Progressive Thinking On Neurodivergence: Grounding My Work in the Neurodiversity Paradigm
At Alice’s Wonderland, my approach to neurodivergence is guided by the Neurodiversity Paradigm, which frames differences in thinking, communication, and sensory processing as natural variations of human diversity rather than deficits or pathologies. This paradigm rejects the medical or pathology-based model of autism and related conditions, focusing instead on understanding, celebrating, and supporting neurodivergent individuals in ways that honour their strengths and needs.
Inspiration From Autistic Thought Leaders & Academics
Dr. Damian Milton
Whose work on the Double Empathy Problem has transformed our understanding of communication differences between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.
Dr. Nick Walker
A prominent advocate of the Neurodiversity Paradigm, and proponent of Neuroqueer & Neurocosmopolitan concepts, whose work challenges and de-centres societal norms of “normality,” encouraging authentic self-expression and the celebration of neurodivergent identities.
Dr. Luke Beardon
Known for his progressive thinking on autism, particularly his concept of “Autopia,” which envisions environments that minimize stress and maximize understanding, enabling autistic individuals to thrive.
Dr. Rachel McCullen
Whose work on the Autistic Language Hypothesis has deepened our understanding of autistic communication as uniquely different yet equally valid and meaningful.
Dr. Wenn Lawson
A pioneering advocate whose theories on Autistic cognition, gender diversity, and intrinsic motivation have greatly informed inclusive practices and understanding of autistic identity.
Dr. Melanie Yergeau
Whose groundbreaking work on Autistic rhetoric and narrative reclamation challenges traditional views of autism, positioning neurodivergent storytelling as an act of resistance and epistemic justice and as a means of cultivating neurokinship through shared narrative recognition.
Dinah Murray & Fergus Murray
Who together pioneered and significantly expanded Monotropism, reshaping how autistic attention, focus, and interests are understood as strengths rather than deficits.
☆ Progressive Theories That Guide My Approach
Double Empathy Problem (Dr. Damian Milton)
Emphasises mutual understanding and shared responsibility in bridging communication gaps between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.
Guides my commitment to fostering empathy, respect, and connection in all relationships.
2. Monotropism (Dinah Murray, Fergus Murray, Wenn Lawson, and Mike Lesser.)
Recognises the intense focus many neurodivergent individuals experience on specific interests or activities.
Highlights the value of supporting individuals’ passions as a pathway to growth, creativity, and engagement.
3. The Autistic Language Hypothesis (Rachel McCullen)
Shifts the perception of Autistic communication from being “impaired” to being distinct and equally valid.
Encourages inclusive communication practices that honour the linguistic styles and preferences of autistic individuals.
4. Neuroqueer & Neurocosmopolitan (Nick Walker)
Neuroqueer challenges societal norms of “normality” and embraces authentic self-expression and non-conformity. It emphasises the deconstruction of neurotypical standards and the celebration of neurodivergent identities.
Neurocosmopolitanism envisions a society where all neurotypes are valued equally and where neurodivergence is celebrated as a natural aspect of human diversity. It promotes cultural competence and mutual respect between neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals.
5. Autistic Narrative & Storytelling as Resistance (Dr. Melanie Yergeau)
Positions narrative as a form of epistemic justice, empowering neurodivergent people to reclaim authorship of their own stories and challenge the pathologising gaze of medical and institutional frameworks
Guides my commitment to centre neurodivergent voices through authentic storytelling, narrative reclamation, and critical self-authorship.
Recognises storytelling as a form of neurokinship, allowing shared connection across divergent lives and building community through narrative resonance.
6. Intrinsic Motivation & Gender Diversity (Dr. Wenn Lawson)
Explores how Autistic intrinsic motivations and diverse gender identities shape autistic experiences and behaviours.
Informs inclusive practice that honours autonomy, gender diversity, and genuine engagement for autistic individuals.
7. Autopia (Dr. Luke Beardon)
Envisions optimal environments that minimise stress, misunderstanding, and sensory overwhelm, while maximising autistic flourishing and quality of life.
Aligns deeply with the ethos of Wonderland by prioritising the redesign of environments, interactions, and support to match Autistic needs, rather than demanding conformity to neurotypical standards.
☆ How These Theories Shape My Work
In Creative Spaces & Explorations
I promote environments and practices that respect theories like monotropism and the Double Empathy Problem, supporting each individual to thrive both creatively and personally.
I incorporate principles of Autopia into my spaces, ensuring environments actively reduce sensory, cognitive, and emotional distress, promoting joy, ease, and authenticity.
I centre Autistic narratives, honouring the authenticity and epistemic validity of neurodivergent storytelling.
2. In Relationships
The Double Empathy Problem shapes my commitment to building mutual understanding and trust between neurodivergent and non-neurodivergent individuals.
Every relationship is built on shared effort, respect, and collaboration, ensuring that all voices are honoured.
3. In Identity
I prioritise neurodivergent voices, emphasising that Autistic life and culture are valid, meaningful, and integral to society.
I disrupt conventions about how we must be and live
Inspired by Neuroqueer, I strive to create spaces where individuals feel empowered to reject societal pressures to conform and embrace their authentic identities.
Guided by Neurocosmopolitanism, I foster cultural competence, ensuring mutual respect and appreciation for diverse neurotypes.
Grounded in Wenn Lawson’s insights, I support and celebrate gender-diverse Autistic identities and intrinsic motivations as foundational to authentic autistic expression.
4. In Advocacy
I actively share and amplify the groundbreaking ideas of Autistic thought leaders, advocating for systemic change that embraces neurodiversity.
By promoting progressive theories like Neurocosmopolitanism and Neuroqueer, I challenge stereotypes and encourage broader societal acceptance of neurodivergent individuals.
Inspired by Autopia, my advocacy promotes structural changes in education, social care, and community environments, transforming how institutions understand and accommodate neurodivergent needs.
I utilise Yergeau’s insights into storytelling as resistance, ensuring narrative practices underpin my advocacy for epistemic and social justice.
☆ My Commitment to Neurodiversity and Progressive Thinking
Alice’s Wonderland is proud to align its vision and mission with progressive theories of autism and neurodivergence. By grounding my work in the insights of these thought leaders and the principles of the Neurodiversity Paradigm, I aim to contribute towards a more inclusive and equitable world—one in which neurodivergent individuals are celebrated, supported, and empowered to thrive.
➽ This entry is part of the Key Concepts series at Alice’s Wonderland, exploring the frameworks that shape how we think, connect, and create. If you’d like to contribute your own reflections or join the conversation, we’d love to hear from you.
