U.1: Normality and Neurotypicality

Question 1

define Normality.

Answer 1

Refers to the state of having thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that are considered common and acceptable. The conceptual approach to describing normality provides a basis for identifying thoughts, feelings, and behaviour that may be considered adaptive or maladaptive.

Question 2

normality can include…

Answer 2

• Freedom from disabling thoughts
• The capacity to think and act in an organised and reasonably effective manner
• Freedom from disabling feelings, such as hopelessness and despair
• Freedom from extreme emotional distress, such as excessive anxiety and persistent upset
• The ability to cope with the ordinary demands and problems of life
• The absence of clear-cut symptoms of a mental health disorder, such as obsessions and phobias.

Question 3

define neurotypicality.

Answer 3

• Refers to individuals who display neurological and cognitive functioning that is typical or expected.
• Fairly new in the field of psychology, but it helps us conceptualise normality.
• It examines normality in terms of brain functioning.

Question 4

what are developmental milestones.

Answer 4

Neurotypical individuals display common behaviours and skills that follow a normal developmental trajectory and meet standardised developmental milestones.