Coulter Partners and the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION) enter into new partnership to empower innovation and different thinkers.

London, 4 October 2023 – Coulter Partners, the global experts building leadership teams for Health, Science and Technology innovation businesses and the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION) announce that they are entering into a partnership to empower innovation and promote different thinkers.

As a global neurodiversity changemaking organisation and community, ION fosters awareness, acceptance, and appreciation of neurodiversity. Its work with the United Nations and within multiple countries advocates for equality and human rights of all neurominorities. ION believes all neuro types should be celebrated, embraced, and valued; a world where no one is constrained by labels.

Coulter Partners supports the world’s most innovative organisations, global businesses that are diverse and dynamic, driving positive change, whilst enhancing health and the quality of life worldwide. More than ever before, these businesses require exceptional teams, who can think differently and deliver solutions to meet the world’s needs.

Coulter Partners understands that Neurodiversity offers a competitive advantage for organisations, whilst being a source of innovation. By partnering with ION, they are dedicated to realising the potential to be found within a workforce that includes neurominorities.

Bianca Coulter, CEO at Coulter Partners explains: “We believe that our partnership with ION will enhance our understanding and deepen our knowledge. This will enable us to better support neurominorities and advocate change, as well as have measurable impact on good governance and transparency.”

“ION’s expertise, global reach and corporate network will help provide us with a deep understanding of how we can ensure our own behaviours are inclusive and we are better positioned to advise our clients and candidates, and better support our teams and the communities that we serve. Their toolkits, events, multiple themed webinars and access to KOLs will further enhance our learnings.”

Charlotte Valeur, Global Chair of the Institute of Neurodiversity ION expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, "We believe that true diversity includes neurodiversity, and we are excited to partner with Coulter Partners to further our mission of creating inclusive workplaces that celebrate differences."

Silvan Ruthenberg, Global Lead of the Institute of Neurodiversity ION commented: “We are proud to collaborate with Coulter Partners to drive meaningful change in the workplace. Our combined efforts will help organisations harness the unique strengths of neurominority individuals."

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Notes to Editors

For follow-up questions, comments or to arrange an interview, please contact:

ION

Liselle Appleby

07866 718701

liselle.appleby@happy-apple.co.uk

Coulter Partners

Dr Christelle Kerouedan

Marketing Director

c.kerouedan@coulterpartners.com

About Coulter Partners

We are executive search and leadership development specialists working to build a better future. As advisors and consultants to companies at the cutting edge of Life Sciences, Health, and Technology, we are united by our mission to build teams that change the world. Operating uniquely as one global team, we have honed our expertise, platform, and data for over two decades, working across three continents, and in 40 countries. Applying what we learn through our work with boards, leadership teams, and investors in the world’s most innovative companies, we bring together and develop the right people at the right time to propel them to achieve their worthwhile goals.

About ION

The Institute of Neurodiversity is a leading advocacy organisation dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the inclusion of neurodiverse individuals in all aspects of society. Their mission aligns with Coulter Partners' dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion within the executive search and leadership consulting industry.

The Institute of Neurodiversity is a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing the understanding of neurodiversity and promoting the inclusion of neurominorities in all aspects of society. They work with organisations, governments, the third sector, educators, and policymakers to raise awareness and advocate for policies that support neurominority inclusion.

Terminology

Neurominority and Neuromajority

The language used to refer to neurodiversity and related communities evolves over time as societal understanding and attitudes change. It is essential to use language that is respectful, inclusive, and empowering.

However, it's worth noting that language is a dynamic aspect of social culture, and preferences might shift based on the perspectives of the communities involved.

The Institute of Neurodiversity (ION) has been looking into the language surrounding the neurodiversity movement and compared it to language used by other underserved, marginalised, and underrepresented groups.

The term "neurodiversity" is used to acknowledge and embrace the natural variations in brain function and cognitive abilities among individuals. It highlights the idea that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and others, should be recognised and respected as a valid natural part of human diversity.

Some people may identify with the term "neurodiversity" as a way to celebrate their unique strengths, abilities, and perspectives. There continue to be variations in how the word neurodiversity is applied which for many is confusing. The term "neurodivergent" is often used to emphasise the experiences of being in a minority group due to neurocognitive differences.

ION has gathered feedback from many people within the neurodiversity movement who feel that the terms "divergent" or "divergence" generally refers to the state of being different or deviating from a standard or norm. This makes it uncomfortable for many to use and may reinforce the old narrative that was not written by ourselves.

The language we use to discuss neurocognitive differences can play a significant role in shaping perceptions and attitudes towards individuals within these communities.

One approach that has gained traction and which ION adopts, is the use of "neurominority" and "neuromajority" instead of “neurodivergent” and “neurotypical” to describe the diverse spectrum of neurological experiences among people.

By using “minority” and “majority”, we acknowledge that some neurotypes represent a minority in society. It highlights the importance of recognising and supporting our specific needs, just as we would for any other minority group.

The term "neuromajority" is used to describe individuals whose neurological functioning falls within the range that is considered typical. This term doesn't imply that there's anything inherently superior about being part of the neuromajority; it simply represents the larger proportion of the population whose neurological functioning is considered to be the majority.

By using terms like "neurominority" and "neuromajority," we aim to promote inclusivity and equality among all individuals, regardless of their neurocognitive differences. It emphasises that neurodiversity is a natural part of the human experience, and being a neurominority individual should not lead to stigmatisation or discrimination. Just as with any other minority group, it is crucial to respect and value the contributions and perspectives of neurominority individuals in all aspects of life.

These terms also provide a more nuanced perspective on neurological differences, moving away from the traditional medical model that views neurocognitive variations solely as deficits or disorders. Instead, the focus is on understanding and accommodating different neurological profiles, promoting strengths, and embracing the valuable diversity that neurominority individuals bring to society.

Therefore, the most respectful and inclusive approach is to be attentive to the preferences and voices of those directly impacted and use language that empowers and respects their identities and experiences.

ION looked to other human rights and equality movements to find the best way to align the neurodiversity movement. For example, the term "ethnically divergent" is not used in the context of describing ethnic minority groups. The term "ethnic minority" is widely used to refer to groups of people who have distinct cultural, linguistic, or ancestral characteristics that differ from the majority population within a particular region or country.

The term "ethnic minority" is generally accepted as a neutral and descriptive way to identify these groups without implying any value judgment. It acknowledges that there is diversity within a society and that some groups may have a smaller representation compared to the dominant or majority ethnic group.

While "divergent" could technically be used in some contexts to imply differences from the majority, it is not a direct substitute for "minority" in most cases.

Replacing the term "minority" with "divergent" or "divergence" in discussions about marginalised or underrepresented groups is generally not the most appropriate or respectful choice. It's essential to consider the historical and social implications of the language we use, as well as the preferences of the communities we are referring to.

ION believes that if we are discussing issues related to minority groups or communities, it is best to use established terminology that is widely understood and accepted globally. We believe it is important to engage in respectful and empathetic conversations with the communities involved to understand their preferences and use language that honours their identities and experiences. Language should be inclusive, sensitive, and reflective of the diverse realities of those we are referring to.