By Tim Aiello, MA, LPC, NCC, ADHD-CCSP
Clinical Director, Myndset Therapeutics
The term "neurodivergence" has gained traction in recent years, but what does it actually mean? At its core, neurodivergence refers to differences in brain function and structure that diverge from what society considers "typical." Coined in the 1990s by sociologist Judy Singer, the term originally described conditions such as autism and ADHD. Today, the concept has expanded to include a variety of conditions that shape the way people think, feel, and interact with the world.
What is Neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence acknowledges that no two brains are exactly alike. It challenges the idea that there is a "normal" way to think, process emotions, or perceive the world. Instead of pathologizing these differences, neurodivergence celebrates the diversity of human cognition. This framework recognizes that conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, bipolar disorder, and even left-handedness are simply variations of human wiring, not inherently "defective" states.
A Spectrum of Differences
Let’s break down some forms of neurodivergence and how they manifest in daily life:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autistic individuals often process sensory information differently, may have intense focus on specific interests, and can experience social interactions uniquely. For instance, an autistic person might find a crowded shopping mall overwhelming due to bright lights and loud noises, but they may excel in areas requiring deep attention to detail.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is characterized by differences in attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Someone with ADHD might struggle to focus in long meetings but thrive in fast-paced environments that require quick problem-solving.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia affects the way the brain processes written language. While reading may be challenging, many dyslexic individuals excel in creative thinking and problem-solving. For example, renowned entrepreneur Richard Branson attributes much of his success to the unique perspective his dyslexia gives him.
Bipolar Disorder
People with bipolar disorder experience shifts between manic (high energy) and depressive (low energy) states. These mood changes can be intense, but individuals with bipolar disorder often display heightened creativity during their manic phases, leading to innovations in fields like art and science.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia involves disruptions in thinking, perception, and emotional regulation. While it is often misunderstood, people with schizophrenia can lead fulfilling lives when they have access to proper support. For example, Nobel Prize-winning mathematician John Nash continued his groundbreaking work despite living with schizophrenia.
Left-Handedness
It might surprise you, but even left-handedness can be considered a form of neurodivergence. Left-handed individuals often have different brain lateralization, which can affect how they process tasks. Historically stigmatized, left-handed people now serve as a reminder that divergence can be both common and culturally constructed.
Why Neurodivergence Matters
Understanding neurodivergence is crucial for fostering a more inclusive society. When we move away from a one-size-fits-all model of human behavior, we open the door to innovative ideas, perspectives, and solutions.
For example:
Schools can implement teaching methods tailored to diverse learning styles.
Workplaces can offer accommodations like flexible schedules or sensory-friendly environments.
Communities can celebrate neurodivergence through events like Autism Acceptance Month or Dyslexia Awareness Week.
Everyday Examples: How Neurodivergence Shows Up in Life
Sensory Preferences: An autistic person may carry noise-canceling headphones to avoid overwhelming environments, while someone with ADHD might keep a stress ball on hand to stay grounded during long tasks.
Social Interactions: A person with schizophrenia might rely on grounding techniques during a social gathering, whereas a neurotypical person might not think twice about small talk.
Problem-Solving: A left-handed person might approach spatial puzzles differently, offering a unique solution that right-handed individuals hadn’t considered.
The Science Behind Neurodivergence
Research supports the idea that neurodivergence stems from structural and functional differences in the brain. For instance, studies show that autistic individuals have increased connectivity in certain brain regions, leading to unique processing styles (Chen et al., 2020). Similarly, ADHD is linked to differences in dopamine regulation, which impacts attention and reward systems (Volkow et al., 2021).
Understanding these differences helps shift the narrative from "deficits" to "diversity." Neurodivergence is not something to "fix" but rather an essential aspect of the human experience.
Embracing Neurodivergence
The neurodiversity movement invites us to rethink our definitions of normalcy and success. It encourages us to ask: What would our world look like if we designed it to include everyone?
For neurodivergent individuals, embracing their differences can lead to greater self-acceptance. For neurotypical allies, learning about neurodivergence fosters empathy and inclusion.
As a neurodivergent person myself (ADHD and proud!), I’ve learned that my brain’s wiring isn’t a liability—it’s a gift. Yes, there are challenges, but there’s also immense strength in thinking outside the box, diving deeply into passions, and connecting authentically with others.
Final Thoughts
Neurodivergence is all around us, shaping our world in profound and beautiful ways. By celebrating these differences, we create a society that values every individual’s unique contributions. Whether you’re left-handed, living with bipolar disorder, or simply learning about neurodivergence for the first time, remember: diversity is what makes us human.
References
Chen, B., Li, X., Wang, L., & Wang, Z. (2020). Brain structural connectivity and sensory processing in autism spectrum disorder. Neuroimage Clinical, 27, 102352.Volkow, N. D., Wang, G.-J., Kollins, S. H., et al. (2021). ADHD: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and the role of dopamine. Biological Psychiatry, 89(10), 1038–1045.
This was very helpful