Is human potential limitless? Academic prodigy Jason Arday struggled as a child, only learning to read and write in his late teenage years. For some, he highlights the best parts of the human character.
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The Cambridge don who could not read till 18
Is human potential limitless? Academic prodigy Jason Arday struggled as a child, only learning to read and write in his late teenage years. For some, he highlights the best parts of the human character.
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<h2 class=" eplus-wrapper" id="crosshead">Reach for the stars</h2>
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Emily Dickinson. Nikola Tesla. Michelangelo. James Joyce. Alan Turing.
All of these famous figures (and many more) have one thing in common: modern researchers consider them to have been neurodiverseDiversity in the human brain and cognition. It refers to the idea that people interact with the world around them in different ways. .
Now we have a new star to add to the wall of fame. Jason Arday, diagnosed at a very young age with autismA condition characterised by difficulty in social interaction and communication. According to the World Health Organisation, 1 in 160 children has an autism disorder. and global development delayA term used when a child takes longer to reach certain development milestones than other children their age. This might include learning to walk or talk, movement skills, learning new things and interacting with others socially and emotionally., was unable to speak until the age of 11 or write and read until the age of 18.
He is set to become Cambridge University's youngest ever Black professor.1
Arday had trained as a PE teacher before he decided that he wanted to pursue a PhD and become a sociologistSomeone who studies human social behaviour. Modern sociology was developed by European thinkers in the 19th century, but it is also based on the writings of African American thinkers like W. E. B. DuBois..
It is a testamentA sign or proof that something is true. to the endless possibilities of the human mind. But Arday's story also highlights the stories of people who are unfairly overlooked by the education system due to neurodevelopmental conditions.
Schooling is "built for the neurotypical mind", assert experts, who point out that neurodiverse people are statistically more likely to deal with burnout, less likely to find standardised education helpful, and less likely to pursue higher education directly after school.2
The term "neurodiversity" was coined in 1998 by the sociologist Judy Singer, who rejected existing ideas that all neurodevelopmental disorders should be treated as medical and "cured".
For Singer, we should stop thinking about neurodiverse brains as somehow "wrong", and focus on the social barriers that "turn difference into disability and exclusion". After all, neurodiverse people add a lot to our society.
For most of history, people with neurodevelopmental conditions had been excluded from formal education. But even now neurodiverse people report widespread discrimination in education, and may struggle to have their specific needs met in the classroom.
Some will say that the case of Jason Arday proves that when we invest in inclusive education, our potential is limitless.
Yes: If we apply ourselves and give every individual equal opportunities, human potential is limitless. Furthermore, our collective potential is unimaginable when we embrace the diversity within our society.
No: Every person is different. Some people can definitely overcome barriers to achieve unbelievable feats. But some think it could be offensive to imply that people with some disabilities or chronic illnesses have "limitless" potential, because some conditions can stay limiting and debilitating for your whole life.
Or... We do all have limitless potential, but this potential does not have to be in your career. It is not necessary for us all to aspire to become Cambridge professors in order to see ourselves as successful.
Neurodiverse - Diversity in the human brain and cognition. It refers to the idea that people interact with the world around them in different ways.
Autism - A condition characterised by difficulty in social interaction and communication. According to the World Health Organisation, 1 in 160 children has an autism disorder.
Global development delay - A term used when a child takes longer to reach certain development milestones than other children their age. This might include learning to walk or talk, movement skills, learning new things and interacting with others socially and emotionally.
Sociologist - Someone who studies human social behaviour. Modern sociology was developed by European thinkers in the 19th century, but it is also based on the writings of African American thinkers like W. E. B. DuBois.
Testament - A sign or proof that something is true.
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<h5 class=" eplus-wrapper" id="question"><strong>Is human potential limitless? </strong></h5>
The Cambridge don who could not read till 18
Underestimated: Arday was told by therapists that he would need lifelong support and assisted living. Glossary
Neurodiverse - Diversity in the human brain and cognition. It refers to the idea that people interact with the world around them in different ways.
Autism - A condition characterised by difficulty in social interaction and communication. According to the World Health Organisation, 1 in 160 children has an autism disorder.
Global development delay - A term used when a child takes longer to reach certain development milestones than other children their age. This might include learning to walk or talk, movement skills, learning new things and interacting with others socially and emotionally.
Sociologist - Someone who studies human social behaviour. Modern sociology was developed by European thinkers in the 19th century, but it is also based on the writings of African American thinkers like W. E. B. DuBois.
Testament - A sign or proof that something is true.