Neurodiversity

What do neurotypical, neurodivergent, and neurodiverse mean?

Neurotypical: It represents the "typical" way of thinking and processing information, which is considered the majority experience.

Neurodivergent: This term celebrates the unique ways some individuals' brains function, often following a different direction from the 'typical' pattern. It's important to remember that this is not a deviation from the norm but a beautiful and diverse expression of human cognition.

Neurodiversity: Neurodiversity is a term that embraces the variety of ways that people's brains work. It's a non-medical term that recognizes and celebrates that there is no one right way of thinking, learning, or behaving. This non-medical perspective helps to reduce stigma and promote understanding and acceptance.

What does neurodiversity include?

Differences in sensory processing
Differences in motor abilities
Differences in social comfort
Differences in cognition
Differences in focus
Differences in ways of learning
Differences in ways of communicating
Differences in ways of perceiving the environment

Who is neurodivergent?

Neurodivergent people have a brain that functions differently from the average person. This can lead to different struggles and unique strengths.

What do neurotypical, neurodivergent, and neurodiv mean?

Neurotypical refers to standard cognitive functioning that aligns with most people's societal experience.

Neurodivergent: Neurodivergent refers to individuals whose cognitive functioning diverges from the typical patterns. Recognising this as a different form of human cognition rather than
a deviation from the norm is essential.

Neurodiversity: Neurodiversity is a concept that recognises the diverse ways people's brains operate, affirming many ways of thinking, learning, and behaving. It's important to remember that neurodiversity is a spectrum, and each individual's experience is unique.

What does neurodiversity include?

Differences in sensory processing
Differences in motor skills
Differences in social comfort levels
Differences in cognitive approaches
Differences in focus
Differences in learning
Differences in communication styles
Differences in environmental perception

Who is considered neurodivergent?

Neurodivergent individuals have brains that function in ways that are not typical, which can result in unique challenges and strengths. Conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and Tourette syndrome are examples of neurodivergent conditions.

What does neurotypical mean?

Neurotypical describes individuals who think and process information in generally accepted ways within their cultural context.

Common traits associated with neurotypical development include:

Reaching developmental milestones around the same time as peers, such as speech development
Demonstrating social and organisational skills similar to those of their peers
Coping with sensory discomfort, like loud noises, with relative ease
Adjusting to changes in routine
Sustaining focus during class or work for longer durations
Engaging in age-appropriate interests or hobbies
Hitting developmental milestones similar to peers, like learning to speak
Exhibiting social and organisational skills akin to those of their peers
Handling sensory discomfort, such as loud noises, with relative ease
Adapting changes in routine
Maintaining concentration in educational or work settings over extended periods
Pursuing varied interests appropriate for their age.

It's crucial to understand that not every neurotypical person will display all these characteristics in every context.
For example, some people without autism may find certain sensory situations overwhelming, and some children may have speech or developmental delays unrelated to any diagnosis.