Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Novel Trends in Mental Health
Abstract
This review article examines the power of language in shaping perceptions of neurodivergent individuals and the systemic ableism embedded in society. The analysis begins by exploring the historical development of terms like "disabled" and their impact on societal attitudes, focusing on how deficit-based language reinforces exclusion. By contrasting this with strength-based and inclusive language, the article advocates for a shift toward reframing disability in terms of social constructs and accessibility, rather than inherent limitations. Drawing on neuroscientific research, it demonstrates how language shapes neural pathways, reinforcing either stigma or empowerment. The review further critiques euphemisms like "differently abled" for minimizing the real challenges faced by disabled individuals, while offering alternative language frameworks grounded in the social model of disability. Additionally, the article highlights the benefits of positive language in fostering inclusive environments, reducing stereotype threat, and promoting neurodiversity. The need for a paradigm shift in societal and legal frameworks is emphasized, advocating for universal design and barrier-free environments that recognize and accommodate cognitive and physical diversity. This linguistic reframing is not merely symbolic, but a critical component in challenging systemic ableism and promoting a society where neurodivergent individuals can thrive without being marginalized by outdated terminology.
Publication Date
2024
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Hutson, Piper and Hutson, James, "Empowering Neurodivergence: The Role of Positive Language in Challenging Systemic Ableism" (2024). Faculty Scholarship. 722.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/faculty-research-papers/722
