Neurodiversity can be many things. When we think of neurodivergence we might think of ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and sometimes tourettes and epilepsy along with other conditions. But what else do we think about when we consider the question ‘What is neurodiversity?’ and do most people really understand it?
In its simplest form, neurodiversity refers to the way an individuals’ brain functions, learns and processes information. Individuals who are neurodivergent tend to process things in a different way to what we would call ‘typical’ or ‘normal’.
It is thought that around 1 in 7 people in the UK are neurodivergent and due to the rise in more accurate diagnostic assessments, this number is growing. In the last 20 years autism diagnoses have increased nearly 800% and prescriptions for ADHD medication have jumped by nearly the same amount. The increase in diagnosis is thought to be down to improved education and awareness of neurodiverse conditions leading to more people seeking support.
Neurodivergence can come in many forms. Let’s taker a deeper look.
ADHD
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder affects individuals behaviour. Some people with ADHD can seem restless, have difficulty paying attention for long periods of time and have impulsive tendancies. ADHD’ers can also sometimes forget things or find time management difficult, often starting but not finishing tasks. At the same time, if somethings is particularly interesting, individuals with ADHD can also be hyperfocused. This is an intense period of concentration that can last a long time.
As we delve further into the question of what is neurodiversity, we realise that because of this individuals with ADHD can be really creative and be great problem solvers with the ability to understand complex systems and approach things in a slightly different way. In addition, people with ADHD can display a high level of resilience, be spontaneous and bring high energy.
Many of the worlds most famous entrepreneurs and inventors have ADHD.
Autism
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will also display different ways of learning, moving or paying attention. Autism tendencies can be triggered by hypersensitivities. This might mean that bright lights and loud sudden noises can make an individual feel overwhelmed, stressed or uncomfortable. There are varying levels of intensities with autism and each individual will be affected by different things. Sometimes they may find it difficult to communicate and interact with other people, finding some social situations hard. At the other end of the spectrum some individuals may be overly friendly and find it difficult to pick up on social cues and show repetitive behaviour.
Being autistic means that your brain works in a different way from other people. Many will learn to read at a very early age and be able to memorise and absorb information quickly. Individuals with autism also often have the ability to hyperfocus with strong attention to detail. Individuals can be regarded as having high levels of intelligence and show great creativity.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that most commonly can affect reading, writing and spelling. Those with dyslexia often find they can get confused with similar shaped letter and mixing up sounds. Because of this, often those with dyslexia can find it difficult to concentrate or follow instructions and find it harder to process information they hear. It can also affect an individuals organisational skills
Individuals with dyslexia tend to be able to recall facts and stories. This is called pattern narrative reasoning and means dyslexic individuals often tend to have a very strong ability to learn from experience.
Epilepsy
While individuals with epilepsy may not display any of the attention or learning style traits we have discussed above, it is still classed as a neurodivergent condition by medical teams down to the neurological disturbance it causes. Epilepsy is a brain disorder that can cause seizures. These happen because of unusual electrical activity in the brain and can cause muscle spasms, passing out, temporary confusion as well as feelings of fear or anxiety.
While not directly a neurodivergent condition, epilepsy can be more common in those with Austism and ADHD due to correlations in symptoms. More on this here: Epilepsy, Autism and ADHD.
To summerise the question of ‘What is neurodiversity?’ we believe that being diagnosed with a neurodivergent condition can be an unsettling time for some individuals and their families. But there is lots of support and information available. Everyone will show different traits and have different challenges along with wonderful strengths and skillsets. Being neurodivergent just means that your brain is wired differently to the ‘norm’. Knowledge is power so do spend time doing your own research and speaking to others.
We don’t all fit into the same box and every individual must navigate their own journey. As I have, on discovering that I too have ADHD, I found ways to cope better with the debilitating traits and use my strengths and hyperfocus abilities to my advantage. What works for me might not work for you, but I’m here to provide support and share tips and techniques to help make life easier. Its about finding the best way to navigate your path and setting the stones to enable you to thrive.
