A person is considered to be neurodivergent if their brain functions, learns, and/or processes information differently than the majority of their peers. Neurodivergence is typically associated with learning disabilities, like dyslexia, or neurological disorders, like autism, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, Weschler-Gesell Syndrome and many other syndrome, that can affect an individual’s behavior, communication, thinking and feeling.
Neurodivergence can affect an individual’s ability to process information, think about and/or understand information, and also affect how they interact with their environment. This can lead to a range of difficulties in one’s daily functioning, from difficulty in communication, to difficulty in organizing and managing tasks, to difficulty in forming peer relationships.
Neurodivergence is diagnosed and identified through a variety of medical and psychological tests and assessments in conjunction with collection of data from individuals’ history and environment. Contrary to common belief, neurodivergence is not an illness and cannot be cured, but it can be managed successfully with the right support, interventions, accommodations, and therapies.
How do I know if I’m neurodivergent?
If you think you may be neurodivergent, there are a few signs and symptoms you can look for. Common signs of neurodivergence include difficulty with concentration and focus, difficulty relating to or understanding social norms or cues, difficulty opening up to new ideas and experiences, feeling disconnected from one’s own emotions, a lack of impulse control or difficulty regulating emotions, sensory sensitivities or aversions, and difficulty with mathematics or logic.
These can manifest in many ways depending on the individual and the type of neurodivergence.
It’s important to note that just because you display some of these signs and symptoms, that doesn’t necessarily mean you are neurodivergent. Some of these same signs and symptoms can appear for a variety of reasons and simply having them does not qualify someone for a diagnosis.
If you believe you may be neurodivergent and want to seek a diagnosis, you should seek out a qualified mental health professional who has expertise in the type of neurodivergence you think you may have.
They can help you assess and diagnose any underlying condition. It is also important to remember that diagnosis is only one part of the equation and it is still possible to live a fulfilled and meaningful life without a diagnosis.
Can you diagnose yourself as neurodivergent?
No, it is not possible to diagnose yourself as neurodivergent. Neurodivergence is a broad term that includes neurological disorders and conditions such as autism, dyslexia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
To accurately diagnose neurodivergence, you will need to speak with a medical professional such as a neurologist or mental health counsellor. These experts have the expertise to evaluate your individual symptoms in order to determine if neurodivergence is the best diagnosis.
Along with a physical exam, they may also conduct additional tests such as genetic and psychological testing to help reach a meaningful diagnosis. Once you receive a diagnosis, you and your medical team can work together to create a treatment plan and lifestyle changes tailored specifically to you and your needs.
While it is not possible to diagnose yourself as neurodivergent, self-reflection, personal research, and connecting with medical professionals may provide the insight and help you need to better understand how neurodivergence impacts your life.
Am I neurotypical or neurodivergent?
To determine if you are neurotypical or neurodivergent, it is important to understand the differences between these two terms. Neurotypical (or NT) refers to individuals whose neurological development and state are considered “normal” according to typical standards and expectations.
Neurodivergent (or ND) is an umbrella term used to describe individuals whose brains operate in ways that differ significantly from the general population. It includes individuals who are on the autism spectrum, as well as those with developmental, cognitive, and/or emotional disabilities or difficulties.
The best way to find out if you are neurotypical or neurodivergent is to consult a medical or mental health professional or have a conversation with a trusted healthcare practitioner. Depending on the circumstances and your personal background, they may be able to help you develop a plan of action to better understand your neurological makeup and identify potential areas of strength and difficulty.
It is essential to understand that everyone’s brain is unique, so there is no single set of criteria or test to definitively determine if someone is neurotypical or neurodivergent.
Are you neurodivergent If you have anxiety?
No, being neurodivergent is not the same as having anxiety. Neurodivergence refers to a wide range of neurological and cognitive differences that include, but are not limited to, autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia.
These are conditions that are experienced by individuals in early childhood and are present throughout the lifespan. Anxiety, on the other hand, is an emotion or psychological experience that can occur in response to a certain situation or environment and can vary in intensity over time.
While some people with certain neurodivergent conditions may also experience anxiety, it is not a defining aspect of being neurodivergent. The two terms should not be used interchangeably.
What are things neurodivergent people do?
Neurodivergent people are those whose brains function differently from the norm, which means that their experiences and abilities can range widely from person to person. Neurodivergent people can be found in all walks of life, and no two experiences are the same.
Generally, though, there are several common activities that neurodivergent people may engage in or exhibit.
One such activity is mental mapping, which is the process of creating a mental representation of a physical space. A person with autism, for example, may have a mental map of the entire layout of a building and may be able to recall it with remarkable detail.
This ability can be useful in situations where the individual needs to remember how to get to a certain location or how to find specific objects in a room.
Neurodivergent people often demonstrate a heightened sensory awareness, which means they may be able to experience, interpret, and react to sounds, smells, and other stimuli, as well as emotions, at a deeper level than a neurotypical person.
This can be both difficult and helpful if the individual is able to recognize patterns or trends that would not be obvious to someone else.
Neurodivergent behavior may also include a tendency to be more detail-oriented, noticing nuances and patterns in the environment that others may overlook. Such individuals may be better at recognizing subtle differences between things than others and may have an eye for operational efficiencies.
This can be beneficial in problem-solving and creative tasks.
People with neurodivergence may also have an ability to think in abstract ways, allowing them to ponder questions and arrive at solutions that wouldn’t occur to the average person. They may also enjoy creative pursuits such as producing art, writing stories, and making music.
Neurodivergent people may also tend to be open-minded and accepting of divergent thought, allowing them to more easily interpret the perspectives of others. They may also be more patient with challenging behavior and more resilient in the face of adversity.
