Ataxia and me–living within a neurological hierarchy

Abstract

By its very nature, the term Neurodiversity promotes the concept of biodiversity, the wonderful realm of neurocognitive functioning. Why is it that a paradigm that sets out to celebrate and give voice to those belonging to the neurodiverse community ostensibly silences those with rarer conditions? Having a rare neurological condition often intrinsically means living within the neurodiverse community alongside those with more prevalent ailments yet simultaneously living diametrically opposed. More uncommon and misunderstood manifestations are often demonised and condemned as they deviate from what society deems as normal. The neurodiverse community has been limited to those with more prevalent and understood illnesses due to a lack of awareness surrounding other neurological disorders such as ataxia. This article questions the presence of a hierarchy within the neurodiverse community highlighting how it can often exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and shame for those with rarer conditions.