“To be neurodivergent is to reclaim the pathologizing aspects of a long-term cognitive diagnosis and to reclaim one’s neuro-status as a possible position from which to claim resources, representation and recognition” (Stenning and Bertisldottir Rosqvist 1535).

The idea of neurodiversity – sparked by sociologist Judy Singer in the late 1990s – is centered around the idea of a biodiversity of the mind. Singer, whose mother and daughter were both autistic, believed that these differences in neuropresentation were merely natural variances that added to a richer psychological ecosystem. This was a pushback against the deficit model that had been the prevailing approach to neurological differences up until that point, and has since been used as a springboard for a self-advocacy movement. To be neurodiverse – neurodivergent – is to embrace one’s radical potential of being apart from the neurotypical status quo. It is also to reject the idea of this variance being a deficit.

Neurodivergent Studies presents an opening for rich conversations about diversity and inclusion in both popular culture and in academia, as we consider the current status of neurodivergent representation in modern culture. This area presents a space for #OwnVoices conversations and conversations on how to best support neurodivergent scholars.

Some potential topics could include:

• Neurodivergence in popular media
• Neurodivergence and/or madness
• Neurodivergence and the social disability model
• Neurodivergence and eugenics
• Neurodivergent pedagogy
• Neuroqueer media
• Intersectional neurodivergence
• Neurodivergent activism

But any topic related to the idea of neurodivergence is welcome! Papers from all fields or theoretical frameworks are welcome. Neurodivergent Studies welcomes papers from graduate and undergraduate students as well!

Please submit an abstract of 200-300 words to https://pcaaca.org/page/submissionguidelines by November 30. Reach out to colleenetman@gmail.com with any questions!

Colleen Etman, PhD
Bridge Humanities Fellow
College of Arts and Sciences
University of South Carolina
(she/her)