What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is a term that is slowly developing more public awareness, but not a lot of public knowledge. As a result, when people hear "Neurodivergent" or "Neurodiversity" they often think first of Autism and may not go much beyond that. However, the reality is that Neurodiversity is a broad and inclusive term that, essentially, acknowledges that while the majority of the population experiences a fairly similar sequence of neurological development as their genes and brains interact with the world around us, there is actually a significant amount of variation in the traits and mechanisms that underlie who we are and how we process the world. This variation (which is actually rather useful for the survival of humans as a species!) can produce a variety of different characteristics and behaviors as it comes in contact with the world.

Because much of the "Human World" was built by the majority (by definition "Neurotypical"), this often creates some difficulty or unexpected results. This can lead to situations such as:

People expecting certain responses or skills that never developed
Greater sensitivity to stimuli or experiences that other people don't notice
Comfort from certain patterns or systems that other people don't use
Emotional responses that seem out of proportion to other people
Communication difficulties due to lack of shared experience and assumptions
Behaviors that other people don't understand or expect

Encouragingly, as we collectively learn more, we are beginning to discard the old model of categorizing and labeling people. As we move from the old categorical model of labeling people and recognize that variations exist in a range, we are beginning to appreciate that it is more useful to examine the needs of the individual instead of assuming them based on the artificial label. However, the vast majority of people still receive and utilize diagnostic labels to help guide them toward things that are likely to be helpful. Some of the labels we currently realize are types of neurodiversity include: Autism, ADHD, Tourette's, OCD, Down's Syndrome, Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, and Acute Anxiety Disorders

Some presentations of neurodiversity

Autism

Tourette's/Tic Disorder

Describing specifically "What is Autism" is as difficult as our knowledge is limited. Classically efforts to categorize Autism have focused on the social impact and capacity for daily living skills - in this way it was intended to link to the amount of services the individual may need. More recent evidence indicates Autism is likely not just one disorder and the characteristics are varied.

Tourette's/Tic Disorder

Tourette's Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental difference most known for the presence of multiple, persistent tics. However, there are many other characteristics of Tourette's Syndrome that may affect a person's life more than the tics, and there are clear and measurable differences in how the Tourettic brain processes information and responds to the world around it. Learn more at www.tourette.org

ADHD

Tourette's/Tic Disorder

ADHD is, of course, thought of as disorganized thinking such that it has become synonymous with it. However, underlying that obvious effect is actually a far more intricate difference in how information is processed. Individuals with ADHD present with more variation than simply "distracted and disorganized" and carry the burden of a stigma from the neurotypical world.

OCD

OCD is not what is typically presented in media and is specifically characterized by the compulsion to engage in behaviors to relieve distress produced by intrusive thoughts or feelings - All of which is inconsistent with what the individual wants to do. The ways this presents are rather varied, but the effect is generally the same: Acute distress and dysfunction.

Functional Neurological Disorder

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) tends to emerge suddenly and with a significant change in symptoms and the individual's ability to function. The symptoms are varied and may include psychogenic seizures, acute tics, or loss of sensory or motor function. The most important thing in addressing FND is to understand the individual is not faking it: the symptoms are real.

What is Neurodiversity?

Some presentations of neurodiversity

Autism

Tourette's/Tic Disorder

Tourette's/Tic Disorder

Tourette's/Tic Disorder

Tourette's/Tic Disorder

Tourette's/Tic Disorder

ADHD

Tourette's/Tic Disorder

OCD

Functional Neurological Disorder

Functional Neurological Disorder

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