This post was written by Sakshi Kapur, PSYD, PPG - Psychiatry.
The concept of neurodiversity was first coined by the Australian sociologist Judy Singer in 1998. She drew largely from her own experiences as a child, being diagnosed with autism and discriminated against because of it. Perhaps recently, you’ve noticed it being used more commonly in conversation and online. Let’s look at what it means and the symptoms associated with the neurodiverse brain.
It’s a non-medical term initially used by advocates of autism to move away from the normal/abnormal dichotomy of brain functioning and encourage a frame that highlights differences rather than dysfunction. Lately, there has been an increase in the use of this term because of social media and the rise of pop psychology, and it has quickly become synonymous with clinical diagnosis.
Individuals considered neurodivergent tend to be neurocognitively different, meaning they process the world around them in a way considered ‘atypical.’ Neurodivergent individuals have different learning styles, sensory processing abilities, communication styles, behaviors and may also struggle with social interactions and emotional expression.
As mentioned before, neurodivergence is not a medical term, rather it is a social framework that advocates for inclusivity and accommodations for individuals whose brains are wired differently and have different needs from their environment. It also emphasizes that there is currently no standard for a ‘neurotypical brain.’
The wide range of neurodivergence
There are a number of diagnoses that fall under the umbrella of neurodivergence or neurodiversity, including:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Down syndrome
- Dyscalculia
- Dyslexia
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Intellectual disabilities
The spectrum of behaviors and cognitive functioning that fall under neurodivergence is wide, as evidenced by the range of diagnoses it encompasses. On one end of the spectrum, there are diagnoses like Down syndrome that require extensive interventions ranging from daily living skills to medical interventions to address not only developmental delays but also heart conditions, gastrointestinal problems, thyroid problems, problems with vision and complications stemming from spinal cord compression. On the other end of the spectrum, there are diagnoses like ADHD that, even though they require clinical attention, may not be as debilitating when addressed correctly.
A significant amount of misinformation exists about what neurodivergence is and what it means to be neurodivergent. While there are advantages of using social media to increase awareness about mental health problems and have conversations about this specific topic, we need to be careful about attaching labels and self-diagnosing based on what we see on TikTok and Instagram. For example, having a sensory aversion to certain textures or tastes is not equivalent to having a sensory processing disorder that tends to accompany autism spectrum disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder, which require skilled interventions from qualified professionals.
Similarly, attention span and the ability to focus are impacted by several factors like trauma, sleep, nutrition and life circumstances. However, there needs to be a thorough clinical assessment for an official diagnosis of ADHD. The medications typically used for people with ADHD will help improve attention and focus for the majority of the population regardless of the cause of attention deficit, however following medical treatment protocols for ADHD without proper assessment and consultation with a professional can be unsafe given the potency of these medications, including the risk of addiction.
Resources for neurodivergence
Undoubtedly, the lived experience of a neurodivergent brain can feel challenging and make daily life more difficult. Clinical assessments and evaluations for the above diagnoses carry more meaning than self-diagnosing based on “armchair psychology.”
A clinical diagnosis has implications for the kinds of services one can access based on their determined level of need. The best way of determining if you have a diagnosis that falls under neurodivergence is to reach out to your medical provider to determine next steps for you. Some helpful resources you can begin with are:
Working with a clinical professional to explore potential diagnoses and develop a care plan is best. You can learn more about Parkview’s youth and adult Behavioral Health services here.
References
Chapman, R. & Botha, M. (2023). Neurodivergence-informed therapy. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 65(3), 310-317.
Sonuga-Barke, E., & Thapar, A. (2021). The neurodiversity concept: Is it helpful for clinicians and scientists? The Lancet Psychiatry, 8, 559–561.
Sonuga-Barke, E. (2023). Paradigm ‘flipping’ to reinvigorate translational science: Outlining a neurodevelopmental science framework from a ‘neurodiversity’ perspective. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 64, 1405-1408.
