Thirty Years on from Sinclair: A Scoping Review of Neurodiversity Definitions and Conceptualisations in Empirical Research

Abstract

A review of research is beneficial in contributing to the debate about neurodiversity conceptualisation. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify how neurodiversity has been defined and conceptualised in empirical research. A scoping review of research featuring neurodiversity as a central focus was conducted, accessing 10 databases. Key concepts related to neurodiversity were collated from 46 articles, and a constant comparative analysis was used to generate results. Results position neurodiversity as natural human variation alongside a further seven categories. These results were compared to theoretical work and early principles of neurodiversity, particularly those introduced by Jim Sinclair 30 years ago. While some consensus in the field exists, contrasts and debate remain, particularly regarding the alignment of neurodiversity with disability models.