The term neurodivergent is being used more frequently, but what does it mean? If you’re wondering whether you’re neurodivergent, how would you know, or if your child might be, you’re not alone! This blog will look at what people are looking for and how we can give compassionate and clear answers about neurodivergence.

What Does Neurodivergent Mean?

Neurodivergent applies to people whose brains work differently than those of neurotypical individuals. Their differing brain processes can influence the way someone thinks, learns, behaves, or processes information.

The key takeaway on neurodivergence is that it is not bad or a “disorder.” Neurodivergence is simply another kind of human neurology.

Key attributes might be:

• Nontraditional learning styles
• Sensory processing differences
• Different communication styles
• Nonstandard emotional regulation
• The opposite of neurodivergent is neurotypical, which refers to a person’s brain processing happening more closely to social norms.

What Conditions Fall Under Neurodivergent?

There are many neurological and developmental conditions that are neurodivergent. Some of these include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
• Dyslexia
• Dyspraxia
• Dyscalculia
• Tourette’s Syndrome
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Epilepsy (debated but included by some)
• Schizophrenia (sometimes included depending on context)

Neurodivergent includes a wide range of experiences from learning differences to neurological differences, and each of these differences is a natural way that like minds, and unlike minds, function.

Understanding Neurodivergent Conditions and Related Experiences

Neurodivergent conditions cover a vast array of challenges that relate to cognition, behavior, and the processing of sensory input. For example, ADHD may include differences in attention regulation and impulsivity and of course it often has the addition of creativity, spontaneity, and dynamic thinking.

Autism offers a unique sensory and social experience, and; dyslexia has an effect on reading and writing but can also co-occur with skills related to problem solving and spatial reasoning. OCD and PTSD as neurodivergent conditions may occupy both the mental health and neurodivergent spectrum of conditions. Some definitions of neurodivergent conditions include OCD and PTSD because they impact the functions of the brain, as well, they create behavioural patterns.

Importantly, while neurodivergent individuals often face roadblocks or barriers, they also can exhibit remarkable gifts and talents, and creativity and innovation. It is important to be aware that social anxiety on its own may not be neurodivergent, but social anxiety is very frequently co-occurring with neurodivergent conditions like Autism.

How do I know if I am neurodivergent?

There is no “one test” for understanding neurodivergence but, there are many characteristics of neurodivergence that may form patterns of awareness for an individual. You may have:

• An inability to sit still or centre attention.
• Sensitivity to light, sound, texture or other sensory aspects.
• Difficulty understanding social cues.
• Preference for a routine or schedule.
• Attending to the world in images instead of words.
• Intense interests or periods of hyperfocus.
• Feeling burnt out from having to mask or socialize to fit in.

You could:

• Take some preliminary online quizzes (with caution).
• Talk to a neurodiversity-affirming psychologist.
• Consult a professional for a diagnositic evaluation.

Is My Child Neurodivergent?

Parents are usually the first people to notice possible differences in how their child thinks, feels, or behaves compared to other children. These early indicators of neurodivergence can include:

• Challenges with social cues or making eye contact
• Hyper-focus on particular topics or objects
• Resistance to routine changes
• Sensitivity to noise, textures, lights, or crowds
• Unusual ways of playing with toys or interacting with other children

As noted above, these characteristics could be connected with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or sensory processing disorder. However, keep in mind all children develop at their own pace, and not all differences indicate a neurodevelopmental condition.

Self-assessment checklists and online self-checks can help you get more informed starts. However, they will not give you a proper diagnosis. If you have concerns, speaking with a pediatrician, educational psychologist, or neurodevelopmental specialist will hopefully provide you with a more accurate understanding of your child, as well as prompt early intervention services, therapy or accommodations that may provide your child with a world of good developmentally or emotionally.

What Percentage of People Are Neurodivergent?

Neurodivergence is much more common than we (or at least many of us) may realize. Global estimates suggest around 15-20% of the population may be neurodivergent, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, etc. In the UK, it is generally quoted that approximately 1 in 7 people (roughly 14%) are neurodivergent.

