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The term “neurodivergent” is quite broad, so first, let’s break down exactly who falls under this umbrella. HelpGuide explains that the term was coined in 1997 by Australian sociologist Judy Singer, and it refers to a person whose brain functions and processes are different from what society often considers “typical.”
A neurodivergent person might have speech patterns, communication styles, or sensory experiences that don’t match their peers. And they often feel a need to try to “mask” around others to fit in. But it’s important to note that there is nothing negative about being neurodivergent. It sometimes presents challenges, but it is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of or to try to hide.
It’s estimated that between 15% and 20% of the population is neurodivergent, as there are many ways to have a unique brain. Some of the most common forms of neurodivergence include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and other learning disabilities, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and sensory processing disorders.
HelpGuide also points out that the definition of neurodivergence may continue to expand over time, as the term is still relatively new. It’s also not uncommon for neurodivergent individuals to have overlapping conditions, such as autism and ADHD, or AuDHD. Sometimes people also have neurodiverse conditions alongside other mental health issues, such as anxiety or mood disorders.
We hope that this list celebrates neurodiversity, but we would be remiss if we didn’t point out some of the challenges that neurodivergent individuals often face. This doesn’t mean that there's anything they’re incapable of doing. But it’s important to recognize their struggles, so we can make accommodations and make their lives a bit easier when possible.
First, HelpGuide explains the social challenges. It’s common for neurodivergent individuals to feel lonely, isolated, or anxious in social situations because they may have a harder time reading social cues or behaving in the way that society expects.
Some neurodivergent individuals also face educational challenges. People with dyslexia, for example, may need much more time than their peers to read texts or write essays. Meanwhile, students with ADHD may have an extremely difficult time focusing during lessons.
These struggles can carry into adulthood as well, as some may have a hard time staying on task in the workplace. Being neurodivergent can even make it harder to land a job, as candidates are typically expected to act in very narrow ways during job interviews.
On the flip side, there are certainly benefits to being neurodivergent that neurotypical individuals will never understand or get to experience. First of all, many neurodivergent people are extremely creative because they have a gift of thinking outside the box. In fact, many of the most brilliant minds in history were thought to be neurodivergent, including Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton, and Nikola Tesla. Many incredible artists are neurodivergent as well, such as Sir Anthony Hopkins, David Byrne, and Tim Burton.
Another strength of being neurodivergent is that these individuals are often amazing at absorbing information. If you ask an autistic person about their special interests, they will be able to tell you an encyclopedia’s worth of facts about whatever they’re passionate about. It’s amazing to see how much they care about what they love, and it’s inspiring and impressive to witness their thirst for knowledge and understanding.
