Are Mental Disorders Evolved Cognitive Styles? Neurodiversity advocates have argued as much for years
• The disease model of mental illness may have outlived its usefulness.
• A new theory suggests that some mental disorders are evolved cognitive styles that benefit the group.
• The neurodiversity movement has long advanced a similar vision.
The Evolution of ADHD – The advantages of wandering attention
• Psychologists have long debated whether ADHD is a deficit or a distinct cognitive style.
• A recent review of the evidence suggests that ADHD traits might have helped early humans.
• This evidence should prompt us to consider how we can change our educational systems to benefit, rather than hinder, this cognitive style.