How did the Neurotypicals take over society?
This is just a little giggle, but I do often think hard about how many autistic and ADHD traits would've been more adaptive in other times/cultures/lifestyles.
"Who will watch out for wild animals and enemies and keep the fire stoked, who could bear th solitude and knit our clothes in the darkness?" "The one who doesn't sleep at night."
"Who will remember which plants are poisonous, edible, or medicinal, and who has the patience to teach us?" "The one who can't stop talking about their vast knowledge of plants."
"We only have berries and fish to eat this season, and no spices." "That's okay, that's all Lothander wants to eat right now anyway." "Oh no, the season of berries and fish is over and that's all Lothander --" "Oh, it's all goos, he suddenly hates berries and fish now, he's ready for months of hard tack and rice."
"We are illiterate, how will we remember the histories and legends of our people and our gods?" "Ask the one who mimics long sentences exactly and only answers everyone in lyrics -- she'll memorize them by putting them to song or writing long poems."
"Our enemy is so stealthy, how will we know if they're lying in wait." "We have this tracker with incredible hearing who notices every snapped twig and indentation and knows when the crows sing of food or danger."
"How will we persuade this animal to let us ride it or domesticate it?" "We have this person who has the power to speak to animals without a word, let them try."
"We regret deeply that we really got deluded and frightened as a group and murdered all those innocent people for no good reason. How will we prevent ourselves from spiraling like that again?" "We will appoint a group of wise people with reputations for remembering history and having the integrity to maintain their morals even when no one else agrees. They will guide us and keep us in line."
I think in large part the answer is simply that the end of nomadic lifestyles, the start of farming led to land ownership, land ownership led to patriarchy, patriarchy led to capitalism, and at every step of the way our gifts list social value in the eyes of NTs.
This is not to say that neurotypicals do not have value or should not be part of running society. I am not an auti supremacist and I do not believe we are the "next stage in evolution." I believe neurodiversity is the key to our survival as a species, and when any neurotype takes over there is an unbalance. All we need do is look around to see the results of thousands of years of NT absolute rule and the routine, systemic genocide of neurodivergent people. It's not going well. And I suspect one reason we are actually seeing an increase in the number of genes associated with autism rising (not just diagnoses -- the genetic record itself shows we are becoming more common slowly) is not because of some pollutant or mistake; it is nature trying to right the ship after being artificially suppressed by eugenics. Neurodiversity is not just to be tolerated, it is desperately needed moving forward (and no, I do not just mean those of us without intellectual disabilities.) I just hope that by the time our voices gain some sway it won't already be too late. #actuallyautistic #neurodivergent #neurodiversity #audhd #humor
Throughout history, societal evolution has favored neurotypical traits, often sidelining the adaptive qualities of neurodivergent individuals. From the transition of nomadic lifestyles to settled agriculture, the rise of patriarchy and capitalism transformed social values, marginalizing neurodivergent contributions that were once essential for survival. In ancient communities, individuals with autism and ADHD traits often fulfilled crucial roles, such as trackers or storytellers, ensuring the survival and continuity of their people. However, with the advent of private land ownership and social hierarchies, the qualities that neurodivergent individuals brought to society were devalued, leading to systemic exclusion and violence against them. Recent genetic research indicates an increase in the prevalence of traits associated with autism, which some interpret as nature’s way of restoring balance to a suppressed diversity. This growing recognition highlights the urgency of embracing neurodiversity in modern society—not merely as a tolerance or acceptance but as a necessity for resilience and creativity. Neurodivergent individuals possess unique skills and perspectives that, if properly integrated into societal frameworks, can pave the way for innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. Thus, the conversation about neurodiversity is not just about recognizing differences; it's about understanding that diverse neurological perspectives can enrich and enhance the fabric of society. As we confront the historical patterns of dominance and exclusion, it is crucial to advocate for a more inclusive society where every unique neurotype is valued and afforded the opportunity to contribute meaningfully.
