What is Neurodiversity? Understanding Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is an often misunderstood term.

Essentially, the neurodiversity definition asserts that the human mind naturally works many different ways ¹—no two brains are the same, and these differences, recognized as unique ways of thinking, shape individual perspectives and behaviors. As a result, the brain’s varied methods of processing information become a part of self-identity.

As our understanding of neurodiversity has grown, there has been a shift in the field: We now focus on spreading awareness and celebrating our distinctions.² Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and understanding this develops inclusion and acceptance.

What Is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is a term that was first coined by Judy Singer, an Australian sociologist, in the late 1990s.¹ Singer proposed that neurological diversity is a natural and healthy attribute, arguing that neurological differences are a part of human diversity and should be embraced as a natural variation.

The concept of neurodiversity highlights the range of differences in the human brain.³

Singer has built upon her original idea to claim that neurodiversity is an inherent aspect of human nature that serves as a valuable lens to examine social issues.³

Singer referred to individuals with autism, or other conditions that involve neurological differences, such as ADHD and learning disorders like dyslexia and dyscalculia, as neurological minorities. Neurodiversity has expanded to incorporate a wider group, including those who self-identify as neurodiverse. Recently, it has grown to include anyone who feels that they think or process in unconventional ways.¹

What Is Included in Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity encompasses all humans and the immense nuances their minds can experience. It generally includes two categories:⁵

• Neurotypical: Individuals who process information in a way considered standard or typical. They develop brain functions, such as organizational and social skills, at similar rates as their peers.
• Neurodivergent: Individuals who process information in a way that is not typical for their age. Neurodivergent individuals do not have a brain that works incorrectly; its functionality simply differs from most of their peers.

Those who are neurodivergent have differences in their brain structure, chemistry or organization.^{3, 6} These differences affect many elements, including which parts of the brain are ,or are not, activated, how quickly they pass information and how the body responds.

It’s estimated that between 15-20% of individuals exhibit some type of neurodivergence, so while the way they process information may be atypical, it is not rare.⁷

Some examples of neurodiversity expressions include: ^{8, 9, 10}

• Difficulty with social interactions
• Heightened anxiety
• Sensitivity to sound, light, smells and touch
• Difficulty with staying still or focusing
• Repetitive behaviors or routines
• Avoiding eye contact
• Uncontrollable emotions

Diagnosing neurodivergent types often starts when certain symptoms or behaviors are noticed.^{11, 12, 13}

The Neurodiversity Movement

The neurodiversity movement serves an overarching purpose: to promote the equality of neurological minorities.¹ The goal is to shift how society views neurologically diverse individuals by celebrating their strengths and talents helping them find meaningful roles and demonstrating how embracing neurodiversity can enrich everyone’s lives.¹

The neurodiversity movement began around the same time the term neurodiversity was introduced – and it was spurred on, in particular, by the autistic self-advocacy movement of the 1990s.⁴ Today, those who identify as neurodivergent and their supporters aim to raise understanding, acceptance and accommodation of neurodiversity.

The 11 Types of Neurodivergence

While society is often categorized as neurotypical or neurodivergent, neurodiversity includes a wide range of types. Each neurodivergent type affects brain function, which influences how a person processes information and expresses unique qualities.³

The 11 most common types of neurodivergence include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Autism is considered a spectrum disorder because its traits, how they appear and the level of support needed can vary widely. Typically, those with autism experience differences in thinking, movement, sensory processing, socialization and communication .¹⁴
• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD is a condition that affects executive functioning, making it challenging for those with ADHD to manage their attention, thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Individuals with ADHD may experience restlessness, difficulty with organization, moments of zoning out or struggles with controlling emotions, which can impact their actions in various situations.¹⁵
• Dyslexia: Individuals with dyslexia may experience challenges with reading, speaking or writing words in the correct They may also find it difficult to organize words into sentences, follow directions or pronounce words correctly, and may confuse certain letters.¹⁶
• Dyscalculia: As an example of the types of neurodiversity, dyscalculia is a condition that makes math-related tasks challenging. Individuals with dyscalculia may struggle with number sense, remembering math facts or holding numbers in their minds while solving problems.¹⁷
• Dyspraxia: This disorder affects movement and coordination, making tasks that require fine motor skills like playing sports, writing or learning to drive, more challenging.¹⁸
• Tourette Syndrome: This condition of the nervous system can cause individuals to experience tics, or sudden movements, twitches or sounds, that are performed repeatedly and without control.¹⁹
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD is a type of neurodivergence in which someone experiences recurring thoughts that they cannot control , completes repetitive behaviors , or experiences both.²⁰
• Bipolar Disorder: Individuals with this disorder can experience unusual shifts in their mood, energy and concentration.²¹
• Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): Within the neurodiversity definition is SPD, which causes individuals to process sensory information differently. It can affect any or all of the People with SPD are often overly sensitive to sensory stimuli, but in some cases, the opposite may occur.²²
• Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders cause persistent feelings of anxiety that interfere with daily life. This can include generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder and phobias.²³
• Depression: Depression is a common mood disorder that affects how people feel, think and go about their daily lives.²⁴

These 11 types of neurodivergence are among the most common, though they don’t cover everything. Some individuals may be neurodivergent without fitting any of the conditions listed above, as neurodiversity is a broad and unique experience for each person.

