What Does It Mean to Be Neurodivergent?

Introduction

Have you ever caught yourself or someone you know saying, “I have OCD of putting things where they belong,” “ I am so restless that I can’t focus today?” In the twenty- first century, people use that frequently as slang to express themselves without knowing the actual context.

My point is-

What if these are just more than expressions?

What if these traits are a part of a deeper notion that shapes the way we think, act, interact, live in this beautiful world?

What if your brain works in another way– is that something to celebrate or something to fix?

Let us dwell deeper into neurodivergence, its complex nature, the uniqueness and understanding how to identify neurodivergence in yourself or others around you.

By the end of this article, you will be able to see the creation of mind in a completely new light!

Understanding Neurodivergence

The term “neurodivergent” was coined by renowned sociologist Judy Singer. Primarily this term was used to describe individuals who are autistic. However, in recent times the usage of this term has broadened remarkably.

The term Neurodiversity is derived from the word “neuro” meaning the nervous system and the word “diversity” meaning variety.

The variable nature or the diversity is responsible for the variability essential in human- cognitive functions such as language, focus, reasoning, memory, problem- solving and behavior.

It is a concept that includes diverse ways of brain’s process information and functions which are presented behaviorally to the outside world.

We label the broad “neurodivergence” ranges into a conceptual framework called the “neurodivergence umbrella”.

Neurotypical VS Neurodivergent

Neurodiversity consists of two types:

Neurotypical

Neurodivergent

In simple terms, “neurotypical” refers to individuals with typical or standard neurological development and functioning. Such individuals can think, perceive or experience the world in ways that align with the typical “societal expectations/ norms.”

On the other hand, “neurodivergent” refers to individuals with atypical or peculiar neurological development and functioning. This consists of conditions like Autism, ADHD, dyslexia or other conditions that diverges the brain from the typical pattern.

Such individuals might think, process information, and behave quite differently. However, that does not mean that they are incapable– they are just unique and different.

Types of Neurodivergence

Each condition and type of neurodivergence is unique and has its own set of challenges and strengths.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Individuals on the autism spectrum have a different way of processing sensory information and often are linked with displaying repetitive behavioral patterns. These individuals might face societal challenges but they have exceptional skills in art, mathematics, creativity and so on.
Dyslexia: This is a condition that affects language and reading abilities or processing. Dyslexic individuals face challenges with reading, decoding words, spelling and so on. However, they are extremely creative and exceptional in fields requiring visual or dimensional skills.
Attention- Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Individuals with ADHD often face challenges with attention span, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, risk- taking behaviours, fidgeting, and so on. On the flip side, they are highly creative, energetic, compassionate and good at “out-of-the-box” thinking.
Dyspraxia: This condition is usually related to the movement and motor coordination of our body. They hold difficulties in simple tasks like writing, balancing, tying shoelaces and so on. They are highly skilled at areas which require less manual dexterity.
Sensory Processing Disorder: Individuals have either hyperactive or hypoactive sensory responses. They might be overly sensitive at times or might not perceive sensory inputs correctly. They are good at music, art, writing and so on.
Tic Disorders and Tourette Syndrome: These conditions include repetitive movements or sounds which are also called tics. Individuals with Tourettes might experience a mix of motor tics (rapid eye blinking, head bobbing, arm jerking, and so on) and vocal tics(shouting, coughing, grunting, and so on).

How to know if you are neurodivergent?

A lot of individuals do not discover them being “neurodivergent” until they reach adulthood.

Diagnosis is essential as it will help an individual understand and discover things about themselves that they were not aware of. Neurotypical traits include not experiencing any of the above conditions or the mentioned signs.

Formal diagnosis

Our clinical and research community focuses more on neurophysiological measurements, however, the diagnosis or the recognition of clinical conditions related to neurodiversity is based on behavioral and cognitive measurements.

It is necessary to undergo formal diagnosis as it will provide personalised methods to deal in a better way.

