Although it’s suggested that almost 20% of us display neurodivergent traits, spotting neurodivergent symptoms can be tricky. In this post, we’ll explore what neurodivergence is, how to recognise it, and what help is available for neurodivergent individuals seeking support.
If someone is said to be neurodivergent* or has neurodivergence**, it means that their brain functions differently from what is considered ‘typical’. As a result, they may deviate from typical behaviours, display unique ways of learning, or experience life in a different way from someone who is considered ‘neurotypical’ (without neurodivergence).
Both ‘neurodivergent’ and ‘neurodivergence’ are non-clinical labels that have evolved from the word ‘neurodiversity’. They’re seen as more favourable alternatives to terms like ‘impaired’ and ‘abnormal’, which can fuel negative stereotypes and lead to discrimination.
*Neurodivergent is the adjective form (e.g. ‘neurodivergent traits’ or ‘neurodivergent person’)
**Neurodivergence is the noun (e.g. ‘symptoms associated with neurodivergence’)
Not quite. As we’ve discussed, neurodivergence means that someone’s brain works differently from what’s viewed as typical. However, neurodiversity is the bigger idea that all these brain differences are a natural part of human diversity, just like having different backgrounds or cultures.
Put simply, neurodivergence is about the person (e.g. ‘that person is neurodivergent’), whereas neurodiversity is about the whole group (e.g. ‘we live in a neurodiverse society’).
Neurodivergence is an umbrella term, and many different neurodevelopmental conditions fall under it. Some of the most common/known about include:
While these conditions are often present from birth or early development, neurodivergence can also include acquired conditions that develop later in life through brain injury, illness, or other neurological changes.
Before we dive into some common neurodivergent traits, it’s important to mention that neurodivergence can vary greatly from person to person. Every neurodivergent person will have their own unique experience, and what one person identifies as a challenge may be considered a strength in another.
Here are some of the most commonly reported traits and characteristics experienced by neurodivergent adults:
Sensory sensitivity: Over- or under-reactivity to sounds, textures, lights, or smells.
Seen in: autism and ADHD
Difficulties with attention or focus: Trouble maintaining attention or being easily distracted.
Seen in: ADHD, autism, and dyslexia
Rigid thinking or routines: Preference for sameness and difficulty coping with change.
Seen in: autism and OCD
Executive functioning challenges: Problems with planning, organising, or completing tasks.
Seen in: ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia
Social communication differences: Trouble interpreting tone, body language, or social cues.
Seen in: autism and sometimes ADHD
Hyperfocus: Intense concentration on specific tasks or interests, at times to the exclusion of everything else.
Seen in: ADHD and autism
Emotional regulation difficulties: Struggling to manage strong emotions like frustration or anxiety.
Seen in: ADHD and autism.
If you’d like to explore some of the different neurodivergent conditions in more detail, be sure to check our other blogs.
Since people with neurotypical brains may also experience behaviours or challenges that are considered characteristic of neurodivergence, some may assume that there isn’t really a difference between people who are neurotypical and those who are neurodivergent. However, this is a common misconception.
If you’re neurodivergent and someone asks you to describe how or why your experience is different to that of someone neurotypical, you may not even need to pause to think about it. Your neurodivergence may be something you’ve always recognised deep down, even if it was something you weren’t able to put into words or didn’t understand as well when you were younger.
However, if you know or suspect you have a neurotypical brain, you may find it trickier to comprehend this difference. One useful way to understand it is by looking at clusters of traits and the impact that they have.
People are diagnosed with neurodivergent conditions based upon specific sets of symptoms that consistently appear together and are more noticeable compared to the general population. These traits stand out not just because they exist, but because they significantly impact everyday functioning.
For example, while neurotypical individuals might occasionally experience sensory sensitivities or struggle with organisation, these experiences are usually less frequent and often don’t disrupt life in the same way they might for someone who is neurodivergent.
In short, it’s the combination, frequency, and severity of symptoms that sets neurodivergence apart from the neurotypical experience.
Sometimes, a person’s neurodivergence may be missed. This can mean they go without a diagnosis for their condition(s) until later on in life. Others may never receive one.
Common reasons for this include:
Gender differences: In certain neurodivergent conditions, like autism and ADHD, symptoms can present differently based upon gender. In autism, for example, it’s said that typical traits or symptoms tend to be based on the male experience of the condition, making it harder to spot in women. It’s also suggested that women and girls with autism tend to engage in masking behaviours more than men, which adds an additional layer of complexity when it comes to spotting signs.
Outside influences and expectations: In some cases, family members or friends may not recognise their loved one as neurodivergent, instead, assuming that their traits are simply ‘part of their personality’. Although some people with neurodivergence welcome this view, others may find it frustrating or invalidating. It’s important to be mindful of this if you are neurotypical and your family member has suggested they are experiencing neurodivergent symptoms. Always approach neurodivergence with compassion and sensitivity, and avoid making assumptions.
Severity of symptoms: Since many neurodivergent conditions exist on a spectrum, the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. As you might imagine, this can cause challenges for people with milder symptoms who may not display outwardly obvious traits associated with their condition.
Comorbidity: Some neurodevelopmental conditions increase your likelihood of also having another neurodevelopmental condition. This is known as comorbidity. For example, people with autism are slightly more likely to have ADHD (referred to as AuDHD). Since traits can overlap, it may make it harder for someone to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Neurodivergence can bring with it unique strengths, perspectives, and creativity. In fact, many of our greatest thinkers throughout history are thought to have been neurodivergent. This includes people like Stephen Hawking and Alan Turing.
While many neurodivergent people thrive by leaning into their talents, there are times when support is necessary. This support includes things like:
If you identify with the challenges of neurodivergence and feel anxious about seeking support, remember: reaching out for help is often the hardest yet most rewarding step. After that initial conversation with a GP or clinician, you’ll be well on your way to living life with fewer limitations and more opportunities.
If you’re an employer, it’s crucial to ensure that your neurodivergent staff feel heard and supported. One way you can do this is by introducing reasonable adjustments. Some examples of simple yet effective adjustments include:
These small yet significant changes will help to remove barriers and reduce stress for neurodivergent employees. If you’d like more ideas for creating a truly neuro-inclusive workplace, be sure to explore our blog: How line managers can support neurodivergent employees.
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