Introduction: What is the Neuroqueer Bodymind?
“The Neuroqueer Bodymind” is a concept that changes how we think about people whose brains work differently. Instead of seeing autism or ADHD as “disorders” that need to be fixed, this research treats the individual as a Complex Adaptive System.
The term “Neuroqueer” refers to the idea of subverting—or pushing back against—the standard expectations of how a brain “should” work. When we talk about the “Bodymind,” we are recognizing that our thoughts and our physical bodies are deeply connected. This approach focuses on how a person’s unique internal world interacts with the world around them.
The Problem: The “Medical Model” vs. Systems Thinking
For a long time, the medical world has looked at neurodivergence through a “pathology” lens—meaning they see it as a list of symptoms or problems.
This research proposes a major shift:
- From “Disordered” to “Adaptive”: Instead of seeing certain behaviors as “symptoms,” we see them as systemic adaptations. For example, if a room is too loud and a person covers their ears, that isn’t a “problem behavior”—it is a system (the person) adapting to a hostile or “mismatched” environment.
- The Mismatch: Often, the struggles neurodivergent people face aren’t caused by their own brains, but by a world designed for a different “operating system”.
- Moving Away from Pathology: We should stop trying to use technology to make people act “normal”. Instead, we should use technology to change the environment so the person can thrive as they are.
The Solution: Structural Leverage Points
To help a system work better, you need to find the right Leverage Points. These are specific places where a small change can lead to a big improvement.
Instead of trying to change the person, technology should target these leverage points in the environment:
- Sensory Input: Technology can help manage bright lights or loud noises that cause “systemic overload”.
- Social Protocols: AI and robots can help handle complex social rules, acting as a buffer so the person doesn’t have to use all their energy “masking” their true self.
- Structural Support: Consumer robots and AI assistants can provide the “scaffolding” needed to manage daily tasks, preventing the person from becoming overwhelmed.
Core Principles for Better Technology
When we design robots or AI for neurodivergent people, we should follow these rules:
- Bionic Agency: The goal of technology is to give people “bionic agency”—the power to move through the world effectively without having to hide who they are.
- Neuro-Affirming Design: Technology should be designed to “mesh” with the user. This means the robot should adapt to the person’s non-linear way of thinking, rather than forcing the person to adapt to the robot.
- Managing Overload: A good digital tool acts as a “structural support,” catching the complexities of the world before they cause the user’s system to crash.
Conclusion: Designing for the Real World
Traditional ways of measuring how well technology works often fail because they assume everyone’s brain works the same way. “The Neuroqueer Bodymind” provides the theoretical foundation for new tools, like the Neurodivergent Scale for Interacting with Robots (NSIR).
By understanding the bodymind as an adaptive system, we can move away from trying to “fix” people. Instead, we can build a world—and a set of technologies—that respects the unique dynamics of every individual, ensuring they have the support they need to live authentically.