Become more aware of neurodiversity with our expert psychology tutors and help us promote awareness on changing the way society views neurodiversity.

1. What is Neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence is defined as:
“Neurodivergence is when someone’s brain processes, learns,
and/or behaves differently from what is considered “typical.”
What is normal? Normality is the norm, whereas anything that doesn’t
match the criteria is labelled abnormal. The word abnormal has such a
negative connotation attached to it. Nobody wants to be called abnormal,
but we forget that high IQs, like that of Albert Einstein”, are also abnormal.
It doesn’t fall into the “normal” IQ range. But it’s not a bad thing.
Similarly, if you have watched “The Big Bang Theory”, you must be familiar
with “Sheldon Cooper”. His mind wor ks differently from others, but he is
extremely smart and adorable.

2. Yes, initially, the focus of early psychologists was on psychopathology and
abnormalities, but in postmodernism, we saw a huge shift. The shift from
the study of abnormalities and disorder s, we broadened our focus to
understanding the human brains and the uniqueness and individuality of
each person.
And since then, we have discovered how “neurodivergence” is not
necessarily an abnormality problem. It can have many benefits. Therefore,
practitioners no longer consider neurodivergence as an illness.
There has been a major shift in psychology where we are focusing more on
the differences in our brains instead of deficits. Now, we know that
normality is a spectrum. What is not like the majority doesn’t necessarily
mean that it’s not good or abnormal. In a nutshell, the wider view of normal
is a big chunk of something broader, called neurodiversity.
However, we as a society need to make this concept more mainstream. This
could lead to a major transformation in education and workplace norms,
according to an associate professor at Northern Illinois University,
specializing in social-industrial/organizational psychology, Alecia Santuzzi,
PhD.
She insists that if we step back and think creatively about all the different
ways school or work tasks can take place, focusing on inclusivity.
So here, we will define neurodiversity in detail, with examples so you can
understand neurodivergence. It will also inform you on what it is like to be
neurodivergent so that you can step in their shoes.
So, if you are here and reading this, I congratulate you. You are taking your
first step to know more about neurodiversity and helping us propagate this
idea on a much larger scale.

3. Understanding Neurodiversity
We know now why it is important to learn about neurodiversity. Let’s delve
into it to become more aware and informed as citizens.
Neurodiversity means that it is normal and acceptable for people to have
different brain functions. There’s nothing wrong or problematic if someone
operates differently than the others. With neurodiversity, we are saying
that we embrace all different indiv iduals.
The idea here is to remove the negative connotation of “different”,
removing “abnormal” from the definition. We need to realize that it is
beautiful, how diverse the human population is, and different brain
functions and behavioural traits are mere indicators of this fact.
Neurodiversity promotes the idea that the individual differences in human
brains and their functions are not inherently bad or problematic. Therefore,
they need to be treated in a very neutral manner. Neuropsychology
research pinpoints how these differences can be positive and beneficial.
This term “neurodiversity” was originally coined by autistic sociologist Judy
Singer in 1997. It can be further divided into two key phrases:
“neurotypical” and “neurodivergent”.
People supporting the terms like “neurotypical” and “neurodiverse” hold a
firm belief that autism doesn’t need a cure. They believe that the
differences that neurodivergence represents in people are something to be
respected and celebrated.
Currently, these terms are not r epresentative of formal medical categories.
But people in the autism community and the neurodiversity movement use
them for promoting acceptance surrounding autism and other learning
disabilities.

4. Neurotypical
Neurotypical, as a term, describes someone who has normal brain
functions, behaviours, and processing, which is considered the standard or
typical.
Neurotypicals don’t notice what neurodiversity is, as they are not subjected
to biases or differences in their treatment from people around them.
Neurotypicals complete all their developmental and behavioural milestones
at standard times and age. Therefore, they get to move through their lives
without having to wonder whether their brain works in the same way as
others or not.
Neurodivergent
Neurodivergent people have brains that function differently in one or more
ways than what is considered standard or typical.
Neurodivergence is a spectrum that manifests in many different ways,
ranging from mild to obvious. Some people have such mild differences that
neurotypicals won’t even detect any differences. Whereas, some people
manifest neurodivergence in a very obvious way for people that they
behave differently from societal standards.
However, this article will closely examine the most prevalent types of
neurodivergence and how they manifest themselves.
The word neurodivergence was coined by sociologist Judy Singer. Initially,
this term was used to refer to the autistic population. However, the usage
has broadened significantly in recent years. It is now used to refer to
people with any structured, consistent differences in the way the brain
works from the majority of the population. A few developmental disorders

