About Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity. Neurodivergent. Neurotypical. What do these actually mean? Let’s make it simple.
Neurodiversity
The natural diversity of human brains.
Neurodiverse
Describes a group that includes many different kinds of brains.
Neurodivergent
A person whose brain works differently from the typical pattern.
What Is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity recognises and embraces the natural variations between all human brains and how they function.
Different brains are part of being human. Not wrong. Not broken. Different.
Different ways of thinking are not defects. They are differences. Neurodivergence refers to ways of being that differ from what society labels as “typical.” It is an umbrella term that includes a range of diagnoses and identities.
What Fits Under the Neurodivergence Umbrella?
Examples can include:
ADHD
Differences in planning, focus and task completion
Autism
Differences in communication, processing and sensory experience
Dyslexia
Difficulties decoding and composing written text
Dyscalculia
Challenges understanding number concepts
Dyspraxia
Difficulties planning and coordinating movement
Tourette Syndrome
Involuntary sounds or movements (tics)
OCD
Intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours
Bipolar Disorder
Significant shifts in mood and energy
Down Syndrome
A genetic difference affecting development
High Potential & Gifted
Including twice-exceptional (2e)
(There are others — this is not a complete list.)
Many neurodivergent identities occur together
It’s common for someone to:
Brains are complex. Labels don’t always tell the whole story.
Neurodiversity encourages us to move...
Support needs. Celebrate strengths. Both can exist at the same time.