Neurodiverse Love with Mona Kay NEUROTYPE Versus DISORDER: Shifting the Paradigm-Jodi Carlton
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Jan 13, 2026 
Jodi Carlton, a neurodiverse relationship expert and educator with over two decades of experience, discusses a crucial shift in understanding neurodiversity. She challenges the concept of neurodivergence as a disorder, reframing it as an essential part of human identity. Jodi contrasts deficit-focused medical views with strengths-based perspectives, emphasizes the importance of context in revealing strengths, and highlights the contributions of neurodivergent individuals like Bill Gates. The conversation inspires acceptance and tools to leverage neurodiverse strengths in relationships.
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Roots Of The Disorder Label
- Neurodivergence has been labeled a disorder due to historical focus on deficits and medical-model incentives.
- Advances in genetics and brain imaging reveal neurodiversity as innate neurotypes with strengths and weaknesses.
Use Diagnosis To Access Support
- Use the medical model selectively to obtain needed services like early intervention when deficits impair daily living.
- Then shift focus to leveraging neurodivergent strengths once supports reduce functional barriers.
Neurotype Versus Disorder Defined
- A neurotype is innate brain wiring that shapes cognition, emotions, and sensory processing from birth.
- Disorders like major depression are situational or emergent, unlike persistent neurotypes such as autism or ADHD.