neuro’s asterisk // 10.8.2023

In my previous genealogy of neuro* post, I reviewed the (nonlinear) trajectory from neurodiversity to neuroqueer to neurotrans to neuro, and began to define - or, really, just introduce - neurotrans and neuro* as follows:

neurotrans

As a nonbinary person and scholar interested in trans* studies, I realized the generative possibilities of embracing both queer and trans* ontologies and epistemologies. I furthered this definition here.

neuro*

Trans* studies informed my choice to use the asterisk (*) with neuro* (adjective). In order to honor the intersectionality of the neurodivergent community, critical theoretical perspectives, and the various ways in which neurodivergent individuals conceptualize their identities, I applied trans* asterisk logic, described by Tomkins (2014) below.

“Recalling the variety of ways… the asterisk can function, trans* blends [its] wildcard function with its use as a figurative bullet point in a list of identities… not predicated on the trans- prefix formulation… [S]tarring trans draws attention to the word, indicating the possibility of a deeper meaning… Finally, the asterisk may act as a footnote indicator, implying a complication or suggesting further investigation. In this sense, the asterisk actually pushes beyond the trans- prefix and opposes it as the only legitimate way to refer to trans* identities and communities.”

Tompkins, A. (2014). Asterisk. Transgender Studies Quarterly, 1(1-2), 26-27.

the asterisk

Based upon my interpretation of Tomkins’ definition above, neuro’s asterisk (*) functions to:

• forefront the intersectionality of the neurodivergent community;

• honor the nuance and multiplicity of neuro identities;

• oppose neuro as the only legitimate way to refer to neuro* identities and communities;

• bring attention to, complicate, decenter, and push beyond ‘neuro’; and

• further investigate the function of the “neuro-” prefix.

Adding to this understanding of the asterisk, I want to highlight its ability to allow affect into the equation.

adding affect

I propose here that the asterisk does not act only as a placeholder (like the use of a bullet point or its wildcard function in computing and telecommunications). It can also be considered a physical - typographic - barrier between the word to which it is attached and whatever character(s) come next. In this way, the asterisk allows for and can indicate the presence of hesitation.

The asterisk, for me, was a way of honoring the discomfort I began to feel with the centrality of neurology in discussions of and identities associated with neurodiversity and neuroqueerness. I was relieved to find a way to indicate a sort of hesitation with the prefix - even in regards to my own conceptualization of neurotrans.

Now, the discomfort may appear as a red flag to some. Let me explain. I am not contesting that neurodiversity exists, nor that neurology plays an important role in the intersectional lived experiences and material realities of neurodivergent and neuroqueer people. Through the use of the asterisk, I am proposing a both/and scenario.

I acknowledge what “neuro” is while investigating what "neuro-” does.

In acknowledging what ‘neuro’ is, I do not accept neuro discourse uncritically or take an essentialist view, but, instead, work alongside the following understanding:

‘Neuro’ and its accompanying discourse/vocabulary (i.e. neurodiversity, neurodivergent, neuroqueer, neurospicy, etc.) provide essential tools for discussing the ways in which we exist in the world. This shared vocabulary allows us to share similar experiences and crucial information, collectively resist the medical model, and advocate against injustices committed against our communities.

This (indication of) hesitation aligns with the asterisk’s role of indicating further investigation. By attending to affect, I was prompted to focus on what ‘neuro-’ does as a prefix - to investigate how it functions structurally, systemically, and politically. This led to a 2.5 year deep-dive into the ‘history of the present’ and political rationalities of community and neurotypism. This is largely what will populate this blog - and the chronic killjoy substack.