Thus, According to Jeremy

Chapter 5: Labels: From the “R” Word to Neurodivergent I’ve never been one to like labeling people. Labels can become stifling or come with preconceived notions. However, sometimes labels become necessary to secure proper services. A school psychologist told me not to worry about the label Jeremy was receiving during an evaluation. That label was only necessary for placement within his special education program. I was willing to accept that label for Jeremy in order for an appropriate education. However, some of the terminology or labels placed upon people are very degrading and hurtful. I strongly dislike hearing others use the word “retarded.” I believe a more acceptable term nowadays is mentally impaired. Other labels have evolved in time due to more research, acceptance, and prevalence of special needs. For example, during the years my son was diagnosed, several “labels” were attached to him. Fragile X Syndrome, Tourette’s Syndrome, to name a few, although medical doctors dismissed those. The label of autism was not readily discussed and acknowledged when Jeremy was young. Being a concerned mother, I began to research characteristics of autism. Jeremy had medical issues and mannerisms that I felt at that time were not being addressed. His unusual mannerisms of watching a record player turntable going around, doing half circles, with his hands and “twirling” – I think now it is called stemming– with small match box cards, delayed speech, along with the seizure disorder, are possible indicators of autism, known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). After much determination on my part, finally, the medical professionals acknowledged autism as one of Jeremy’s “labels.” Labels used by society can at times have negative connotations. Seizure disorder has a better sound or acceptance to it than epilepsy. Many years ago, to have epilepsy meant home confinement for many individuals. These individuals were shunned because others were fearful of their seizures or thought it to be contagious. Misconceptions about learning disabilities were apparent as my child was diagnosed. Many people thought learning disabled meant “retarded.” This mindset is far from the truth. An individual with learning disabilities, by definition, must have an average or above average IQ. Through careful evaluation, areas of deficiency may be improved. Many famous people have learning disabilities but are very intelligent– Albert Einstein being one of them! It has been stated in several writings about him that he didn’t learn to read until he was 13! The label of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) was coming into existence when Jeremy was younger. In doing research, I found this could be an indicator of learning disabilities or autism. I believe, as a mother, this terminology (ADHD) was more socially acceptable than “learning disabled.” Therefore, ADHD became the “catchphrase” of that time. Even the mental health field has made strides in changing labels and terminology. I dislike hearing “looney bin,” “insane asylum,” “mad,” or “crazy” as terms describing those with mental illness. Individuals who were “crazy” were placed in mental institutions away from society. Thankfully today, most of society is more understanding, accepting, and knowledgeable about the above mentioned “labels.” Through advances in medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and media, more information is readily available for awareness and assistance. There appears to be a prevalence of various “labels” in today’s society than during my son’s formative years. I think there are several reasons for this occurrence. Perhaps people are more accepting and knowledgeable concerning special needs or issues about our environment, food intake, negative effects of drugs and alcohol, displaced children, homelessness, etc could be a causation of the increase in the mental illness, communication, and behavioral disorders. In the era of my parenting, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome was mentioned as a known cause of difficulties in some children. Now, we witness babies being born who must endure heartbreaking withdrawal because of drug use during mother’s pregnancy. Over many years of research, knowledge, and understanding, many of the labels have been placed under the umbrella of the most recent term, neurodivergent. Neurodivergent is a concept that states there are a variety of ways a person’s brain processes information, function, and behavior. Now, instead of saying my son has epilepsy, mild cerebral palsy, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, autism, he is neurodivergent.