COMMON
NEURODIVERSITIES
WHAT IS CONSIDERED NEURODIVERSE?
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term covering many neurodevelopmental conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Depression, Down Syndrome, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Epilepsy, Learning Disabilities, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), etc.
All of these conditions are considered neurodevelopmental, which means that individuals are born with them and they do not go away.
According to the Neurodiversity Association, “People with neurodiverse conditions are usually classified as disabled, and they do fall under the legal definition of disability as defined in the Equality Act. Neurodivergents (people with neurodiverse conditions) are also categorized as having special needs, learning difficulties, or disorders. Some individuals identify with these labels and others do not. Many subscribe to the social model of disability. All neurodiverse people have individual needs, and many may require reasonable adjustments at work.”
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It is not uncommon for neurodiverse individuals to struggle to fit in. Many neurodiverse individuals are sensitive, honest, and empathetic. However, it is also common to experience mental health issues, increase in manipulative tendencies, masking (concealing neurodiverse traits to fit in), and a different processing and understanding of information than a neurotypical individual. Many neurodiverse individuals also struggle with comorbid depression and/or anxiety.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. It is a spectrum, meaning that individuals with ASD can vary greatly in their symptoms and abilities. Common characteristics include difficulties in social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and a preference for routines.
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with focus, organization, and time management. There are 3 types of ADHD: Inattentive, Hyperactive, and Combined (both Inattentive and Hyperactive).
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Anxiety Disorders
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Anxiety Disorders include conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and panic disorder that involve excessive worry, fear, or apprehension that can interfere with daily life. Anxiety disorders frequently coexist with neurodevelopmental conditions and may share overlapping symptoms.
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Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning disability that primarily affects reading and language skills. People with dyslexia often have difficulty with decoding words, spelling, and reading fluently. It is important to note that intelligence is not affected; individuals with dyslexia may excel in other areas.
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Dyspraxia
Dyspraxia is a condition that affects coordination, motor skills, physical movement, and planning. Individuals with dyspraxia may have difficulty with tasks that require fine or gross motor skills, such as tying shoelaces, handwriting, riding a bike, or participating in sports.
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Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that affects mathematical abilities. People with dyscalculia may struggle with tasks involving numbers, such as arithmetic, telling time, or understanding mathematical concepts.
Tourette Syndrome
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Tourette Syndrome is a neurological condition that leads to involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations known as tics. Tics can be motor (physical) or vocal (verbal), and they can vary in severity.
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Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Sensory Processing Disorder involves atypical responses to sensory stimuli. Individuals with SPD may be oversensitive or undersensitive to sensory inputs, such as touch, taste, sound, or smell. This can lead to discomfort and difficulty processing sensory information.
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Sensory Processing Challenges
In addition to Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), individuals may experience sensory sensitivities or challenges related to specific senses, such as auditory processing disorder (APD) affecting the processing of sounds or tactile defensiveness affecting touch perception.
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Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLVD or NLD)
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Nonverbal Learning Disorder is a condition characterized by strengths in verbal skills but challenges in nonverbal areas, such as spatial awareness, social skills, and interpreting body language.
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Intellectual Disabilities
Intellectual Disabilities are characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Intellectual disabilities can vary in severity and may be caused by genetic factors, environmental factors, or a combination of both.
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Social Communication Disorder (SCD)
Social Communication Disorder (SCD) is characterized by social interaction and communication skills challenges. People with SCD may have difficulty understanding social cues, maintaining conversations, or using language in social contexts.
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Giftedness
While not a disorder, giftedness is often considered part of the neurodiversity spectrum. Gifted individuals may have exceptional abilities in areas such as academics, creativity, or problem-solving, but they may also face challenges related to asynchronous development or social integration.
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Executive Functioning Disorders
Executive Functioning Disorders involve difficulties with organization, planning, time management, and impulse control. Conditions such as executive dysfunction commonly co-occur with ADHD or other neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
While traditionally classified as an anxiety disorder, OCD involves unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to alleviate the anxiety, but can significantly impact daily functioning. OCD often coexists with other neurodevelopmental conditions.
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Bipolar Disorder
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Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder characterized by fluctuations between periods of elevated mood (mania or hypomania) and periods of depression. Bipolar disorder can affect cognition, behavior, and social functioning, and it may co-occur with neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD or autism.
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Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures. Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain, which can manifest in various types, including absence seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, and focal seizures.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Borderline Personality Disorder: BPD is a personality disorder characterized by unstable relationships, self-image, and emotions. Individuals with BPD may have intense mood swings, impulsive behavior, and difficulty with self-identity
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These are just a few examples, and there are many other conditions and diagnoses that fall under the umbrella of neurodiversity. It's important to recognize that each individual is unique, and their experiences with neurodiversity may vary widely. Recognizing and embracing neurodiversity involves acknowledging individuals' unique strengths, challenges, and perspectives across this broad spectrum.
Neurodiversity is a concept that recognizes the diversity of the human brain and the value of unique cognitive profiles. By embracing neurodiversity, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society that harnesses the strengths and talents of all its members. It's not about looking past challenges but celebrating the remarkable contributions of neurodivergent individuals.
Embracing neurodiversity is not just a step forward; it's a leap toward a more diverse, creative, and empathetic world.