Family Quote by Ellen Notbohm
““Adults often think that fair means impartial, equitable, unbiased. Family rules, school rules, and team rules apply to each sibling, student, or teammate equally. But autism un- levels the playing field. It potholes the field. All things are not being equal. So our thinking on the subject of fair must change. Here it is: Fair does not mean everything is equal. Fair is when everyone gets what they need.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Talk on Neurodiversity, Ellen Notbohm, 2015
Fairness is about meeting individual needs rather than treating everyone identically; equity requires different support to level the playing field.
In simple terms: Fair means meeting needs, not equal treatment.
Key Takeaway
Provide tailored support for each person.
Themes
equity
inclusion
neurodiversity
fairness
Mood
thoughtful
empathetic
Type
advisory
educational
When to use this quote
- education
- workplace
- family dynamics
- policy making
Key Concepts
social justice
individualized accommodation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we identify each person's unique needs?
- What structures ensure equitable support?
A Different Perspective
Equal treatment can ignore specific needs, leading to unfair outcomes.
