Am I Neurodivergent?

Neurodivergence is the term for when someone's brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently from what is considered "typical." Neurodivergence can be broken down into two categories of people: those who are neurotypical and those who are neurodivergent. The term neurodivergent was coined by Judy Singer, a sociologist herself on the autism spectrum, in the 1997. Singer rejected the idea that people with autism were disabled, her view being that their brains only worked differently from others. 

Neurotypical brains function, behave and process information in standard ways. 

Neurodivergent brains function differently in one or more ways than what is considered standard. This can range from mild, where many people wouldn't notice, too severe, which would be easily obvious.

Neurodiversity can manifest in a variety of ways including:

• Autism

  • Known as a "spectrum disorder" due to the ranges in severity. It has many subtypes such as Asperger's and Pervasive Development Disorder. It may include challenges with socializing and social skills, repetitive behaviors and speech difficulties.

• ADHD

  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is an executive function dysregulation disorder, which means individuals have difficulties with managing their thoughts, attention, behaviors and emotions. They may also have difficulty with organization, focus, and self regulation.

• Dyslexia

  • This involves speaking, reading, and writing. It is usually associated with misreading, writing or speaking words and/or letters out f order but it is much more. It can also include confusion with letters, difficulty organizing words into sentences, and problems with vocabulary or word pronunciation, and difficulty following directions.

• Dyspraxia

  • This is a term that refers to trouble with movement and coordination. Such as struggles with fine motor skills, gross motor skills and motor planning. Sometimes also called Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD).

• Dyscalculia

  • Affects an individual's ability to do basic arithmetic such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

• Dysgraphia

  • This appears as difficulties with spelling and/or trouble putting throughs on paper.

• Plus others such as Synethesia, Tourette's, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression

The idea of neurodiversity also seeks to frame these differences as ones that are not inherently "bad" or a problem; instead, it treats them in a more neutral manner and also highlights the many different ways that neurodivergence can be beneficial.

Ariane Resnick, CNC

Check out the Strengths of Various Neurodivergent Brains

AUTISM   

• average to very high intelligence

• good verbal skills, rich vocabulary

• ability to think in visual images and identify patterns

• propensity to think outside the box and generate novel solutions to problems

• ability to absorb and retain large amounts of information, especially about topics of special interest

• detail oriented

• ability to focus for long periods on areas of interest

• ability to perform repetitive tasks where accuracy, rules and routine are important

• reliability and punctuality

• honest, loyal, fair and just

• non-judgemental listening

ADHD (ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER)

• hyper-focused

• higher levels of creativity and curiosity,

• innovation and inventiveness

• leadership abilities

• high energy, spontaneity and productivity

DYSLEXIA

• improved visual processing and pattern recognition

• good spacial knowledge

• seeing the bigger picture, often seeing things more holistically

• mechanical aptitude

• picture thinkers

• sharper peripheral vision

• highly creative

• creativity and entrepreneurial proclivities

• 50% of NASA employees are dyslexic

DYSPRAXIA

• creativity and original thinking

• good strategic thinking and problem-solving

• determination and hard-working

• highly motivated

• able to develop their own strategies to overcome difficulties

DYSCALCULIA

• creativity

• strategic and intuitive thinking

• practical ability

• problem solving

• love of words

DYSGRAPHIA

• good verbal reasoning

Am I Neurodivergent?

If you have been diagnosed with any of the above conditions then yes, you would be considered Neurodivergent. If you haven't been diagnosed formally but feel like the above descriptions do speak to you specifically you may benefit from seeking out a professional opinion. 

Having a formal diagnosis can bring better understanding about why you function the way you do and learn what will work best for you in life and learning.