Overall, the abilities and experiences of neurodivergent people can vary greatly, but they often have an ability to see and create order in patterns where others wouldn’t, as well as having a heightened awareness and appreciation of the world around them.
Do neurodivergent people hear differently?
That depends on the type of neurodivergence a person has. For some neurodivergent people, there may be apparent differences in their hearing. For instance, some individuals with Autism may have difficulty filtering out background noises, resulting in a heightened awareness of sounds.
Additionally, studies have found that neurodivergent people may be more sensitive to loud noises, leading to increased feelings of stress and anxiety from loud noises that neurotypical people may find manageable.
Likewise, individuals with syndromes like Williams Syndrome may also have discrepancies in their hearing, as they often have difficulty separating the components of speech. This can lead to difficulty understanding complex sentences or conversations, particularly in a noisy environment.
In general, neurodivergent people may experience a difference in both their ability to perceive and understand sound, though it may depend on the individual and the diagnosis of their specific disorder.
Is there a general neurodivergent test?
No, there is not a ‘general’ neurodivergent test. Neurodivergence is an umbrella term that encapsulates many different neurologically-based conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. As such, there is no single test that is able to accurately diagnose all types of neurodivergence and this is because the neurological differences and symptoms will vary from person to person.
In cases where an individual is seeking a diagnosis for a suspected neurodivergence, a variety of assessments and tools may be used, tailored to the individual. This could include tests to check cognitive abilities and strengths, interviews, questionnaires and physical exams.
The goal of these assessments is to identify possible causes of any difficulties the individual is experiencing and how they can be managed. If a diagnosis is given, this can then help to open up access to support, strategies and resources.
Ultimately, the best way to understand if someone is neurodivergent is through the unique combination of information and evidence gathered from a specialist.
What is the most common type of neurodivergence?
The most common type of neurodivergence is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is estimated that this condition affects about 4. 4 percent of adults and about 9. 4 percent of children between the ages of 13 and 18 in the United States.
ADHD is characterized by difficulty paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity. The symptoms of ADHD can have significant impacts on a person’s ability to function in everyday life, and may interfere with academic performance, job performance, and social relationships.
Other common neurodivergences include Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, and Tourette Syndrome. Each of these conditions affects individuals differently, with unique challenges and strengths. Treatment is available to help individuals with neurodivergence to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.
What is neurodivergent burnout?
Neurodivergent burnout is a term that describes when a person experiences a physical, psychological, and/or emotional exhaustion caused by the challenges that come with being neurodivergent. Neurodivergent individuals are those whose brains do not work in the same ways as the majority of people in their social context, such as people with autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Tourette’s Syndrome, or other neurodivergent conditions.
Neurodivergent burnout is often caused by a convergence of stressors common to neurodivergent people. For example, socially prescribed behaviors, adapted for neurotypical contexts, can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent people.
Cognitively, neuro divergent people may experience difficulty accessing the same opportunities for career, social and educational advancement that are available to neurotypical individuals. Added to this is the burden of daily sensory overload, making it even harder to function in many common settings.
This can trigger physical and mental exhaustion, resulting in a lack of motivation, overwhelm, and eventually burnout.
The good news is that neurodivergent burnout can be managed and even prevented with awareness, support, and self-care. For example, taking regular breaks and practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can help to alleviate the stressors of neurodivergence.
Creating an intentionally created and supportive environment that takes into account the needs of neurodivergent people and tailored to the individual is also extremely beneficial in helping to avoid burning out.
Additionally, focusing on self-compassion and positive emotion regulation skills can help to buffer against any difficulties associated with the challenges of being neurodivergent. Ultimately, managing neurodivergent burnout requires dedication, time and effort, but by doing so an individual can prevent burnout and live a happier, healthier life.
Is OCD an anxiety disorder or neurological disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is best characterized as an anxiety disorder that involves intrusive, recurrent thoughts and urges (obsessions) and/or repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions).
Although the exact cause of OCD is unknown, research indicates that it is a neurological disorder that can be inherited. The primary cause of OCD is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors, resulting in neurochemical and structural abnormalities in the brain.
Studies have shown that sufferers of OCD have an imbalance of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood, sleep, and appetite. Abnormal functioning of certain areas of the brain, such as the orbitofrontal cortex, caudate nucleus, thalamus, and amygdala, has also been linked to the disorder.
What causes anxiety in the brain?
Anxiety is a psychological and physiological state in the brain caused by a complex combination of factors that can range from genetics, neurological pathways, environment, substance use, and life experiences, among others.
Pre-existing conditions such as PTSD, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other mental health disorders can also lead to increased levels of anxiety.
At a neurologic level, anxiety is caused by increased activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain that controls fear responses and anticipates potential dangers through the production of cortisol, adrenaline, and other hormones in anticipation of a perceived threat.
There are various neurotransmitters that modulate anxiety, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), norepinephrine, and serotonin, among others, and disruptions of these modulators have been associated with the development of anxiety.
Environmental and social factors can also play a role in the development of anxiety, from chronic stressors to traumatic events. When faced with a stressor, the body releases cortisol, adrenaline, and other hormones in order to prepare the body and mind for the challenge, a cascade of events known as the fight-or-flight response.
Under chronic and excessive levels of anxiety, the body and mind become overworked and sensitive to threats, constructing an anxious brain state that can be difficult to manage. Substance use can also contribute to anxiety by altering or interfering with the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain.
In summary, anxiety is a multi-factorial phenomenon that arises from genetic, psychological, environmental, and physiological factors. Changes in neurological pathways, neurotransmission, and hormone production in the brain can lead to an anxious state, but the psychological and environmental factors that interact with these pathways can also be of great importance.
