What are neurodivergents?

Understanding Neurodivergence

Neurodivergent individuals are people whose brains function, process information, and interact with the world differently from what is considered neurotypical, encompassing conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyscalculia, and Tourette's syndrome. 1, 2

Core Definition and Concept

The term "neurodiversity" was coined in the 1990s to describe natural variation in thinking, learning, and processing the world around us 1. This framework recognizes that:

• Neurodivergence represents variation from typical neurology rather than inherently pathological conditions 1, 3
• The concept encompasses both strengths and challenges, rejecting the notion that neurodivergence itself constitutes a disability 1
• Neurodivergent individuals think and process information differently from most people, representing natural human cognitive variation 4

Common Neurodivergent Conditions

The umbrella term includes (but is not limited to):

• Autism spectrum disorder 4, 2
• Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 4, 2
• Dyslexia 4, 2
• Dyscalculia 2
• Tourette's syndrome 2

Clinical and Social Context

Diagnostic Trends

• Rates of diagnosis are rising rapidly, largely due to increased awareness and more inclusive diagnostic criteria 1
• Approximately 70% of survey respondents in neurodiversity research identify as neurodivergent 4

Associated Characteristics

Neurodivergence influences multiple domains:

• Communication style and learning approaches 5
• Attitudes and behavioral patterns 5
• Information processing methods 1

Psychosocial Considerations

Many challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals result from lack of societal adaptation rather than the neurodivergence itself 1. Key issues include:

• Neurodivergent children frequently experience bullying at school 4
• Individuals often face inequity and rejection 5
• Psychosocial comorbidities may arise when individuals are forced to mask their natural personality and emotional expression to fit societal norms 1

Strengths and Capabilities

Neurodivergent individuals possess unique cognitive talents valuable for complex problem-solving 2. Research demonstrates:

• Endorsing essentialist beliefs about neurodivergence relates to higher self-efficacy, particularly among those who strongly identify as neurodivergent 3
• Organizations recognize that missions requiring high intellectual creativity benefit from neurodivergent cognitive approaches 2
• Neurodivergent individuals are already contributing members of professional workforces, including national security and healthcare 1, 2

Healthcare Implications

Recognition Gaps

• There remains limited awareness and understanding of neurodiversity among healthcare professionals 1
• Neurodivergent women and girls carry a significant burden of co-occurring medical conditions that have largely gone unrecognized 5

Clinical Approach

Clinicians should increase awareness of diagnosis and management approaches specific to neurodivergent populations 5. This includes:

• Recognizing both physical and mental health issues that co-occur with neurodivergence 5
• Understanding that neurodivergent healthcare professionals themselves may require workplace accommodations to flourish 1