Neurodiversity is the idea that such neurodevelopmental conditions as ADHD and (especially) autism spectrum are not illnesses or even disorders. As far as chronic illness goes, 60% of US adults suffer from at least 1 chronic illness at any given time. Approximately 55% of us will experience mental illness at some point in life.5 There is nothing unusual about suffering from chronic or even mental illness. The fact that it has frequently accompanied illness does not mean that stigma is a part of illness. Stigma is not a part of illness, and if stigma is not part of illness, then diagnosing and treating a true medical illness is not an act of oppression or devaluation.

Source: New York Times June 06, 2023 16:01 UTC