There comes a time in every person’s life when they are forced to reconcile the fact that, actually, what they think is entirely normal doesn’t represent how the average person operates. If one happens to not be neurologically typical, then this might be the list for you.
Someone made a post stating “Neurodivergent folks, what’s a symptom you thought was normal until you realized it absolutely wasn’t?” and people shared their best examples. Note, many of the things here can be attributed to neurodivergence, but are not exclusive to it. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to write down and obsess over your own examples in the comments below.
#41
Having to listen to something to stimulate my brain so i can go to sleep, otherwise ill just be up thinking about any and everything.
Report
33points
#43
When people are talking interrupting to ask questions. I thought I was actively listening… turns out you have to let people finish their sentences?
Report
31points
#44
CONSTANTLY misplacing/losing things and then consequentially having a full blown meltdown over not finding it as a full grown adult.
Report
29points
#46
I don't like lights. I want the house dark no lights. My bedroom is very dark. That's where I want to be
Report
26points
#47
Chatter in my mind, always thinking always ruminating making up scenarios, making up entire new worlds, navigation skills, time anxiety and being soooo prompt, taking things literally, pattern recognition to point I can tell the future based on it 😅 ocd but messy too.
Report
26points
#50
Going down creative rabbit holes and not being able to sleep until I “get the itch out”.
Report
23points
#51
Intellectualizing emotions instead of processing them.
Report
22points
#52
Coffee. I thought people were lying about their need for coffee in the morning because caffeine does nothing for me.
Report
22points
#53
I did not realize people genuinely do not see an issue with things being moved/touched. I tell my coworkers constantly "if you use my stuff, put it back EXACTLY where you found it" but they just toss it on my cart instead. it makes me irrationally upset. It's MY STUFF, why are you touching it.
Report
22points
#54
High emotions for everything and having a hard time getting over things… I’d mad for days if you let me.
Report
22points
#55
Extreme sensory issues. Have to be wearing socks 24/7. The air itself is a sensory issue.
Report
20points
#56
Having a particular order to eating foods and making sure to have ideal bites.
Report
20points
#57
Having to read someone's lips to understand what they are saying.😭😭😭
Report
20points
#60
Immediate and severe 2nd hand embarrassment even though it has nothing to do with me. Intense and complete full conversations in my head before speaking. Pacing while on the phone. Needing to do everything in order ie there are 3 houses- have to go to house 1, first house 2, second etc., watching the same movie, shows, or books that I know every word to on repeat., unable to wear mismatch socks without anxiety, cutting every nail and filing them because one nail broke.
Report
19points