What is allism?

The term "allism" is generally used to describe individuals who are not autistic. It is derived from the word "all," signifying a cognitive state of being focused on the group or collective. In contrast, the word “autism” derives from "aut," which represents a focus on self-autonomy and the potential for deviating from social norms. In the name Allism Speaks, “allism” simply refers to the general population, who tend to perceive the world primarily through a social lens.

In the same way that the well known organization Autism Speaks helps neurologically typical individuals understand autistic individuals and educates them about the challenges of autism, Allism Speaks helps neurologically atypical individuals understand allistic individuals and educates them about the challenges of allism. Since allism refers to the typical individual, this simply means I provide education regarding heuristics, biases, and other thinking and behavior patterns, but within the context of the neurodivergent experience and neurotypical-neurodivergent social dynamics.

While autism is frequently perceived as a disorder within the context of neurotypical dominance, it is important to acknowledge that if the numbers were reversed, certain neurotypical traits might be deemed pathological. However, when a majority of the population exhibits these traits, they are considered normal, and their problematic aspects often go unnoticed due to their widespread presence.

For example, allistic individuals generally have a strong inclination to predominantly view the world through a social lens, and often struggle to see it from any other perspective. This narrow focus on the social sphere can limit their understanding of diverse viewpoints, impede decision-making processes, and hinder effective communication and collaboration. Excessive emphasis on social aspects can divert attention from other crucial factors, leading to project disruptions and challenges in comprehending situations. Moreover, it may result in misattributing the root cause of problems to social factors, while disregarding other potential circumstantial factors that may offer more accurate explanations.

Other challenges I have observed in neurotypical individuals include difficulty discerning nuances in literal meaning, struggles with cross-domain thinking, and difficulties with bottom-up thinking. Allistic individuals may also face their own challenges with empathy and theory of mind, which are often mistakenly attributed solely to autistic individuals. They tend to view things through a social lens, assigning essences and attributes based on social value, such as the essence of femininity or God, making it challenging for them to momentarily set aside social constructs and focus solely on factual information, which is often necessary to grasp complex scientific and philosophical concepts. Groupthink, prioritizing group cohesion and agreement over critical thinking, is a particularly concerning phenomenon. Additionally, neurotypical individuals within groups may struggle with independent critical thinking, relying on the group for validation and placing high importance on facial expressions and displays of confidence rather than thoroughly evaluating information.

At Allism Speaks, my mission is to raise awareness and promote a deeper understanding of the distinct cognitive characteristics exhibited by allistic individuals. I strive to enhance understanding of the challenges faced by both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals in comprehending and connecting with each other, fostering acceptance, empathy, and creating a more inclusive society where individuals of all neurological profiles can thrive.

Join me in fostering understanding and embracing neurodiversity for a more inclusive world. Together, we can make a difference. Support our cause by making your donation now.