3 Types of Neurodiversity That Might Surprise You
Types of neurodiversity may seem obvious if you’re speaking with someone who has non-verbal autism or maybe a child with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. You might recognize that someone with non-verbal autism communicates differently or that a child with ADHD struggles to maintain attention with competing priorities all at once. However, understanding what neurodiversity is and isn’t helps everyone widen their view of what it means to be neurodivergent, how you can build accommodations into your everyday life, and how you can thrive no matter how your brain works. Definition of Neurodiversity Versus Neurodivergent Neurodiversity is the noun form of neurodivergent and simply refers to a state of having a brain that works differently from what is considered a norm or standard. Because it’s not a clinical definition, there are no specific criteria to meet; however, neurodiversity is used to classify someone whose brain operates uniquely compared to others. Even two different people with the same diagnosis can have differently-wired brains, so comparing apples to apples (so to speak) isn’t going to result in a clear-cut definition. Neurotypical refers to someone whose brain operates in ways that are more culturally and socially accepted as standard. For example, someone who joins a group, introduces themselves, and starts to integrate into a group conversation might be considered neurotypical. In contrast, someone who joins a group, stands off to the side, waits to be invited into the conversation, and still struggles to assert their opinion may show signs of a neurodiverse brain. Or they may just be shy until they’re comfortable in a new setting. It’s hard to tell at first glance, and it may not be visible whether someone is neurodiverse. More Easily Identifiable Types of Neurodiversity Conditions such as Down syndrome, ADHD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder have been widely publicized in [...]
