Neuroqueer theory

Neuroqueer theory is a framework that intersects the fields of <a href="/facts/Neurodiversity/l0D2HlDr">neurodiversity</a> and <a href="/facts/Queer_theory/bpJPktky">queer theory</a>. It examines the ways society constructs and defines normalcy, particularly concerning gender, sexual orientation, and dis/ability, and challenges those constructions. It critiques the pathologization of neurodivergent individuals and the ways in which it intersects with the marginalization of queer individuals. Neuroqueer theory is reliant on a deep understanding of <a href="/facts/Intersectionality/55jgWfs5">intersectionality</a>, the way in which people's social, cultural, and political identities combine and result in unique combinations of privilege and discrimination.
The term neuroqueer can be used as a verb, adjective, or identity label. As a verb, it refers to the act of challenging neuronormativity and <a href="/facts/Heteronormativity/0Fmphyve">heteronormativity</a>, as well as advocating for recognition and celebration diverse experiences and identities. As an adjective, neuroqueer describes phenomena, theories, or identities that challenge neuronormativity and heteronormativity, emphasizing the intersections and diversity of <a href="/facts/Queer/CmoY75C6">queer</a> and <a href="/facts/Neurodivergent/l0D2HlDr">neurodivergent</a> identities and experiences. Individuals who identify as neuroqueer are often neurodivergent and queer, though this is not a necessity. <a href="/facts/Nick_Walker_(scholar)/w6Fz3fjs">Nick Walker</a>, who initially coined the term, has indicated that neurotypical, cisgender, heterosexual individuals may also identity as neuroqueer if they are actively challenging neuronormativity and <a href="/facts/Heteronormativity/0Fmphyve">heteronormativity</a>, especially if they are challenging the existing categorizations of gender, dis/ability label, or sexual orientation. Recent studies have suggested the existence of a relationship between queerness and neurodivergence: where neurodivergent people are more likely than their neurotypical peers to identify as <a href="/facts/LGBTQ/WhVPgNDn">LGBTQIA+</a>, and <a href="/facts/Gender_nonconformity/P4mPYdw9">gender diverse</a> people are more likely to be neurodivergent than their cisgender peers. At the present time, the reason for the connection between queerness and neurodivergence is not known, though several hypotheses exist, they each require further investigation.

Neuroqueer theory open-in-new

Neuroqueer theory