Stop Calling It a Disorder: Why Media, Leaders, and All of Us Must Lead the Charge

Words matter. The way we describe neurodiverse conditions—autism, ADHD, dyslexia—shapes how society sees them. When we label these as “disorders,” we do more than misrepresent them. We perpetuate stigma, reinforce exclusion, and uphold systems that fail to embrace diversity. It’s time for every one of us—especially the media, leaders, educators, and individuals—to step up and rewrite the narrative.

Why “Disorder” is the Wrong Word

• It diminishes potential: The term “disorder” implies something is broken or flawed, obscuring the immense strengths and unique contributions of neurodiverse individuals.
• It feeds stigma: By framing these traits as problems, we encourage prejudice, misunderstanding, and fear.
• It misdirects focus: Resources go toward “fixing” individuals rather than adapting environments, systems, and perceptions to empower them.

This outdated language doesn’t reflect what science shows us: neurodiversity is not a flaw. It’s an essential part of human diversity, fueling creativity, innovation, and resilience.

The Role of Media and Leadership

The media holds incredible power to shape societal perceptions, yet headlines often paint neurodiversity in terms of crises, challenges, or deficits. Leaders, too, wield influence through the policies they enact and the narratives they support. If these groups continue using limiting, stigmatizing language, progress stalls. But when they choose to shift the narrative, they pave the way for systemic change.

What media and leaders must do:

1. Change the words they use. Replace “disorder” with terms like “neurospark,” “strength,” or “style.”
2. Tell balanced stories. Highlight the successes, strengths, and contributions of neurodiverse individuals, not just the challenges.
3. Advocate for inclusion. Showcase workplaces, schools, and communities thriving because they embrace neurodiversity.

Every headline, policy, and public statement either reinforces the status quo or challenges it. Which side will they choose?

The Responsibility of Every Individual

This isn’t just a job for the media and leaders. It’s on all of us. Every parent, teacher, colleague, and friend can help reshape the narrative by the way they speak about neurodiversity.

• Parents: Advocate for inclusive language in schools and challenge deficit-based descriptions of your child.
• Educators: Teach about neurodiversity as a strength in the classroom and celebrate diverse learning styles.
• Colleagues: Recognize the unique contributions of neurodiverse coworkers and ensure workplace inclusion.
• Everyone: Call out stigma when you see it. Educate yourself and others on the power of neurodiverse thinking.

Why This Change Matters Now

The stakes couldn’t be higher. As diagnoses of neurodiverse conditions rise, the narrative we choose today will shape the policies, resources, and societal attitudes of tomorrow. Will we create a world where neurodiverse individuals are empowered—or one where they continue to be marginalized?

Neuroscience Proves the Power of Neurodiversity

Advancements in neuroscience show us that neurodiverse brains are wired for brilliance:

• ADHD brains excel in rapid idea generation and innovation.
• Autistic individuals offer unmatched focus and systematic thinking.
• Dyslexic minds are often big-picture thinkers, fueling creativity and entrepreneurship.

These aren’t disorders. They’re extraordinary strengths. Calling them anything less dishonors their potential.

Reclaiming the Narrative: From “Disorders” to “Neurosparks”

Imagine if, instead of stigmatizing neurodiversity, we celebrated it:

• Schools teaching kids to harness their unique “neurosparks.”
• Workplaces designing roles that thrive on neurodiverse talents.
• Media highlighting the transformative contributions of neurodiverse individuals to art, science, and society.

This is Our Collective Responsibility

The language we use today shapes the future. It’s time to stop calling neurodiverse conditions “disorders” and start calling them what they are: strengths, sparks of genius, and diverse ways of thinking that enrich the world.

Media, leaders, educators, and every single one of us—this is your call to action. Words matter. Use them to build a world where every brain is celebrated.

Let’s not just change the language. Let’s change the game. Together, we can ignite the power of neurodiversity and unleash a future fueled by inclusion, empowerment, and wonder.

#LanguageMatters #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #EmpowerChange