At NeuroRebellion, we stand as ardent defenders and advocates for the rights of the neurodiverse, grounding our efforts in law, lived experiences, facts, and the distinctive viewpoints that emerge from our diverse community.

With minds shaped by AuDHD (ADHD & Autistic), Cora & Lex's personal narratives resonate with the myriad stories of others within our community, emphasising the crucial need for empathy, understanding, and staunch advocacy. Our experiences serve as living testaments to the multifaceted lives of the neurodiverse, echoing the universal yearnings for acceptance and belonging and highlighting the importance of creating a world where every mind is valued and every voice is heard.

So it was with deep sorrow and concern that we recently witnessed the turbulence within our neurodiverse community. Judy Singer, whom many hail as the hero of the neurodiversity movement for coining the very term itself, found herself amidst a storm of criticism. She had attempted to create a new term relating to trans experience—a task she had been celebrated for in the past when giving voice to the unvoiced and coining phrases that provide a reference for many.

However, in this instance, if she misstepped or misconstrued, the backlash was swift and intense. As staunch supporters of neurodiversity, it was heart-wrenching to see someone who had contributed so much to our community facing such severe censure.

At NeuroRebellion, we believe that cancel culture is not the solution. We understand that we all live, grow, learn, and sometimes make mistakes. If someone gets it wrong, our responsibility as a community is to educate and guide them rather than seeking to tear them down. This is especially pertinent in a community like ours—where many members have spent a lifetime feeling misunderstood and have had to advocate for empathy and understanding constantly.

The cancel culture episode surrounding Judy Singer was particularly difficult to navigate because it came from within our own ranks—a community that should ideally epitomise patience, understanding, and support. Watching a long-respected figure within the neurodiversity world face such backlash was not just distressing but also highlighted the urgent need for introspection and change. If we want to see equity and inclusion, we must respect and understand that they go both ways.

We should not condition our support for advocates solely on our alignment with their thoughts and actions. Advocates should not be raised on pedestals when their words resonate with us, only to be torn down and publicly shamed when they express differing viewpoints. To value equity and justice, we must practice consistent respect, not selective endorsement, for everyone’s right to voice their thoughts.

Similarly, we must honour every individual’s right to an impartial and just judicial process. Fair treatment under the law is a universal right, regardless of the accusations levelled against an individual. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty, a principle that should be upheld in all situations. It is the court of law, not the court of public opinion—much less the unchecked spaces of social media—that should be the ultimate arbiter of legality and truth.

We must unite and remember our shared struggles and experiences and foster an environment where all voices can be heard without fear of being shut down for making a mistake or getting it wrong. This doesn’t support change; this creates fear and division. As we move forward, it's crucial to remember that we all make mistakes — it's an integral part of learning. Moreover, true learning flourishes only in an atmosphere of safety.

In conclusion, by opposing cancel culture, we not only champion the freedom of expression but also contribute to building a society that is more accepting, inclusive, and equitable. In doing so, we safeguard the essence of what it means to live in a truly democratic society, protecting the diversity of thought and ensuring fairness and justice for all.