What Does It Mean to Be Neurodivergent?

What is Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence

Neurodivergence refers to a person’s brain processing, learning, or behavior that is different from “typical.”

Neurodivergence was once a condition that was considered abnormal or a problem. Scientists now know that it can be a benefit. Practitioners are now recognizing that neurodivergence is not a disease. Instead, they view them as different ways of learning and processing information.

This article explains neurodiversity, and gives examples. This article explains how to determine if you are neurodivergent, and what it is like to be neurodivergent.

Understanding Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is the idea that it’s normal and acceptable for people to have brains that function differently from one another. Neurodiversity is not about judging people who operate differently from one another. It embraces all differences. Neurodiversity is a concept that recognizes brain function and behavioral traits as indicators of the diversity of the human population.

Neurodiversity is also a way to see these differences as not necessarily “bad” or a problem. It focuses on how they can be helpful and treats them in a neutral manner.

Judy Singer, a sociologist who is autistic in 1997, coined the term neurodiversity. There are two types of neurodiversity: neurotypical people and neurodivergent people.

Neurotypical

Neurotypical refers to a person whose brain functions, processing, and behaviors are considered normal or typical.

People who are neurotypical may not be aware of their condition. This is likely because they have never been asked about it before. They often reach all their developmental and behavioral milestones at exactly the same time and age as most people.

They can move on with their lives once they are grown up without worrying about whether or not their brains work the same as other people.

Neurodivergent

Neurodivergence refers to people whose brains work differently than what is normal or expected.

Neurodivergence can manifest in many ways. It can be subtle and not obvious, but it can also cause a person to behave differently from the norm. We will examine the most common forms of neurodivergence as well as the different ways they manifest.

Different types of neurodivergence

Neurodivergence is a broad concept that encompasses a variety of ways that different brains work in different ways. It shouldn’t surprise that there are so many ways that neurodivergence can manifest.

Although you may not be familiar with all of them, chances are that you have. These are the most popular examples.

How to tell if you are neurodivergent

You are likely to be neurodivergent if you have been diagnosed with any one of the conditions listed above. If you are not formally diagnosed with any of the above conditions, but feel strongly that you fit the criteria for neurodivergence, you may be neurodivergent. It is worth consulting a professional in this instance to confirm your diagnosis.

A formal diagnosis can help you understand why you are functioning the way that you do, and how you can best deal with it.

You are likely neurotypical if you have never been diagnosed or felt you have any symptoms.