Winton Eliott
The neurodiversity movement was founded in the 1990s — with the aim of embracing neurological diversity among people. Neurodiverse (or neurodivergent) individuals make up a significant portion of humanity.
According to a 2020 study, approximately 15-20% of the global population is neurodiverse. People who do not have autism, dyslexia, ADHD, or Tourette’s are considered neurotypical.
What does it mean to be neurodivergent?
There is no one answer to this question, as neurodiversity manifests itself in many different ways.
Some neurodivergent individuals may require special accommodations in order to function optimally, while others may not need any support at all.
However, all neurodivergent people share one commonality: they think differently than neurotypical people.
Neurodiversity is often seen as a positive thing. After all, neurodivergent individuals often possess unique strengths and talents.
For example, people with autism are often excellent at detail-oriented tasks, while those with ADHD are often good at multitasking and problem-solving.
However, neurodiversity can also come with challenges. Many neurodivergent individuals struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
They may also have difficulty fitting into a neurotypical world that isn’t designed to accommodate them.
Read also: Brain Memory Issues – How To Deal With Your Brain Memory Issues
What are the types of neurodivergence?
There are many different types of neurodivergence, each with its own set of symptoms and characteristics. The most common types of neurodivergence include:
Autism
Autism is a neurological condition that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. People with autism often have difficulty understanding social cues and may seem insensitive to the feelings of others.
They may also have repetitive behaviors or interests and may be sensitive to certain sensory stimuli (such as sounds or lights).
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects reading skills. People with dyslexia often have difficulty decoding words and may read slowly or make errors when reading aloud. They may also have difficulty with spelling and writing.
ADHD
ADHD is a neurological condition that affects attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. People with ADHD often have difficulty focusing on one task and may be easily distracted or feel restless.
They may also have difficulty controlling their impulses, which can lead to impulsive behavior.
Tourette’s Syndrome
Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological condition that causes involuntary tics (movements or sounds that cannot be controlled).
People with Tourette’s may make repetitive noises, such as grunting or throat-clearing, or they may exhibit repetitive behaviors, such as blinking or touching.
The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person.
Read also: A Study Finds That Impaired Brain Connections Are Linked To Autism
What are the challenges of neurodiversity?
While neurodiversity can come with many strengths and talents, it can also present challenges. Many neurodivergent individuals struggle with:
- Anxiety
- Depression,
- And other mental health issues.
They may also have difficulty fitting into a neurotypical world that isn’t designed to accommodate them. This can lead to feeling isolated, misunderstood, and alone.
How do you know if you’re neurodivergent?
If you think you might be neurodivergent, there are a few things you can do to find out for sure.
Take a self-assessment test
If you suspect that you or someone you know may be neurodivergent, there are a number of self-assessment tests that can help to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
These tests can be found online and usually only take a few minutes to complete.
While they are not a substitute for a professional diagnosis, they can provide valuable insights into how your brain functions and whether you may be neurodivergent.
If you do receive a positive result on a self-assessment test, it is important to seek professional help to confirm the diagnosis and get started on the path to managing your condition.
Speak to a professional
If you think you may be neurodivergent, the best thing to do is to speak to a qualified professional who can administer a formal assessment.
This could be your GP, a psychiatrist, or a psychologist. They will ask you questions about your medical history, family history, and symptoms.
They may also carry out some cognitive tests to assess your thinking patterns. If they believe you may be neurodivergent, they will refer you for further testing and diagnosis.
Get a diagnosis
If you think you may be neurodivergent, the best thing to do is to speak to a qualified professional who can administer a formal assessment. This could be your GP, a psychiatrist, or a psychologist.
They will ask you questions about your medical history, family history, and symptoms. They may also carry out some cognitive tests to assess your thinking patterns.
If they believe you may be neurodivergent, they will refer you for further testing and diagnosis.
Read also: Why is Brain Health Is Important
The takeaway
Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the range of neurological conditions that affect people’s thinking, feeling, and behavior.
These conditions include ADHD, dyslexia, and Tourette’s syndrome.
While neurodiversity can come with many strengths and talents, it can also present challenges. Many neurodivergent individuals struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
They may also have difficulty fitting into a neurotypical world that isn’t designed to accommodate them.
If you think you or someone you know may be neurodivergent, the best thing to do is to speak to a qualified professional who can administer a formal assessment.
Once diagnosed, there are a number of supports and services available to help neurodivergent individuals manage their condition and lead happy, fulfilling lives.
