What is Neurodivergence? An Accessible Guide to Brain Differences

If you are looking for answers about neurodivergence, you are in the right place. Perhaps you have noticed differences in the way that your brain works, and are wondering if you are neurodivergent. Maybe you want to make sure that someone in your care receives the right support.

We know that it can be daunting to reach out for expert advice, but you don’t have to navigate this alone. Once you understand neurodivergence, it is easier to implement strategies to better manage everyday life. This guide is designed to be accessible, explaining what neurodivergence is, associated strengths and challenges, and how to know for sure if you are neurodivergent.

Neurodiversity and Neurodivergence Explained

Neurodiversity is the term used to describe the many different kinds of human brains. It was coined by Judy Singer in 1998, further expanded on in her 2016 book “Neurodiversity: The Birth of an Idea.” Rather than thinking of brain functions as “normal” or “abnormal”, she argues that everyone’s brain (regardless of diagnosis) is part of the neurodiversity of humankind.

Neurodivergence is a category of neurodiversity. It encompasses brain variations that diverge from the ways that “neurotypical” brains function, for example in processing and learning. Neurodivergence accounts for approximately 15% of the UK population and, amongst others, includes autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, and intellectual disabilities like Down Syndrome.

Types of Neurodivergence

Neurodivergence is an umbrella term that describes people with a wide range of cognitive differences. While every person’s experience is unique, there are some commonly recognised types of neurodivergence. Below are a few of the most well-known.

Autism

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person communicates, processes sensory information, and experiences the world around them. Autistic people may prefer clear structure, deep interests, and predictable routines, and they may experience sensory sensitivities or social communication differences.

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects attention regulation, impulse control, and activity levels. ADHDers may find it difficult to focus on tasks that do not interest them while being able to hyperfocus intensely on those that do. Alongside challenges with organisation and time management, ADHD is also associated with energy, resilience, and innovative thinking.

Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)

Dyspraxia affects coordination, motor planning, and sometimes organisation and memory. Dyspraxic people may find tasks involving balance, handwriting, or sequencing more challenging. As a result of this, they often develop strong perseverance and unique approaches to navigating the world.

Intellectual Disabilities

Intellectual disabilities involve differences in cognitive development that affect learning and adaptive functioning. People with learning disabilities may need additional support with education and daily living skills. With inclusive environments and the right resources, though, many do build independence, confidence, and fulfilling relationships.

What Makes Someone Neurodivergent?

Someone is neurodivergent when their brain works differently from the typical ways that most people experience. As neurodivergence is a social term, rather than a medical one, it is possible for someone to self-identify as neurodivergent.

A person doesn’t need a formal diagnosis in order to be neurodivergent, but receiving one can help them fully access the support that will help them to thrive (e.g., ADHD medication). That being said, self-identification is often the first step to reaching out for that support. Neurodivergence is not some kind of deficit that people “have”; it’s a part of who they are. This can come with both strengths and challenges.

Neurodivergence Strengths

At The Dawn Practice, we avoid deficit-based language when talking about neurodivergence, focusing instead on practical support solutions and highlighting unique strengths that neurodivergent people often enjoy. With the caveat that there are variations in strengths between different kinds of neurodivergence, here are some of the main advantages we’ve noticed in our clinical practice.

Creative problem-solving

A wandering mind is usually seen as a negative trait, especially in productivity-focused workplace environments. It turns out there is a positive though: the wandering minds of ADHDers are strongly associated with creative thinking and increased idea generation, according to a 2022 study. When you see the world differently, it is easier to come up with creative solutions to problems.

Hyperfocus

There is another side to attentional differences in neurodivergent minds. With hyperfocus, autistic people and ADHDers can concentrate on one subject or activity for an extended period of time. As a result, they can enjoy extreme productivity and develop deep expert knowledge on topics that interest them.

Pattern recognition

While autism presents differently for every individual, a common autism trait is an enhanced aptitude for pattern recognition. Combined with their flair for establishing order and sticking to routines, it is no surprise that many autistic people flourish in workplace roles involving data and coding.

Attention to detail

Neurodivergent people often have remarkable observational skills, picking up on nuances that others may overlook. Whether it’s noticing a small error in a document or a subtle shift in someone’s tone, this attentiveness can make them good at quality control and a perceptive partner in relationships.

Empathy

Cognitive empathy is logically understanding the emotions of those around you. Affective empathy is the ability to feel those emotions personally, “with” the person you are supporting. Those who find cognitive empathy difficult can still be strong in affective empathy, and vice versa. And, knowing how it feels to be excluded, many neurodivergent people are highly inclusive and sensitive.

Strong sense of justice

Many neurodivergent people care extremely deeply about fairness and social justice. This strong internal compass can mean they are quick to notice inequality, inconsistency, or ethical blind spots in systems and relationships. This can make them loyal friends and courageous voices for positive change.

Neurodivergence Challenges

While we celebrate the many strengths of neurodivergence, there are real challenges associated with having brain functions that don’t always match what society expects.

Sensory processing disorders

Sometimes the world is too loud. Sometimes it feels out of touch. For a neurodivergent person, this can manifest in sensory processing difficulties. Hypersensitivity means that lights, sounds, and even textures feel overwhelming and too much for the brain to process all at once. Hyposensitivity is the opposite, where the brain may not register sensory input as strongly, leading someone to seek out more intense movement, pressure, sound, or touch in order to feel regulated.

Burnout

Masking (or social camouflaging) is a coping strategy that neurodivergent people use to hide their natural characteristics, in order to appear “normal” and fit in with other people. Other strategies to avoid shame and judgment include overcompensating through overworking or unhealthy perfectionism. These survival skills may help in the short term, but the long-term result is often exhaustion, emotional meltdowns, and even burnout.

Mental health issues

Lack of diagnosis can prevent people who are neurodivergent from getting the support they need to flourish. They may struggle with daily life due to difficulties with executive functioning or their natural sensitivity, and blame themselves for not “measuring up” to neurotypical standards. This, sadly, can lead to feelings of anxiety or worthlessness. Particularly for women, it is not uncommon for undiagnosed ADHD to be treated as mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

Relationship misunderstandings

Communication differences can sometimes lead to painful misunderstandings in friendships, families, or romantic relationships. A neurodivergent person may communicate more directly, need more alone time, struggle to read social cues, or become overwhelmed in emotionally charged situations, which can be misinterpreted as disinterest or insensitivity.

School or workplace difficulties

When a school or workplace isn’t set up to accommodate brain differences, it can be challenging to focus or make the best of the working or learning environment. An ADHDer can’t concentrate because the music in the office is too loud. A dyspraxic schoolchild is forced to do competitive, fast-paced sports when something slower paced, like climbing or swimming, might suit them better. Even small changes can make all the difference.

Neurodiversity Screening Sessions to Increase Understanding

What can you do to manage challenges associated with neurodivergence? The first step is to better understand yourself or the person in your care. For you, self-identifying might be enough. For many, though, speaking to an experienced clinician is an important part of their journey to understanding their neurological differences.

Sadly, 80% of autistic individuals struggle to access support due to challenging waiting room environments and feeling misunderstood. ADHDers sometimes wait months, or even years, to receive a formal diagnosis. In response to this, The Dawn Practice aims to offer a welcoming and accessible starting point.

A neurodevelopmental screening session gives you space to discuss your experiences, ask questions, and consider your next steps in a supportive environment. Book a screening session today and access the support that you need.