How to People

in 2025

Today's most important conversations about neuroinclusion, relationships, and leadership.

Inclusive Umbrella Terms: Queer, Disabled, Neuro-divergent

Inclusive Umbrella Terms Continue to Expand

People often ask “What is the point of the term "neurodivergent" when it is so expansive, it includes anyone who has ever been labeled or diagnosed "disordered"*?

What is the point of the term "disabled" when it is so expansive, it includes the lived experiences of anyone who has the privilege of growing old?

What is the point of the term "queer" when it is so expansive, it includes even those who are questioning their sexual, gender, or relational identity?

Stay current. Stay curious. Stay connected.

"Leaders have to learn to hold safe space for opposing views and different functioning styles".

If you lead, you lead differences.

If you lead people,

you lead different opinions.
If you lead people,

you lead different perspectives.
If you lead people,

you lead different functioning styles.

a quote by Pasha stating that 53% of tech workers identify as neurodivergent, yet their employers report only 3% of their talent is neurodivergent. This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for training on the scope of neurodivergence and the significant barriers to disclosure.

Neurodiversity is grossly misunderstood.

The statistics that are widely used are outdated and inaccurate.
If you search now, you will see statistics showing 15-20% of the population is neurodivergent. This is incorrect.

Violet vs Non-Violent Language

Inclusion through trauma-informed, non-violent language.

As a therapist, coach, and speaker, I am always stunned by how many people I work with have experienced trauma, specifically violent trauma. When I talk about being trauma-informed and trauma-responsive in our homes and work spaces, I remind people how important non-violent language is.

Leaders are already leading neurodivergent and disabled people

If you lead, you lead different functioning styles.

53% of Gen Z identifies as neurodivergent and disabled (apparent and non-apparent).

The workplace needs more non linear, critical thinkers. Need for training on the scope of neurodivergence and the significant barriers to disclosure. thinkers, ADHD

ADHD minds needed!

We need more non-linear, critical, and neurodivergent thinkers right now! You are the problem-solvers and innovators. We need your zone of genius.

Neuroinclusive leadership is about learning and unlearning bias and ableism

Neuroinclusive Leadership

Leadership is more unlearning than learning. It is unlearning bias and ableism and cultivating space for every team member to contribute.

Stop using "high/low functioning" labels for people! High or low as compared to what? According to who and what standards of neuronormativity? Norms are socially constructed. Using functioning labels for people is judgmental and invalidating. Rather, use functioning levels to label societies! A high functioning society effectively supports and advocates for the wellbeing of all of its members. A low functioning society fails to accommodate and include all members (that is us currently). In alignment with the neurodiversity paradigm and the social model of disability, variations in human functioning are not problems of the individual to be solved, but problems of the systems that fail to support differences and honor every member's inherent worth. When people ask me what is at the root of barriers to disability inclusion and neuroinclusion, I refer to stigma, bias, racism, ableism, and the language we use when referring to people who diverge from society's idea of "normal" or "ideal". Dropping functioning labels for people is low hanging fruit inclusion practice with high impact. Yes, I did attach a functioning label to inclusion efforts. 😉 What other ways is society low functioning when it comes to inclusion? Let's continue the conversation! Please connect and share. Image description: A black square with a rainbow colored graphic representing a variety of apparent and non apparent disabilities and white text stating there are no high or low functioning people, but there are high or low functioning societies.

Stop using functioning labels for people!

There are no high or low functioning people, only societies.

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Copyright 2025. Pasha Marlowe. All Rights Reserved