Key Takeaways (short read - 1.5 mins)
What is Neurodiversity?
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All brains are different. These differences affect how we think, learn, feel, communicate and experience the world.
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Neurodiversity describes the natural variation in human brains. Within that diversity, some people are neurodivergent, meaning their brains work differently from what society typically expects.
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People sometimes use the word neurotype to describe the kind of brain someone has.
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Neurodiversity reflects the widely recognised fact that human brains develop and function in different ways.
Examples of neurodivergent neurotypes include:
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Autism
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ADHD
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Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia
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Tourette's Syndrome
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Some people also use the term more broadly to include certain mental health experiences such as anxiety or OCD, although definitions vary.
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There can also be overlap between neurodivergent conditions. For example, research consistently finds that anxiety commonly co-occurs with both ADHD and autism at notably high rates.
What does Neurodivergent mean?
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A neurodivergent person’s brain functions differently from what society considers “typical”. Their experiences diverge from the experiences of a “neurotypical” person.
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People with similar neurodivergent conditions may share patterns in communication, sensory experiences, emotional responses, and strengths and challenges.
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A person does not have neurodiversity; a person is neurodivergent.
What does Neurotypical mean?
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A neurotypical is a person whose brain works in ways that are considered ‘typical’ by society
Neurodivergence: Difference, not deficit
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Neurodivergence is often understood not as a problem to be fixed, but as part of the natural diversity of human brains.
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When environments recognise and support different ways of thinking, neurodivergent people can thrive and contribute in many ways.
Understanding more about neurodiversity can lead to:
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greater acceptance of yourself and others
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better sense of belonging
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reduced judgement, shame and stigma
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better well-being for all
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stronger communities that are inclusive
Key Message:
Instead of trying to make neurodivergent people fit dominant social norms, we should:
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remove barriers to participation
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increase access and opportunity
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create inclusive spaces
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value different ways of thinking
Language and Identity
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Language in this area is always evolving. Different people prefer different ways of describing themselves, and there is no single “correct” term.
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At Think Differently we encourage people to use the language that feels right for them. You do not need a diagnosis or a label to take part in our work.
UNDERSTANDING NEURODIVERSITY
Longer Read (5 mins)
What Is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the concept that all brains are different. If we break the word down:
“Neuro”
relates to the nervous system (in other words, the body and brain’s wiring and control system)
“Diversity”
just means differences between people and things
Put simply, neurodiversity describes the natural variations in how our brains are shaped, wired, and process information.
These differences influence how we experience the world, how we interact with others, and how we think and respond to situations.
Being Neurodivergent
A neurodivergent person has experiences that can differ significantly from those of a neurotypical person - someone whose brain functions within what society considers “typical” norms.
There isn’t one official definition of neurodiversity. The concept aims to recognise and include a wide range of neurological differences.
Examples include:
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Autism
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Dyslexia
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Dyspraxia
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Dyscalculia
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Tourette's Syndrome
Some people also use the term more broadly to include certain long-term mental health experiences, although definitions vary. There can also be overlap between neurodivergent conditions. For example, research consistently point to high rates of co-occurrence, with anxiety appearing frequently alongside both ADHD and autism.
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Everyone’s experience is different. But people with the same neurotype often share some common ways of thinking, communicating and responding to the world.
For example, Autistic people who are highly sensitive to sound may experience noises more intensely than neurotypical people do. Covering ears in response to noise is a natural and self-protective reaction. At the same time, that same sensitivity can also mean experiencing deep enjoyment from relaxing sounds.
Not a Deficit, but a Difference
Many people now understand neurodivergence through a neurodiversity or neuro-affirming lens, which sees these differences as natural variations rather than deficits or problems.
Traditional medical approaches have sometimes focused on “fixing” or “curing” differences. The Neurodiversity Movement instead emphasises understanding, acceptance and removing barriers.
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What’s Important to Remember ...
Neurodiversity refers to the full range of human brains collectively.
Importantly, People do not “have neurodiversity”, but that they are “neurodivergent”.
Why It’s Important to Understand Neurodiversity
Understanding neurodiversity matters because the human brain is incredibly varied, and that variety brings different perspectives, strengths and ways of thinking.
Recognising this diversity helps build a more inclusive society where people are valued for who they are.
Research also suggests that taking a neuroaffirming approach can improve well-being for neurodivergent people by:
• strengthening identity and self-understanding
• reducing shame and stigma
• increasing belonging and community
Rather than expecting neurodivergent people to conform to dominant social norms, we can focus on removing barriers that restrict participation and opportunity.
Inclusive environments benefit everyone.