For instance, ADHD is diagnosed on the psychoeducational and cognitive scales rather than brain scans.

Self- diagnosis

This is quite a valid form of identification and the initial step is understanding the characteristic feature of the conditions you are experiencing.

I have curated the signs one can watch for and then one can seek a precise diagnosis made by healthcare professionals. An official assessment can help you identify the nature of your neurodivergence and provide personalised support.

Social challenges: Avoiding eye contact, difficult interactions with people, finding it difficult to understand social cues, prefers isolation speech and communication skills (struggling to pronounce few words/ phrases, Jumbled speech, and so on)

Sensory overload: Sounds may seem louder, hyperactive or hypersensitive to touch.

Visual disturbances

Challenges with focus or attention: Either hyperfocus or difficult in concentrating, easy distraction, difficulty at organisation or planning.

Repetitive behaviours and routines: Intense or blank emotional reactions, resistance to change, strict routines

Reading or language difficulties.

Strengths

Exceptional attention to detail, Sharp memory, Unique learning preferences (might prefer learning through visuals, auditory or practical applications), Creativity and Innovation, Reliability, Excelling in repetitive tasks.

Will society come to normalise Neurodivergence?

If we compare, today there is more awareness, more acceptance, shift in social attitudes, and adequate normalisation towards Neurodivergent individuals. Better than yesterday! However, when it comes to society we take time and effort. It is considered that each civilisation/ community defines its own conditions/ diseases. It all comes with identification and acceptability.

Let us understand through this simple example. For eons, left handedness was considered as atypical and a part of neurodivergence. Societally the left- handed individuals did suffer discrimination. Today, left handedness is no longer perceived as a part of neurodiversity and has been normalised. In fact, we have places where they are very well accommodated without exclusion.

By this example, I intend to suggest that societal norms and evolution go hand in hand. As Jean rightly quoted that “One may have to look at history as an evolution of society.”

Summing up in many aspects, this process of “complete normalisation” is what neurodivergence is going to seek in the near future.

Evolutionary power of Neurodivergence

Have you pondered on the fact– why would you react calmly while your sister handles it furiously in the same situation. Or just maybe, in the near future you might have a different reaction in the same situation.

That is how we evolve. That is how multifaceted and complex the brain is! As author Corneuliu Giurgea rightly quoted, “A man is not going to wait passively for millions of years before evolution offers him a better brain.” An individual is just going to function while evolving.

Neurodivergence is referred to as a double- edged sword with advantages to the evolutionary aspect of human species and to some extent disadvantage to the individual.

For instance, ADHD is linked with innovative and risk- taking behaviors which increases the vulnerability of the individual (personally). However at the same time, these behavioural patterns elevated the diversity, evolvability, and flexibility.

Modern research refers to this as variability rather than deficiencies.

Therefore acknowledging neurodivergence will encourage meaningful reinforcements and shape the constant evolutionary patterns.

Conclusion

As Armstrong rightly said, “It’s not how smart you are, it's how you are smart.” Neurodivergence is not something to fear or shame. It is a fundamental part of human diversity.

Understanding neurodivergence, the signs, the strengths will aid in creating a world where all minds are valued for their unique contributions.

This will help in embracing neurodivergence and celebrate the beauty in our differences– both evolutionary and societal.

“Thoughts are experiments.” This one was mine —
Written by Sakshi- April, 2025.

Do You Know?

Research suggests that many creative individuals are exceptional in creative fields. For instance, famous renowned figures like Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci were assumed to be neurodivergent.

An estimated 15- 20% of the world’s population exhibits some form of neurodivergence.

About 2.21% of adults in the United States have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

What’s Next for You?

Want to learn more about embracing your unique brain?

Stay tuned with Rachna Sahney Pargi Rachna Sahney Pargi Journey for Autistic Child Support, for more articles that dive deep into human diversity, mental health, and how to navigate life in a neurodiverse world.

References

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