What Is Neurodivergence? Understanding the Definition, Traits, and Signs
What Does Neurodivergent Mean?
In Celebration of Autism Awareness Month, let’s break down what being neurodivergent means. The term neurodivergent refers to individuals whose brain function differs from what is considered "typical." This term falls under the broader concept of neurodiversity, which recognizes that variations in brain function, cognition, and behavior are natural and valid. Some common examples of neurodivergence include Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, OCD, and Tourette’s syndrome.
Rather than viewing these neurological differences as disorders that need to be "fixed," the neurodiversity movement encourages acceptance and accommodation. Understanding neurodivergence is critical in helping individuals receive the support they need, such as neurodivergent therapy tailored to their unique cognitive and emotional experiences.
Neurodivergent Definition: What Qualifies as Neurodivergence?
The term neurodivergent was first introduced by sociologist Judy Singer in the 1990s to describe cognitive variations that diverge from the neurological majority, known as neurotypicals. Neurodivergence encompasses conditions that affect thinking patterns, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and social interactions. Some of the most commonly recognized forms of neurodivergence include:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Dyslexia and Other Learning Differences
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Tourette’s Syndrome
Sensory Processing Differences
This definition continues to evolve, and many individuals who experience cognitive differences (highly sensitive person (HSP), gifted) that don’t fit neatly into diagnostic categories may still identify as neurodivergent.
Neurodivergent Traits & Symptoms
Neurodivergence presents differently in each individual, but some common neurodivergent traits include:
Sensory Sensitivities: Heightened or reduced sensitivity to sound, light, texture, or smell.
Hyperfocus or Attention Difficulties: Difficulty maintaining attention or, conversely, intense focus on specific interests.
Emotional Dysregulation: Difficulty managing emotions, leading to intense reactions or shutdowns.
Social Differences: Challenges in understanding or interpreting social cues.
Executive Functioning Struggles: Trouble with organization, time management, and task completion.
Stimming Behaviors: Repetitive movements or sounds (hand-flapping, rocking, echolalia) that help regulate sensory input.
Masking and Camouflaging: Suppressing natural behaviors to fit societal expectations (especially common in high-masking autistic individuals and high-masking autistic women).
Neurodivergence is diverse and highly individualized—no two neurodivergent individuals will have the same set of experiences.
Neurotypical vs. Neurodivergent: What’s the Difference?
A neurotypical individual is someone whose brain function aligns with societal norms regarding cognition, socialization, and sensory processing. In contrast, a neurodivergent individual experiences the world in a way that may differ significantly from these norms.
Some key differences between neurotypical vs. neurodivergent individuals include:
Social Processing: Neurotypicals may intuitively understand social cues, while neurodivergent individuals may need to consciously interpret them.
Emotional Regulation: Neurotypicals may regulate emotions in expected ways, whereas neurodivergent individuals might experience heightened emotions or difficulty expressing them.
Sensory Experiences: Many neurodivergent people have sensory sensitivities or seek sensory stimulation, while neurotypicals often process sensory input without distress.
Communication Styles: Neurodivergent individuals may prefer direct, literal communication, whereas neurotypicals often rely on indirect or implied meanings.
Recognizing and respecting these differences fosters inclusivity and helps neurodivergent individuals receive the support they need.
How to Know If You’re Neurodivergent
Many people wonder, "Am I neurodivergent?" or seek out self-assessments like a neurodivergence test to explore their cognitive patterns. While no self-test can provide a definitive diagnosis, self-reflection and professional evaluation can help.
Some questions to consider:
Do you experience sensory sensitivities that others don’t?
Do you struggle with executive functioning (organization, time management, memory)?
Do you find social interactions draining or confusing?
Do you feel like you experience emotions more intensely than those around you?
Do you engage in repetitive behaviors, fidgeting, or stimming?
Do you find it difficult to focus or, alternatively, hyperfocus on specific tasks?
If these questions resonate with you, seeking out a neurodivergent therapist near you may be beneficial in further understanding your experiences and finding supportive strategies.
Is ADHD Neurodivergent? Neurodivergent vs. Autistic
Yes, ADHD is considered neurodivergent because it affects cognition, attention, and impulse control differently from neurotypical functioning. Both ADHD and Autism fall under the neurodivergent umbrella, but they present differently:
Autistic individuals often experience sensory sensitivities, social communication differences, and a preference for routine.
People with ADHD may struggle with attention, impulsivity, and executive dysfunction.
High-masking autistic individuals, especially high-masking autistic women, may camouflage their traits, making their neurodivergence less visible to others.
While there is some overlap in traits, Autism and ADHD are distinct conditions. However, many people are diagnosed with both (AuDHD).
Neurodivergent Therapy: Support for Unique Minds
Neurodivergent therapy is an approach that validates and supports neurodivergent individuals without pathologizing them. This type of therapy focuses on:
Self-acceptance and identity exploration
Coping strategies for sensory sensitivities and executive dysfunction
Social and emotional regulation skills
Unmasking and embracing one’s authentic neurodivergent self
Finding a neurodivergent therapist near you who understands the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals can make therapy more effective and affirming.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Neurodivergence
Understanding what neurodivergent means is the first step in embracing neurodiversity. Whether you’re exploring signs of neurodivergence in adults, wondering how to know if you're neurodivergent, or seeking support through neurodivergent therapy, remember: you are not broken—your brain simply works differently.