5. are just normal variations in the brain structure and functioning. It doesn’t
imply that it is a bad thing. It is important to remember that people who
have these features also have specific strengths that not many normal
people possess.
To further clarify my point, we know that people with ADHD have issues
with social interactions. However, they have higher intelligence, are
passionate, driven, and have critical thinking abilities.
Sarah Cussler, assistant director of Undergraduate Writing and Academic
Strategies at Yale Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, points out that
autistic impulsivity can be an advantage because it makes them more
honest. They’ll say things that usually other people won’t dare to say.
In an interview, she explained how neurodiverse students are brilliant
students. Being neurodivergent doesn’t mean disability. Neurodivergent
may need accommodations at school or work. These students can be
extremely talented, creative, and out -of-the-box thinkers. They are amazing
at looking at the bigger picture. Hence they see problems differently than
neurotypicals. However, standard education al assessments, especially
timed tests, can be more difficult.
Types of Neurodivergence
1. Autism
Autism is a spectrum disorder, implying that its cases range from mild to
extreme. Its subtypes, Asperger’s and Pervasive Developmental Disorder
(PDD), were initially dealt with separately. They are all classified under one
umbrella term, i.e. “Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).” Since cognition
affects behaviour and emotions, people with ASD might exhibit behavioural
and emotional signs different from neurotypicals.

6. People with autism may have one or more of a broad set of conditions. It
includes challenges with social interactions and skills, speech difficulties,
and repetitive behaviours. Hence, communication is a daunting task for
autistic people.
However, they possess some off the charts abilities when it comes to
attention, focus, creativity, and visual learning.
2. ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a dysregulation disorder
of executive functioning. It implies that people wit h ADHD have difficulty
managing their attention, thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
People with ADHD also have organization issues. They often seem restless,
disinterested, or completely zoned out. While experiencing intense
emotions, they tend to exhibit inappropriate behaviour.
However, they too have an out-of-the-box thinking style, making them
strategic problem solvers. They are often very energetic and fun and
sensitive to other people at times.
3. Dyslexia
Dyslexia has been classified as a learning d isability. However, we now
consider it a neurodivergence that involves speaking, reading, and writing
difficulties. These often misspell, misread, or speak words/letters out of
order. However, it encompasses a lot more; they might get confused with
letters like “b” and “d”, or “e”, “g”, and “c”. They have trouble learning new
words or, at times, pronouncing them. They also find it hard to put words
together into sentences. Following directions or instructions can also be a
bit challenging for some.

7. However, they excel at visual processing and are excellent big -picture
thinkers. Their spatial awareness is also off the charts. They tend to be very
creative, especially when it comes to problem -solving.
4. Others
Other neurodivergence types include the following
• Epilepsy
• Tourette’s
• Dyspraxia
• Synesthesia
• Dyscalculia
• Down syndrome, &
• Chronic mental health illnesses: bipolar disorder, obsessive -
compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, and
depression.
Neurodiversity at School & Workplaces
There is no denying that our current educational systems and workplaces
are not neurodiversity friendly. However, in first -world countries, these
systems continuously try to ensure that neurodiverse people are
accommodated as per their needs. However, the only progress so far is that
they are thoughtful enough to not refer to neurodiversity as abnormal
anymore.
Neurodiverse students often do better in studies than neurotypicals, but
they have issues adjusting to the social aspects of school. They require
personalized instructions, but that will help foster a very intelligent group
of people into very productive members of society.

8. Workplaces can be a little tricky. Neurodiverse people might have difficulty
adjusting to the environment, but they work very well once they do.
However, instead of letting them adjust if we level the playing field by
giving them a conducive and neurodiverse friendly environment, it would
make a great difference.
How to Learn More About Neurodivergence?
If you wish to learn more about neurodivergence you can:
1. Read books
Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic | Thinking in Pictures | Look Me in the Eye:
My Life with Asperger’s.
2. Listen to podcasts
The Neurodiversity Podcast | Neurodiverging | Sensory Matters.
3. Follow social media accounts
Neurodivergent Activist | Nurturing Neurodiversity | Paige Layle | The
Chronic Couple.
4. Watch Shows
Atypical | The Speed Cubers | Asperger’s Are Us | Love on Spectrum.
Conclusion
As we learn more about how the human brain works and the different ways
in which neurodivergence manifests itself, we see a shift in society. People

9. are more careful with treating neurodivergence as a disability or something
to be cured.
With more awareness and time, I’m pretty sure the way we treat
neurodivergence will also change. We should be focused on fostering
environments that are accepting of these differences. Special educ ation
focuses on how people with assorted neurodivergent tendencies learn best
and is also making progress in some parts of the world.
So we need to learn and accept that all humans are different and unique.
And if someone’s brain functions differently tha n us, it’s not an
abnormality. We need to treat them the same to lead fulfilling and
meaningful lives.
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