Alive with Steve Burns Dr. Desiree Jones on Neurodivergence: Who Decides What’s “Normal”?
Nov 12, 2025
Dr. Desiree Jones, an Assistant Professor of Psychology and director of the SHINE Lab at the University of Maryland, dives deep into the nuances of neurodivergence and the social constructs of normalcy. She explores the strengths and challenges of neurodivergent thinking, addresses the rise in autism diagnoses, and highlights issues around underdiagnosis in girls and people of color. With a focus on stigma and identity, she offers insights into supporting autistic individuals and emphasizes the importance of accepting and advocating for them in society.
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Neurodiversity As Human Variation
- Neurodiversity frames brain differences as natural human variation rather than pathology.
- Desi Jones explains neurotypical brains shaped society and neurodivergent brains may process the world differently.
Difference Can Still Be Disabling
- Neurodiversity doesn't erase disability; social structures create disabling barriers.
- Desi warns that claiming "not a disability" can ignore real harms from societal inaccessibility.
Rising Diagnoses Reflect Better Detection
- Diagnosis rates rose largely from improved detection and broader criteria.
- Desi notes better tools and recognition in diverse populations explain much of the increase.