UNAB Neurodivergence Observatory Leads New Effort to Drive Cultural Change in Chile

At a time when inclusion and mental health are gaining increasing attention on the public agenda, the Neurodivergence Observatory (OdN) at the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at Universidad Andrés Bello seeks to advance a different perspective on autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Led by Andrea Mira, an occupational therapist with a Ph.D. in Developmental Sciences and Psychopathology and a master’s degree in Child Mental Health, the initiative aims to challenge traditional approaches and move toward a model that recognizes neurological diversity as part of the human condition, with a focus on rights, quality of life, and social participation.

The challenge is significant. In Chile, policies, funding systems, and many clinical practices continue to follow approaches centered on diagnosis and normalization. Given this context, the new Observatory aims to serve as a hub for knowledge, research, and public outreach, with the goal of closing gaps, updating approaches, and contributing to a cultural transformation that has an impact on both decision-making and the everyday lives of neurodivergent people.

The Observatory seeks to promote a paradigm shift toward depathologization. What does this mean in practical terms for research and practice in Chile?

It means moving away from the idea of autism as an illness that must be «corrected» and toward a rights-based, neurodiversity approach. In research, this means working with communities, not simply studying them, and prioritizing quality of life, autonomy, and environmental barriers over identifying deficits. In clinical and educational practice, it challenges the traditional model centered on medical diagnosis by promoting personalized support and environmental accommodations.

One of the Observatory’s priority areas is the study of the autism spectrum in adolescents and adults. What gaps exist today?

Public policies in Chile have historically focused on childhood, leaving significant gaps at later stages of life. Today, we see late diagnoses and limited information on experiences in higher education, employment, and aging. There is also little local evidence on the impact of masking, which is often associated with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or burnout, particularly when timely support is unavailable.

Gender is another important area of focus. Why is it essential to increase the visibility of autistic women in Latin America?

Because diagnostic criteria were developed based on a male profile, which has left many women overlooked. In Latin American contexts, this is compounded by gender roles that impose higher social expectations, encouraging masking and delaying diagnosis. Increasing the visibility of these experiences can help prevent misdiagnosis and advance support that validates their experiences without stigma or blame.

What are the main challenges in inclusive education?

Despite regulatory advances in Chile, schools face critical implementation challenges. One is the persistence of a rigid school culture, with a model centered on uniformity, strict behavioral compliance, and standardized assessment rather than adopting a more flexible approach based on Universal Design for Learning.

There is also a need for more training and support. Educational communities have shown an interest in making changes; however, they often lack up-to-date conceptual tools and may mistake episodes of sensory or emotional overload for «behavioral problems» or «misbehavior.»

Another challenge involves environmental barriers and limited resources. Overcrowded classrooms with high levels of sensory stimulation, including noise and fluorescent lighting, make co-regulation more difficult. School Integration Program (PIE) teams are also under strain due to excessive administrative bureaucracy, which takes time away from their work in the classroom.

The Observatory proposes developing sensory-friendly spaces. How should these spaces be designed?

These environments should be designed according to universal design and sensory modulation principles, recognizing that the physical environment can either create disability or facilitate participation. It is not simply a matter of providing a room with toys. Consideration must be given to lighting, with a preference for natural or warm, adjustable light; acoustics, including insulation from harsh noises; textures; predictable visual organization; and the availability of low-stimulation areas for self-regulation.

These measures can have a significant impact on quality of life because they dramatically reduce anxiety, help prevent states of overload, including meltdowns or shutdowns, and allow people to remain in, enjoy, and participate on equal terms in public, educational, and health care settings, fostering genuine social inclusion.

How will the Observatory contribute to the public discussion?

The Observatory can become a key voice by disseminating information related to neurodivergence. We can contribute by developing policy briefs and scoping reviews that translate academic research into direct technical recommendations for relevant organizations and authorities. We will also work collaboratively with other institutes and observatories across the University to strengthen our initiatives and their impact on society.

What role does communication play in bringing neurodivergence into the public agenda?

Strategic communication is an essential bridge to ensure that knowledge does not remain confined to academia. One of its roles is to help drive cultural change. We will work toward this by disseminating rigorous and respectful language through the media and professional networks such as LinkedIn, challenging myths and replacing narratives of pity or tragedy with narratives that recognize and value diversity.

We will also seek to bring the demands and needs of neurodivergent communities into the public conversation, transforming individual needs into priority issues for social debate and creating pressure for decision-makers to act.

What are the Observatory’s goals for its first year?

The focus will be on consolidating its structure, developing an initial assessment, and establishing strategic partnerships with public institutions and civil society organizations.