Neuro-Typical Syndrome – What is it and why does it exists?

By Linda Andron-Ostrow, Executive Director

I asked a group of parents where they thought the term neurotypical came from. They gave it some thought and said they were certain that it was a medical term (as I would have been in the past). In a great book called Neurotribes, Steve Silberman talks about the evolution of the autism self advocacy movement. Turns out, it was the people of this movement that coined the term, “neurotypical” to describe those not on the spectrum.

The autism self advocacy movement is not feeling sorry for themselves or wishing that they could be like others. The “Institute for the Study of the Neurologically Typical” (ISNT) describes a disorder they call Neurotypical Syndrome (http://isnt.autistics.org). It is defined as a neurobiological disorder characterized by preoccupation with social concerns delusions of superiority and obsession with conformity. Further defined as often assuming that one’s experience of the world is either the only one or the only correct one. Neurotypicals (NTs) are described as having difficulty being alone. As for treatment, the site notes that many NT’s have learned to compensate for their disabilities and interact normally with autistic person. Now, let’s take a moment to recognize that this is not a real diagnosis, nor a real institution. The ISNT was created to bring to light the arrogance and often narrow perspective of a great deal of medical research on autism. Although, even in it’s humor, it brings to light some interesting ideas.

Humor is often thought to be absent in those on the spectrum, and this website proves that is not always the case. Furthermore, it is important to note that webmaster says this site is an expression of autistic outrage. The author writes “My brain is a jewel. I am in awe of the mind that I have”.

No one should negates the challenges that those on the spectrum may feel and face on a daily basis. This website asks society to pause and look at the value of the way autistics see the world and live their lives.

If you have not seen it, I highly recommend the February 11 episode of Elementary (on CBS). They do an excellent job of portraying the feelings of a “neuro-atypical” (as one girl refers to herself) contemplating a relationship. The episode also shows that there is more than one right way to interact, furthering the notion that acknowledging your personhood and challenges, and advocating for yourself can lead to healthy and productive relationships.