DOI: 10.1177/27546330261490602 ISSN: 2754-6330

Perceptions of the Neurodiversity Concept: Threat or Opportunity for Adults With ADHD?

Amy De Roubaix, Lessa M. Schippers, Rob Abels, Patricia Van Casteren, Barbara Franke, Corina U. Greven, Pieter J. Hoekstra, Petra P.M. Hurks, Akke Meilink, Rob R. Pereira, Anouk Scheres, Aleksandra M. Sobolewska, Hans Van De Velde, Tycho J. Dekkers, Martine Hoogman
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Objectives

Neurodiversity frames human differences in thinking, learning, and behavior as variations rather than deficits. Within this paradigm, conditions like ADHD are viewed as part of valuable human diversity. While some embrace its inclusive framing, others worry it may obscure challenges or limit access to support. This study explored how Dutch ADHD adults understand and appreciate neurodiversity.

Methods

We codeveloped a survey with the Dutch organization Impuls & Woortblind for people with ADHD, dyslexia, or dyscalculia. The survey included open- and closed-ended questions on understanding and appreciating neurodiversity, its perceived (dis)advantages, definition of ADHD, and ADHD identity labels.

Results

Participants, all adults with ADHD ( n  = 224) mostly defined neurodiversity in terms of cognitive variation and expressed generally positive but nuanced views. They valued the inclusivity and strength-based framing, though some noted that its broad scope and emphasis on strengths may threaten access to support. Most participants expressed that medical and neurodiversity perspectives can be complementary rather than mutually exclusive.

Conclusions

The insights from this study can inform the integration of neurodiversity-informed approaches into support for ADHD.

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