The term ‘neurodivergent’ has gained widespread popularity globally, making its way into workplaces, homes, and online platforms, becoming a common part of our everyday language. As its popularity grows, ‘neurodivergent’ is now being used as a corporate buzzword and a branding strategy. Due to its increasing prevalence, it is crucial to understand the true meaning of the term and related expressions.
What does it mean when a person is Neurodivergent?
‘Neurodivergent’ is a term used to describe individuals whose neurological development and functioning differ from what is considered typical or ‘neurotypical’. It acknowledges and embraces the diversity in cognitive processes, learning styles, and ways of perceiving the world.
People who are neurodivergent may have conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (Autism), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tourette Syndrome (TS), or other neurological and developmental differences.
The term emphasises the idea that variations in cognitive processes and behaviours are not deficiencies or shortcomings but instead represent natural variations in the human experience. That is, the recognition that neurodivergent individuals have unique perspectives and strengths.
What conditions can a Neurodivergent person have?
‘Neurodivergent’ is not a medical term, condition, or diagnosis. People who are neurodivergent have differences in the way their brain works. Even with the same diagnosis, people may exhibit very different signs and symptoms.
People who identify themselves as neurodivergent typically have one or more of the conditions or disorders listed below. However, other conditions may also fall under this term as well given there are no specific medical criteria or definitions of what it means to be neurodivergent
Common conditions found among individuals who describe themselves as Neurodivergent include:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Down syndrome
- Dyscalculia (difficulty with math)
- Dysgraphia (difficulty with writing)
- Dyslexia (difficulty with reading)
- Dyspraxia (difficulty with coordination)
- Intellectual disabilities
- Mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more
- Sensory processing disorders
- Social anxiety (a specific type of anxiety disorder)
- Tourette syndrome
Taking a Closer Look
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Autism
A neurological developmental condition characterised by differences in social communication and interaction skills as well as intense focus and interests.
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Dyscalculia
A learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to do arithmetic calculations. Dyscalculia affects brain areas that are responsible for comprehending basic concepts of math, recognising numbers, or learning to count.
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Attention Deficit / Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
A neurodevelopmental condition often diagnosed in childhood but can persist into adulthood. ADHDers demonstrate symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
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Tourette Syndrome (TS)
A neurological condition that causes people to have “tics”. Tics are sudden twitches, movements, or sounds that people do repeatedly and involuntarily. Tics may include making a clicking sound, throat clearing, head jerking, foot stomping, and excessive eye blinking.
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Dyslexia
A learning disability that affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent reading and spelling. People with dyslexia have difficulties with reading comprehension, phonology, and verbal memory.
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is characterised by a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead someone to do repetitive behaviours (compulsions). These behaviours often evoke feelings of discomfort and anxiety.
How Can I Be Neuroaffirming?
The neuroaffirming approach is the opposite of the deficit-based approach. It focuses on acknowledging that neurodivergent individuals have their own unique strengths and challenges, rather than focusing on these differences as problems or deficits and things that need to be “changed” or “fixed”.
Some simple ways to be neuroaffirming include:
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What About All The Other ‘Neuro’ Words?
Along with the word neurodivergent, there are many other similar words including ‘neurodiversity’, ‘neurotypical’ and ‘neurodivergence’. Although people tend tend to use interchangeably, they all have unique meanings.
Neurodiversity
refers to variations in individual brain function and behaviour, considered as part of normal variation in every human.
Neurotypical
a person with cognitive and behavioural traits that align with what is considered conventional or ‘typical’ in society.
Neurodivergence
a person with cognitive and behavioural traits that deviate from what is traditionally viewed as ‘typical’ in society.
Neurodiverse, Neurotypical, or Neurodivergent?
Psychological Assessments is a neuroaffirming practice and we will take every action possible to ensure your experience is neuroaffirming.