Is Neurodiversity a Disability?

To advance the neurodiversity movement, we need to clear up misconceptions surrounding neurodiversity–because the key to acknowledgment and inclusion is understanding.

A common misconception about neurodiversity is equating it with disability.  A disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits the ability of a person to complete one or more major life activities.²⁵ In comparison, neurodiversity is a concept that includes all neurological variations, both neurotypical and neurodivergent.⁵

In reality, neurodiversity celebrates the natural variations in how people think, process information and experience the world. These differences are not deficits but rather a reflection of the unique strengths and perspectives each individual brings to the table. Recognizing neurodiversity helps us appreciate and support a broader range of human experiences.

Being neurodivergent is not the same as being disabled. While some neurodivergent individuals may experience disabilities, not all do.

Neurodivergence itself isn’t a disability, and with the right support systems, individuals can better understand how their brain processes information.²⁶ These systems help people work with their natural strengths, offering tools that enhance social, professional and academic success. Educational systems can create an environment where all students, regardless of how they process the world, are set up to thrive.

A common misconception is that  neurodivergent individuals are alone,but many individuals worldwide share similar experiences, and the collective can help them feel less alone. Support groups offer a chance to connect with others, gain valuable skills and create a safe space where individuals can express themselves and find community.

Neurodiversity in Work, Education and Healthcare

To make healthcare, educational and workplaces more inclusive for all types of neurodiversity, the first step is recognizing the different forms of neurodivergence. Once we understand these differences, we can create environments that highlight strengths and cultivate belonging.

Supporting a Neurodiverse Workforce

Significant strides have been made to foster neurodiversity in the workplace. Many businesses now have neurodiversity hiring programs. The purpose of these hiring programs is to allow  neurodivergent individuals to showcase their skills in a non-conventional interview setting.

Practices, such as understanding how much autonomy versus direction someone needs, offering flexible work hours and defining clear performance metrics can support  neurodivergent individuals in the workplace.^{7, 27}

Hiring neurodivergent individuals brings valuable benefits, such as approaching challenges from  different angles, which can lead to creative problem-solving .⁷

Helping All Students Succeed

Education has seen positive reforms aimed at supporting the neurodiversity movement. For instance, 504 plans support students with academic, organizational and social accommodations that can help a child access learning at school.²⁸ For individuals with ADHD, for example, this might involve adjustments during the school day to help them stay focused,  as well as tools to manage hyperactivity.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism, are entitled to special education services. Schools must create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to address the student’s unique educational needs through tailored instruction and support.²⁹

Some schools have therapists who work with neurodivergent students daily, helping them to strengthen their skills in the classroom and beyond.

Neurodiversity in Healthcare

Healthcare can support neurodivergent individuals through different therapeutic fields that address communication, sensory and motor challenges, helping them thrive:

• Occupation Therapy (OT): OT focuses on enhancing well-being and helping individuals participate in important life activities, such as work, self-care and education. It supports neurodivergent individuals—whether with ADHD, OCD, anxiety disorders, or other conditions—by integrating a strengths-based approach into individualized care.^{30, 31}
• Speech-Language Pathology (SLP): SLPs are experts in communication, supporting individuals with socialization cues and self-expression. They leverage various personalized techniques in neurodivergent therapy, such as Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), social skills training, visual supports, and alternative communication methods like AAC, to enhance functional communication, support language development, and integrate personal interests, fostering both social and language skills in a way that meets individual needs. By integrating these insights, SLPs design more effective, individualized approaches to help neurodivergent individuals thrive in communication and social interactions.^32,34
• Physical Therapy (PT): PTs optimize a patient’s quality of life by restoring, maintaining and improving their ability to move, function and live a rewarding While typically associated with recovery from illness or surgery, they also play a significant role in supporting the neurodiverse population, especially those with sensory or motor challenges. For instance, those with autism can benefit from PT to improve posture, strength and balance.³³

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One of the greatest challenges with therapeutic interventions is recognizing that neurodiversity isn’t a deficit, buta variation. Instead of focusing on limitations, the key to supporting neurodivergent individuals is embracing their unique strengths and weaknesses. This practice, known as neurodiversity-affirming therapy, allows healthcare practitioners to tailor interventions that respect and nurture each individual’s potential.³⁴

Involving neurodivergent voices in designing therapeutic interventions ensures empowerment that meets their needs, rather than relying on assumptions. Healthcare should celebrate neurodiversity, embracing the unique qualities of neurodivergent individuals. By valuing their perspectives, we create more effective, inclusive support that develops their talents.

Creating a Neurodiversity-Inclusive World

Neurodiversity is born from the realization that the human mind and the way that it processes information is as diverse as the species on the planet. There is no right and wrong way to process information.

Understanding what is neurodiversity and what are the types of neurodivergence is critical for building inclusion in the workplace, healthcare, and education. Neurodivergent individuals bring valuable strengths, especially in idea creation and analytical thinking. Supporting these abilities not only helps them thrive but can also benefit everyone by fostering diverse perspectives and innovation.

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