Dialogues Between Neurodiversity and Medical Frameworks

Traditional biomedical models often conceptualise differences in cognitive, behavioural or sensory functioning as deficits or pathological conditions. In contrast, emerging perspectives —particularly the neurodiversity paradigm— emphasise functional variation, social inclusion and the recognition of diverse ways of thinking and being.

This seminar aims to foster an interdisciplinary dialogue on how definitions, conceptual frameworks and communication strategies can evolve to reflect both scientific rigour and social responsibility.

Objectives

The session will:

• Clarify the distinction between neurodiversity as a natural variation in human functioning and neurodevelopmental disorders as clinically defined conditions.
• Explore how the neurodiversity paradigm can complement, inform or challenge traditional biomedical approaches.
• Identify strategies to communicate research findings in ways that are accurate, respectful and aligned with inclusive and non-ableist perspectives.

Speakers

• Christina Nicolaidis (Portland State University and Oregon Health and Science University). Researcher in community-based participatory approaches to improve healthcare for autistic adults; Co-Founder of AASPIRE and founding Editor-in-Chief of Autism in Adulthood.
• Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga (Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Autonomous University of Barcelona). Head of Psychiatry and leader of the Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions Research Group (VHIR); member of CIBERSAM.
• Laura Sanmiquel Molinero (CSIC – Institució Milà i Fontanals). Researcher in critical disability studies, focusing on how disability is shaped through social and institutional processes.
• Salvador Macip (University of Leicester and Universitat Oberta de Catalunya). Professor of Molecular Medicine; research on cancer, neurodegeneration and ageing.

Audience

This event is aimed at researchers, clinicians and other professionals working in, or with an interest in, basic and applied neuroscience, psychology, mental health and related disciplines. The focus is on neurodiversity, disability and inclusive research practices.

Event details, Format & Registration

Date: Monday, 18 May

Time: 15:00–17:00 h CET

Location: PRBB, c/ Doctor Aiguader 88, Barcelona (Charles Darwin Room)

Format: Hybrid seminar combining short presentations (10 minutes each) and interactive discussion (45 minutes) with the audience. Access details will be shared closer to the date.

Organisers

ISGlobal (Pol Jimenez-Arenas, Marta Cosin-Tomas, and Mariona Bustamante), in collaboration with the PRBB EDI Committee and the PRBB BeyondAbility group.