Understanding What It Means to Be Neurodivergent

Neurodiversity is a non-medical framework used to understand the different ways individuals develop and learn. Neurodivergence is derived from the concept of neurodiversity; it refers to the natural variations in cognitive functioning seen in individuals who think and learn in ways that differ from neurotypical patterns, such as those with autism or ADHD.

The concept of neurodivergence has been around since the late 1990s.

As acceptance continues to grow, neurodivergence has been an important vessel in moving the conversation away from viewing neurological differences as a disability or mental health disorder, and towards it being a different way for individuals to process and understand the world around them.

What does it mean to be neurodivergent?

Neurodiversity can represent a broad spectrum of variations in mental function that include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tourette’s, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, and Dyspraxia.

The concept of neurodiversity can be broadly categorised into two key categories:

Neurotypical

Neurotypical is an informal term that is used to describe individuals who align with a typical brain function and development pattern that aligns with society’s expectation of individuals of the same age and background.

Many neurotypical individuals may have never heard of the concept of being “neurotypical” because they have met all of their development milestones through early life and are simply navigating the world in a way that feels natural to them and without any variations in cognitive patterns.

Neurodivergent

Neurodivergent is a non-medical term that can describe a broad range of individuals who have non-typical brain function and process the world differently to peers of a similar age and background.

It’s estimated that as much as 15-20% of the population fit into the broad categorisation of neurodivergence.

Neurodivergent individuals may have difficulty in social situations, with communication, processing sensory information, or difficulties with learning and cognitive patterns that are associated with typical development.

When did the concept of neurodivergence develop?

Australian sociologist and disability rights activist Judy Singer coined the phrase “neurodiversity” back in 1998 in a thesis published at the University of Technology (UTS) in Sydney.

Singer’s research work is the culmination of her own upbringing. From an early age, Singer began to notice her mother’s seemingly odd behaviour from and, to this day, is still unsure of whether it was a result of autism or as a result of her time as a prisoner in the Auschwitz concentration camp during the Holocaust.

In the years that followed, Singer’s own daughter was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at the age of nine and even describes herself as; “likely somewhere on the autistic spectrum”.

Originally, Singer’s concept of neurodivergence was used to describe individuals with autism. In the years that have followed, the concept has broadened significantly to include a wide range of neurological conditions.

Today, Judy Singer is credited with bringing broadening awareness around the neurodiversity movement, which advocates for acceptance, inclusion and understanding of neurodivergence beyond a strictly medical or deficit-based view.

How does neurodivergence differ from autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Judy Singer’s original concept of neurodiversity focused on autism but was intended as a broader framework to view cognitive and neurological differences as natural human variations rather than disorders.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a medical diagnosis to describe individuals with neurological and developmental disorders that affect how they interact, behave, learn, and communicate with others.

In contrast, the non-medical concept of neurodivergence can include individuals with a broad range of conditions including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tourette’s, and Dyslexia – to name a few.

All individuals diagnosed with the medical condition of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be classified as neurodivergent. However, not all individuals that are classified as being neurodivergent are autistic.

Can you get diagnosed with neurodivergence?

No, it’s important to understand that neurodivergence is not a medical diagnosis.

“Neurodivergence” does not describe a specific condition or diagnosis, rather, the term is a broad classification of different conditions that represent a change in individual brain function and behaviours.

This includes the following conditions, all of which can be professionally diagnosed:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – A neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in social interaction, communication, and often repetitive behaviours or specialised interests.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – A neurodevelopmental condition marked by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that impact daily functioning.
Tourette’s Syndrome – A neurological condition involving repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalisations known as tics.
Dysgraphia – A learning disorder affecting writing abilities, leading to difficulties with handwriting, spelling, and organising written expression.
Dyslexia – A learning disorder that primarily affects reading skills, causing difficulties with word recognition, decoding, and spelling.
Dyspraxia – motor skill disorder that impairs coordination and movement, often affecting balance, manual dexterity, and sometimes speech.

While most conditions associated with neurodivergence are inherent, some acquired neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, brain trauma, and stroke can also lead to neurodivergence later in life.

In a broad sense, the concept of neurodivergence represents a spectrum of individuals that can have a wide range of vastly different signs and symptoms.

The importance of proper diagnosis

A large portion of individuals that fit into the broad categorisation of being “neurodivergent” are never formally diagnosed with a medical condition. Whether that is a result of ignorance, cultural or social limitations, or limited access to appropriate support, many will go through life without ever receiving formal medical confirmation.

Without the appropriate support systems in place, this can lead to non-diagnosed neurodivergent individuals facing challenges in navigating personal, social, and professional environments.

Improved understanding around the spectrum of neurodivergent conditions helps to shed light on individual diversities. Over time, advocacy for neurodiversity has evolved to include a broad spectrum of neurodivergent types and reduced the stigma around individuals whose brain functions differ from societal norms.

Improved resources have also helped to improve support for neurodivergent individuals and ensure that they receive the care that they need to learn and grow.

Receive neurodiversity-affirming care and get a professional diagnosis with New Vision Psychology

At New Vision Psychology, we have psychologists who focus on taking a neurodiversity-affirming approach to support neurodiverse individuals, respecting each client’s unique strengths and needs. We provide comprehensive diagnoses and tailored treatments for conditions such as ASD, ADHD, Dyslexia and more, empowering individuals to thrive in their personal and professional lives. Get in touch today to find out more.