Situated within the ‘Education and Society: Social Justice and Inclusion’ cluster at Sheffield Hallam University, this group seeks to bring together those interested in exploring neurodiversity, as framed by the neurodiversity paradigm.
We intend to promote the discussion and development of work that theorises around and applies the concept of neurodiversity, drawing particularly on an inclusive understanding of neurodivergence, framed by Kassianne Asasumasu as ‘not another damn tool of exclusion‘. In other words, we understand neurodivergence as inclusive of those who identify with any of the multiple identities that fall within the remit of this term.
This includes, but is not limited to, “Autistic people. ADHD people. People with learning disabilities. Epileptic people. People with mental illnesses. People with MS or Parkinsons or apraxia or cerebral palsy or dyspraxia or no specific diagnosis but wonky lateralization or something.”
This group is particularly interested in the cultural intersections and constructions that shape understandings and experiences of neurodivergence. We are also explicitly trans inclusive. We welcome members from across Sheffield Hallam – open to all staff and doctoral students.
The group is organised by Jill Pluquailec and Chris Bailey, who both work within Sheffield Institute of Education.