However, the actual changes are likely larger, since many people are still undiagnosed for various reasons, which may include limited access to assessments, stigma, or masking of traits. This is more often the case in women and in people from marginalized communities. Further, awareness and diagnostic criteria continue to shift, so there is an increasing group of people who are identifying as neurodivergent later on in life.

This shift in awareness has opened up conversations regarding inclusion in schools, workplaces, and healthcare, with increased efforts to support varying types of being and thinking, as well as communicating with the world.

How to Support a Neurodivergent Person

Your support means a lot. Here are some ways to make a difference:

• Be Patient and Understanding
• Ask them how they preferred to communicate
• Don’t judge, and don’t expect them to “act normal.”
• Provide sensory-friendly environments where possible.
• Advocate for accessibility and accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I neurodivergent or just odd?

Everyone has idiosyncrasies and we often hear about neurodiversity as a neurodivergent brain having consistent, diagnosable, identifiable and observable patterns of cognition and/or behaviour. Just because you might feel “weird” does not mean you are neurodivergent – but if your day to day functioning is or has been significantly impacted, it might be worth looking in to.

Is everyone neurodivergent now?

No – increased awareness and diagnoses means that more people understand and have characteristics of neurodivergence.

What is the difference between neurodivergent and autistic?

Autistic people are neurodivergent. All autistic people are neurodivergent but not all neurodivergent people are autistic.

Can dogs be neurodivergent?

Dogs can definitely have neurological disorders but pets and veterinary science would not typically refer to those dogs as being neurodivergent.

Are neurodivergent people smarter?

Neurodivergent people demonstrate great strengths in creativity, problem solving, and progressive and innovative thinking styles. Intelligence varies from person to person.

Is neurodivergent a mental illness?

Not necessarily, while some of the neurodivergent conditions may overlap with mental health, neurodiversity, neuromodification and condition is primarily about brain functions and neurological differences, rather than the impact of emotion.

Why are so many neurodivergent individuals LGBTQ+?

Research suggests the two groups may view the world differently and be more likely to question society’s evolutionary norms, but the relationship between the two, and the degree to which it exists, is in active research.

How does someone know if they are neurodivergent without a diagnosis?

It could be beneficial to read about specific conditions like ADHD or autism and consider if your traits impact your life strongly. If you strongly suspect you are neurodivergent, evaluate the option of a formal assessment for clarity and support.

Do doctors diagnose neurodivergence in adults?

Yes! Since many neurodivergent conditions are diagnosed in childhood, formal adult diagnoses were uncommon, but it is becoming more common. Adults request diagnosis because the process requires assessments, a detailed understanding of developmental history, questionnaires, and cognitive evaluation. Moving from suspected to formal diagnosis can lead to resources like accommodations, therapies, and further self-understanding, generally improving one’s quality of life.

Is intellectual giftedness neurodivergence?

Intellectual giftedness is understood as having a higher-than-average, often significantly higher-than-average cognitive ability and is not considered to be neurodivergence. However, some individuals are twice-exceptional (able to demonstrate superiority in an average domain like IQ and demonstrate neurodivergence), which indicates that in addition to a higher-than-average intellectual ability, they may exhibit challenges alongside their stronger intellectual capacity.

Are all INFJs neurodivergent?

An INFJ is a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type and tells us about cognitive and emotional preferences, not neurological state. While some INFJs could also be neurodivergent, a person being labelled an INFJ does not mean the person would also be neurodivergent.

Conclusion

Neurodiversity is a natural, valued, and normal part of human diversity. Recognizing and further understanding neurodiversity will help reduce stigma and help create workplaces, schools, and communities that are even more inclusive.

Whether you are a neurodivergent person exploring your own mind, a neurodivergent child’s parent, or just someone curious, the first step toward a more compassionate world is to value the many ways people experience life.

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