Congiscrimination

Congiscrimination refers to prejudice or discrimination against individuals based on their cognitive abilities or styles. This can manifest in various settings, including education, employment, and social interactions. It often involves assumptions or stereotypes about people's intelligence, learning capacity, or way of thinking, which may not accurately reflect their actual capabilities.

The term is not widely recognized or formally defined in academic or legal literature, but it captures the phenomenon of differential treatment arising from perceptions of cognitive differences. These differences can be related to neurodiversity, such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia, or simply variations in processing speed, memory, or problem-solving approaches.

Examples of congiscrimination might include overlooking a candidate for a job due to their perceived lack of "executive function" skills, even if they possess other essential qualifications. In educational contexts, it could involve placing students in lower academic tracks based on assumptions about their learning styles rather than their potential. Socially, it may involve dismissing someone's opinions or contributions because they express themselves differently.

Addressing congiscrimination involves promoting understanding and acceptance of diverse cognitive profiles. It encourages a shift away from rigid definitions of "normal" cognition towards a more inclusive approach that values a wide range of thinking styles and abilities. This includes creating environments that accommodate different learning and working preferences and challenging preconceived notions about cognitive capacity.