There is no such thing as a “normal” way to think, act or learn.

The Future of Normal defends this provocative statement with a documentary film and national impact campaign based on the controversial notion—and growing body of scientific evidence—that thinking and learning differences are a natural facet of human diversity and should not be pathologized. 

By bringing attention to neurodiversity, a concept that recognizes the rich spectrum of cognitive differences, The Future of Normal will reach into the fundamental structures of American society to explore the nature of human intelligence, the myriad ways that our brains can learn, and the rationale for embracing a new definition of normal.

The film will interweave compelling personal stories with expert interviews, groundbreaking data and dynamic motion graphics, as it explores the following questions: 

• How did “normal” evolve to become such an impenetrable monolith against which everyone is measured, judged, sorted, and marginalized? 

• How have our antiquated systems that uphold this fixation with conformity traumatized millions of individuals who think and learn differently? 

• What does a future of normal look like, with groundbreaking innovations and systemic changes co-creating a neuroinclusive society where all brains belong?

20% of Americans have learning or attention issues. 

That’s over 30 million people. It means that one in five of our relatives, our friends, our colleagues and our neighbors have minds that operate outside the neurological framework that has long been defined as “normal.” When something occurs with such a high frequency, is it really an anomaly? 

For those who think and learn “differently”—with ADHD, dyslexia, autism or other neurodivergences—the pressure to conform starts even before kindergarten and continues throughout high school, college and into the workplace. Every difference is deemed a deficit to be fixed by special classes, prescriptions and corrective therapies. Students and adults are given labels that stigmatize them and accommodations that set them apart from their peers. 

The next battlefield in the diversity movement is the human brain.

Over the past few decades, hard-won battles have forged some progress in embracing diversities in race, culture and gender orientation, and life is more inclusive and accommodating for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. There are also millions of people in the US, who are neurologically diverse, with ADHD, dyslexia, or other cognitive divergences, including the autism spectrum. Pressure to fit in pervades every aspect of their lives, and is exacerbated by the fact that their differences are often invisible. If they don’t, or can’t, adapt they are ostracized and made to feel like they don’t belong. The result is an alarming loss of human potential and a devastating assault on human dignity.

The need to shift the public mindset around people who think and learn differently could not be more pressing. The Future of Normal provides a means to examine the societal tensions mentioned above, reflect on what makes us human, discover groundbreaking neuroscience, and learn about inclusive practices in education, health care and business that honor and accommodate the uniqueness of every individual. 

THE FILM

At the core of The Future of Normal are stories of racially, geographically, and economically diverse neurodivergent individuals, who are challenging and changing the systems that have historically marginalized them. Vérité (observational)-style shooting captures our characters’ journeys as they unfold, allowing us to identify and highlight issues of challenge and accomplishment.  We also introduce trailblazing neuroscientists, philosophers, advocates, employers and educators, who will provide context and commentary on this complex issue. They will explain the latest brain science, illustrate the historical foundations of our drive to conformity, contemplate what makes us human and debate the questions around the medical versus social model, including the developing trend of editing genes to create human beings that conform with exclusionary ideals.

THE CAMPAIGN

The Future of Normal will start with the simple goal of putting the concept of neurodiversity in front of as many people as possible, raising awareness and generating dialogue. Only by grappling with our preconceived notions of normal can we pivot to building a movement to transform the systems that disenfranchise those who identify as neurodivergent. The Future of Normal campaign will motivate policy change in education and the workplace by generating demand for change from the ground up, recruiting new advocates to the cause, and initiating programs that exemplify best practices for inclusion and equity among decision makers. The Future of Normal sparks important conversations in halls of government, classrooms, and boardrooms. More than just a film, it is designed to amplify a movement.