What Does It Mean to Be Neurodivergent? A Guide to Brain Diversity

For many years, neurodivergence has been treated as a disorder or disability. Only recently have experts found proof that states otherwise. Experts now believe that being neurodivergent means simply having a different way of thinking and processing information.

We have been looking at neurodivergence with a filter and assumed that if they take the road less traveled, they may have an abnormal approach. How neurodivergent people perceive things, comprehend information, and react to things differs from what is typically accepted.

Today, we will talk about neurodivergence and how they are differently abled than the rest of the world. We live in an ableist society where anything that doesn’t fit in or is not following the social norms is either stated wrong or tagged abnormal.

Let’s understand neurodivergence better…

What Is Neurodivergent Or Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence or Neurodivergent is a term given to people with different ways of thinking, processing information, learning, and reacting to things. When I say different, I mean it’s different from what is accepted as the “normal” way of processing or thinking.

It is the natural variation in how brains function, and it is a term that encompasses conditions like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, among others. People who are neurodivergent often experience the world differently, processing information in ways that are different from general thinking. Sociologist Judy Singer coined the term neurodivergent in the late 1990s.

Types Of Neurodivergence (Previously Known As Neurodivergent Disorders)

Neurodivergence can manifest in a lot of different ways. The human brain is mighty and is capable of endless possibilities. Neurodivergence is a part of how a human brain can function.

Let’s have a look at the known types of neurodivergent disorders or conditions where neurodivergence can be seen easily;

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) :

People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are neurodivergent because they process information entirely differently from what is considered normal. They have a disorder of executive function and find it challenging to navigate their thoughts, emotions & behavior. But they have exceptional problem-solving skills and are creatively strong.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):

It is a neuro-developmental condition that makes an individual’s life very challenging. It includes social difficulties, communication & speech issues, repetitive behavior, etc. However, autistic people, despite facing so many challenges, can lead a successful life. They can reach the solution. They just take a different route.

Dyslexia:

Neurodivergence of this type involves reading, writing, and speaking. The main difference between people with dyslexia and others is how they learn and comprehend things. However, dyslexic people excel in visual processing and are farsighted and creative.

There are various types of neurodivergent conditions like  –

• Tourette’s
• Dyspraxia
• Down syndrome
• Epilepsy
• Synesthesia
• Dyscalculia, etc.

Each type of neurodivergence brings its own unique experiences and strengths.

Did you know people with mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and personality disorder have neurodivergent tendencies?

What It’s Like To Be Living As A Neurodivergent Individual?

You can’t say what it feels like to be a neurodivergent individual—being neurodivergent means having a different way of thinking and processing information. Other people can have different neurodivergent brain functions; therefore, putting the feeling in brackets is challenging.

Neurodivergent people are individually different from one another. We all have unique characteristics; similarly, every neurodivergent individual is different from the others. The difference in brain functions comes from the various experiences that one has had.

To understand what it feels like to be neurodivergent, you must learn more about them. For years, we’ve been treating neurodivergence as a disorder; therefore, all the strengths of a neurodivergent were grossly ignored.

Moreover, neurodivergent people were made to believe that they lack something. It’s high time we understood neurodivergence and focused on accepting and encouraging their strengths rather than limiting their progress.

Challenges:

• These people cannot work according to societal norms.
• They are often misunderstood or stigmatized.
• The access to support is minimal.

Strengths:

• Neurodivergent people are creative and innovative
• Their problem-solving skills are unique
• By overcoming roadblocks, they build resilience

Personal Insight: Neurodivergent individuals often describe their experiences as walking a path less traveled—different but equally valid.

Why Embracing Neurodiversity Matters?

An individual who doesn’t abide by the norms set by society is often misunderstood, judged, and even dismissed. However, when one starts to understand neurodiversity and neurodivergent individuals, it can benefit everyone by:

• Encouraging innovation: When people think differently from the typical one, creative solutions are fostered.
• Promoting Inclusion: Accepting people with different thinking will create a society where everyone feels valued and understood.
• Breaking Stereotypes: Due to a lack of knowledge and misconceptions, people don’t accept something new when the strengths of neurodivergent individuals are highlighted. It will help build a society where the myths are dismantled.

That’s All Folks!

I hope you found this blog about neurodivergent helpful, informative, and engaging. If this article resonates with you, please share it to help raise awareness about neurodivergence. Let’s work together to build a society that values every brain’s unique potential.

Thanks for reading.