By Chelsea Hetherington, PhD
Neurodivergence is an umbrella term that includes conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. This perspective differs from the traditional medical model that views these conditions as pathological and instead sees them as natural variations of human neurological development, with barriers and challenges being created by society rather than inherent to the individual.
Key takeaways:
- Neurodiversity recognizes neurological differences as a part of the natural human spectrum rather than disorders. It acknowledges that the challenges neurodivergent people face are often the result of societal barriers.
- Common neurodivergent conditions include autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.
- Being neurodivergent can offer individuals unique strengths, such as increased creativity, problem-solving abilities, and pattern recognition.
Everyone’s brain develops differently, affecting how they interact, socialize, and learn. However, just because someone thinks or processes the world differently doesn’t make it “wrong.”
What is neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence refers to people whose neurological development differs from what’s thought of as “typical” development. This can include people whose brains perceive and process information differently, including people with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders.
The term “neurodiversity” was coined by Dr. Judy Singer in 1998 as an alternative to traditional medical models that pathologize neurodivergence as disordered or pathological. Instead of viewing certain neurological differences as deficits, neurodiversity recognizes them as a part of the natural human spectrum, much like the human race’s biological diversity in height, skin color, and body size.
From a neurodiverse perspective, neurodivergence is not inherently negative or pathological. While neurodivergent people may face challenges in a society often designed by and for neurotypical people, these challenges are often the result of societal barriers that create discrimination and disparity rather than any inherent deficits in neurodivergent people themselves.
Common neurodivergent traits
Although a wide variety of conditions fall under the neurodivergent umbrella, there are some common characteristics that many neurodivergent people share.
Communication challenges
Neurodivergent people may struggle with specific aspects of social communication, including understanding nonverbal cues, taking turns in conversation, or interpreting sarcasm or irony. Neurodivergent people may also have a hard time engaging in “small talk” or understanding direct communication.
Sensory sensitivities
Many neurodivergent people perceive sensory input differently, which can make certain environments or experiences feel overwhelming or uncomfortable. For example, some neurodivergent people may become easily overwhelmed in large crowds or environments with a lot of auditory and/or visual stimulation. Other neurodivergent people may struggle with specific textures, which can lead to discomfort with particular fabrics, clothing, or food.
Executive function difficulties
Executive function refers to the cognitive processes that allow us to plan, organize, and complete tasks. Unfortunately, many neurodivergent individuals experience executive dysfunction, making it harder to do things like shift attention from one task to another or remember things that are important. These difficulties can subsequently affect their ability to complete tasks and manage time.
Unique interestsNeurodivergence is an umbrella term that includes conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. This perspective differs from the traditional medical model that views these conditions as pathological and instead sees them as natural variations of human neurological development, with barriers and challenges being created by society rather than inherent to the individual.
What is neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence refers to people whose neurological development differs from what’s thought of as “typical” development. This can include people whose brains perceive and process information differently, including people with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders.
The term “neurodiversity” was coined by Dr. Judy Singer in 1998 as an alternative to traditional medical models that pathologize neurodivergence as disordered or pathological. Instead of viewing certain neurological differences as deficits, neurodiversity recognizes them as a part of the natural human spectrum, much like the human race’s biological diversity in height, skin color, and body size.
From a neurodiverse perspective, neurodivergence is not inherently negative or pathological. While neurodivergent people may face challenges in a society often designed by and for neurotypical people, these challenges are often the result of societal barriers that create discrimination and disparity rather than any inherent deficits in neurodivergent people themselves.
Common neurodivergent traits
Although a wide variety of conditions fall under the neurodivergent umbrella, there are some common characteristics that many neurodivergent people share.
Communication challenges
Neurodivergent people may struggle with specific aspects of social communication, including understanding nonverbal cues, taking turns in conversation, or interpreting sarcasm or irony. Neurodivergent people may also have a hard time engaging in “small talk” or understanding direct communication.
Sensory sensitivities
Many neurodivergent people perceive sensory input differently, which can make certain environments or experiences feel overwhelming or uncomfortable. For example, some neurodivergent people may become easily overwhelmed in large crowds or environments with a lot of auditory and/or visual stimulation. Other neurodivergent people may struggle with specific textures, which can lead to discomfort with particular fabrics, clothing, or food.
Executive function difficulties
Executive function refers to the cognitive processes that allow us to plan, organize, and complete tasks. Unfortunately, many neurodivergent individuals experience executive dysfunction, making it harder to do things like shift attention from one task to another or remember things that are important. These difficulties can subsequently affect their ability to complete tasks and manage time.
*Dr. Chelsea Hetherington (she/her) is a developmental psychologist, writer, coach, and consultant.
*This article first appeared on the healthnews.com website