Neurodivergence

Neurodiversity is the idea that human brains naturally vary. It's a term used to recognise all of the different (and equally valuable) ways people think and experience the world. 

Neurodivergent is a non-medical term used to describe people whose brains work differently from what's considered 'typical'. It's not a diagnosis – it's an umbrella term used that captures many different conditions, such as ADHD and dyslexia. Some people prefer using the terms neurodiverse or neurospicy to describe their experience.

You might wonder if you are neurodivergent if you have always felt like you handle things differently than people around you. Maybe you find it hard to stay focused, get stressed out by loud sounds, or find social rules confusing. Reading about autism or ADHD is a great way to see if other people's experiences sound like yours. You don't need an official diagnosis to start experimenting with alternative methods and strategies that help your brain and behaviour, but getting assessed by a professional can help if you require medication to support your daily functioning, and to outline specific accommodations you need to thrive in your school or workplace. Learn more about neurodivergence.

Yes, people with ADHD are considered neurodivergent because ADHD causes the brain to function differently from what’s considered ‘typical’. This doesn’t mean people with ADHD aren’t ‘normal’, it just means they have unique ways of thinking and learning. Check out everything you need to know about ADHD.

ADHD and autism can happen together, but they are two different things. ADHD mostly affects how you manage your focus, energy, and choices throughout the day. Autism is a brain difference that affects how you communicate, handle sensory things like noise or light, and how much you love routines or deep interests. Knowing which traits match your experience can help you pick the right tools for school, work, and everyday life. Learn more about neurodivergence.

Yes, people with dyslexia are considered neurodivergent because their brain processes language and reading differently to what’s seen as ‘typical’. Watch Phoebe’s story about studying with dyslexia to learn more about the condition. 

Masking is when neurodivergent people hide or change their natural behaviours or feelings to fit in with neurotypical expectations. For example, they might suppress their stimming or avoid talking about their special interests so that they don’t stand out. Masking can be intentional, but it’s often done subconsciously. Masking can lead to exhaustion, social fatigue, isolation, and identity issues. Check out how autism can affect your mental health for more information.

While masking is typically seen as an autistic trait, people with ADHD or other neurodivergences mask and can experience neurodivergent burnout. Women and girls with ADHD often are overlooked for an ADHD diagnosis due to masking and not seeming ‘ADHD-enough’. Learn more about ADHD in women and girls.  

Neurodivergent burnout can happen when someone with ADHD, autism or another neurodivergent condition feels overwhelmed from masking. It often leads to fatigue, stress, and trouble thinking clearly. You can help prevent it by practising self-care, setting healthy boundaries, and finding supportive, neuroaffirming spaces where you can be yourself.

There is some disagreement among researchers, medical professionals and people with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) about whether OCD sits under the neurodivergent umbrella. Some people consider it a neurodivergent condition because it affects the way the brain works. Take a look at more things you might not know about OCD. 

Neurodivergence is unique to every individual, but conditions like ADHD and autism can look different across genders. Historically, research into neurodivergence has been centred around men, which means that diagnoses were based on their experiences. But modern research has shown that these conditions present differently in women and girls due to a range of reasons, including social expectations and gender norms. Because of this, women and girls are often misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or diagnosed later in life.

For more about how ADHD shows up in women and girls, check out our guide to ADHD in women and girls.

Anxiety isn’t considered a neurodivergent condition, but many neurodivergent people experience high levels of anxiety. Living as a neurodivergent person in a neurotypical world can be overwhelming and stressful. Masking can also lead to high levels of social anxiety. Check out some helpful management strategies in our guide to managing anxiety and stress.

Getting support starts with understanding what your brain needs and being kind to yourself. Luckily there is now a lot of knowledge and acceptance around neurodivergence in schools, workplaces and families. You can talk to your GP, a psychiatrist or psychologist to become assessed for a formal diagnosis, which can help you get extra support at school or work, including prescribing medication. Finding other neurodivergent friends can also make a huge difference in how you feel. Small changes like wearing noise-cancelling headphones or breaking big tasks into small steps can help you set up your day so you can truly thrive. Learn more about neurodivergence.