It has long been known that everyone’s brain functions differently. Artists, inventors, and thinkers are often praised for the way their minds work just as much as they are praised for the works they produce. The “great minds” of history are called-such because their minds worked differently than most, but in a way that was highly efficient and at unique perspectives. These types of thinkers are all “neurodivergent.”
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity simply means that all brains are different. Like fingerprints, the connections, synapses (spaces), and networks of the brain are all unique to each person. No two people have brains that form and function in the exact same way; each person’s brain shows unique “diversity.”
The term “Neurodiversity” was first used by Sociologist Judy Singer in 1998. She, like many other sociologists and neuroscientists, wanted a term that could be used for individuals’ whose brains unction atypically (differently) than neurotypical brains. Each brain functions in its own way, but 80% of the populations brains function very similarly — or “neurotypically.”
What Does Neurodivergent Mean?
Neurodivergent is a person whose brain functions differently than the 80% majority of the “neurotypical” population. Simply put, neurodivergent peoples brains process information differently.
Am I Neurodivergent?
Neurodivergent is an “umbrella term” for those whose brains function differently, and often there are no “symptoms” or characteristics that would make a person’s neurodivergence apparent. However, there are a number of medical conditions that affect the brain processes and inherently make a person neurodivergent.
Autism, Autism-Spectrum Disorders, and Neurodivergence
Autistic Children at all spectrum levels are neurodivergent, in-that their brains function differently than the 80% majority of “Neurotypicals.” Those with Autism-Spectrum disorder often suffer from less intense symptoms of autism, though their brains still function differently — placing them in the neurodivergent category.
Not all neurodivergents suffer from a medical condition or autism, but a high number of those with autism are neurodivergents. It is important to remember that neurodivergence is not a handicap or mental/physical malady, but simply a brain that functions differently than most.
Neurodivergence is on a spectrum, just like autism — and the spectrum goes from mild to severe. Some neurodivergents find little-to-no impact on their daily life, while others find that it causes great impact on their daily lives.
ADD, ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder & Neurodivergence
Is ADHD Neurodivergent? Yes! ADD and ADHD are neurodevelopmental disorders (disorders that first appear during the development of the brain). These disorders lead to neurodivergence in ADD/ADHD sufferers — sometimes extreme neurodivergence, and other times the neurodivergence is very slight and not readily noticeable.
Again, there is nothing “wrong” or “problematic” with the way ADD/ADHD sufferers brains — they just function differently than what is considered “normal” by sociological “Standards.”
What Conditions are Included in Neurodiversity?
There are a number of medical conditions that cause greater instances of neurodiversity, including:
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- Autism
- Autism-Spectrum Disorder
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
- Bipolar Disorder (BPD)
- Dyscalculia
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
- Dysgraphia
- Misophonia
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Prader-Willi Syndrome
- Slow processing speed
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Stammering
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Williams Syndrome
Is BPD Neurodivergent?
Experts don’t officially recognize Bipolar Disorder (BPD) as a neurodivergent condition, but many Bipolar Disorder sufferers are neurodivergent. Experts argue that too many BPD sufferers align more with neurotypicals versus neurodivergents for BPD itself to a neurodivergent condition.
However, that separation is typical of neurodiversity – the neurodiversity can be tied to a medical condition or not. Neurodiversity is its own condition separate from all other conditions, even though it often accompanies other conditions like autism at a higher rate.
Neurodivergent Examples
Examples are the best way to communicate the complexities of some neurodivergence cases. Examples of famous neurodivergents examples to illustrate the point give a better understanding of the idea.
Famous Neurodivergent People
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- Animal Scientist: Temple Grandin
- Actor: Sir Anthony Hopkins
- Artist: Vincent Van Gogh
- Inventor: Nikola Tesla
- Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Activist: Greta Thunberg
- Scientist: Sir Isaac Newton
- Director: Tim Burton
- Scientist: Alan Turing
- Artist: Michelangelo
- Poet: William Butler Yeats
- Author: Hans Christian Anderson
- Founding Father: Thomas Jefferson
- Comedian: Jerry Seinfeld
- Founder of IKEA: Ingvar Kamprad
- Poet: Emily Dickenson
- Actor: Ryan Gosling
- Actor: Dan Ackroyd
- Actress: Liv Tyler
- And: More…
Do Neurodivergents Face More Struggles Than Neurotypicals?
We live in a neurotypical society, with standards that are literally set in stone and steel. People are told and expected to act in a very certain way. This works fine for the 80% majority of the population that is neurotypical, but can cause issues for those who are neurodivergent.
Social anxiety and awkwardness are only the minor struggles a neurodivergent may find when navigating the Neurotypical “real world.” School, work, and social functions seems to be where neurodivergents struggle the most — since these three institutions are all about “fitting in” to a predetermined criteria. While many neurodivergents overcome these obstacles or their neurodivergent minds find comfort working through the challenges, many others let themselves get overcome by the anxiety and challenges.
Nurturing Neurodivergent Children and Adults
It is so important to nurture neurodivergent minds all throughout life. Neurodivergent minds become the great thinkers of our generations, if nurtured properly. This means telling neurodivergents that their minds are precious gifts, not impairments, and encouraging them to follow their education, dreams, and goals.
Therapy and Counseling for Neurodivergent Children and Adults
Therapy and counseling to help through mental health challenges, anxiety and depression is all about working through the processes of the mind. This is why it is critical that a neurodivergent’s therapist understands that he/she/they are neurodivergent and understands how to treat someone a neurodivergent mind.
Therapy For Neurodivergents in Arizona
The Arizona Relationship Institute and our therapists have a deep understanding of diversity in people and their minds. We are neurodiversity-informed and can treat adults, children, and families with both neurotypical and neurodivergent minds.
