:10.1163/9789004506725_081. isbn 978-90-04-50672-5.. ISBN 978-90-04-50672-5. {{cite book}}: Check |doi= value (help)
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Warrier, Varun; Greenberg, David M.; Weir, Elizabeth; Buckingham, Clara; Smith, Paula; Lai, Meng-Chuan; Allison, Carrie; Baron-Cohen, Simon (2020-08-07). "Elevated rates of autism, other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diagnoses, and autistic traits in transgender and gender-diverse individuals". Nature Communications. 11 (1): 3959. doi:10.1038/s41467-020-17794-1. ISSN 2041-1723. PMC 7415151. PMID 32770077.
  7. ^ a b c d e Loy-Ashe, Tarah (2023). "Neurodivergence is also an LGBTQ+ topic: Making space for "neuroqueering" in the outdoors". Parks Stewardship Forum. 39 (2). doi:10.5070/P539260972.
  8. ^ a b c d e f "Largest study to date confirms overlap between autism and gender diversity". The Transmitter: Neuroscience News and Perspectives. 2020-09-14. Retrieved 2024-10-13.
  9. ^ a b c d Cognassist, https://cognassist com-. "Neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+: Gender identity, sexuality, neurodifferences and pride". Cognassist. Retrieved 2024-10-13.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h "Gender and sexuality in autism, explained". The Transmitter: Neuroscience News and Perspectives. 2020-09-18. Retrieved 2024-10-13.
  11. ^ a b c d August 2020, PublicationPublished on 10. "Neurodiversity & Gender-Diverse Youth: An Affirming Approach to Care 2020 » LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center". LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center. Retrieved 2024-10-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ a b c Kauchali, Shuaib (2012-01-01). "Global Prevalence of Autism and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders". Autism Research.
  13. ^ McCain, Kelly (2022-10-10). "Explainer: What is neurodivergence? Here's what you need to know". World Economic Forum. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
  14. ^ Goldberg, Hagar (2023-09). "Unraveling Neurodiversity: Insights from Neuroscientific Perspectives". Encyclopedia. 3 (3): 972–980. doi:10.3390/encyclopedia3030070. ISSN 2673-8392. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  15. ^ Polanczyk, Guilherme; de Lima, Maurício Silva; Horta, Bernardo Lessa; Biederman, Joseph; Rohde, Luis Augusto (2007-06). "The Worldwide Prevalence of ADHD: A Systematic Review and Metaregression Analysis". American Journal of Psychiatry. 164 (6): 942–948. doi:10.1176/ajp.2007.164.6.942. ISSN 0002-953X. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ Algaidi, Sami A; Sunyur, Amal M; Alshenqiti, Khadija M. "Dyslexia and Stuttering: An Overview of Processing Deficits and the Relationship Between Them". Cureus. 15 (10): e47051. doi:10.7759/cureus.47051. ISSN 2168-8184. PMID 38021798.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  17. ^ Jackson, Chris (https://www.ipsos.com/en/pride-month-2023-9-of-adults-identify-as-lgbt). "Pride month 2023: 9% of adults identify as LGBT+". IPSOS. Retrieved 2024-10-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); External link in |date= (help)
  18. ^ "LGB+ orientation by country 2023". Statista. Retrieved 2024-10-13.
  19. ^ Collin, Lindsay; Reisner, Sari L.; Tangpricha, Vin; Goodman, Michael (2016-04). "Prevalence of Transgender Depends on the "Case" Definition: A Systematic Review". The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 13 (4): 613–626. doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.02.001. ISSN 1743-6109. PMC 4823815. PMID 27045261. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); no-break space character in |title= at position 62 (help)
  20. ^ "Sexual orientation, England and Wales - Office for National Statistics". www.ons.gov.uk. Retrieved 2024-10-13.
  21. ^ a b c d e Benjamin, Tui (2022-12-23). "LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity: the links between neurodivergence and being LGBTQ+". The Brain Charity. Retrieved 2024-10-13.
  22. ^ Warrier, Varun; Greenberg, David M.; Weir, Elizabeth; Buckingham, Clara; Smith, Paula; Lai, Meng-Chuan; Allison, Carrie; Baron-Cohen, Simon (2020-08-07). "Elevated rates of autism, other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diagnoses, and autistic traits in transgender and gender-diverse individuals". Nature Communications. 11 (1): 3959. doi:10.1038/s41467-020-17794-1. ISSN 2041-1723.
  23. ^ Milligan, Maureen S.; Neufeldt, Aldred H. (2001). "[No title found]". Sexuality and Disability. 19 (2): 91–109. doi:10.1023/A:1010621705591.
  24. ^ a b c Hillier, Ashleigh; Gallop, Nicholas; Mendes, Eva; Tellez, Dylan; Buckingham, Abigail; Nizami, Afreen; OToole, Derek (2019-04-22). "LGBTQ + and autism spectrum disorder: Experiences and challenges". PubMed. Retrieved 2024-10-22.
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