Neurodiversity is an encompassing term to explain the different ways brains work and how this can impact someone’s behaviour and interaction with society. 

It is a celebration of difference and a recognition that we need diversity to make our world interesting!

You will often hear this term used alongside the terms ‘neurotypical’ and ‘neurodivergent’. Neurotypical refers to people who have brains that function in a similar way to most of their peers in environments like school, work or when out socialising. Individuals who are neurotypical develop skills, such as social or organisational skills, at around the same rate as others their age.

Neurodivergent is a non-medical umbrella term that describes how brain differences affect how someone processes information, their surroundings, and social interactions. A neurodivergent person may have different strengths and challenges from a neurotypical person.

Neurodivergence 

Sarah Firth speaks to ABC Australia’s The Drum about owning her neurodivergence

You may have heard of or know someone with one or several of these neurodivergent conditions. Neurodivergence is very common. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 35-40% of the population is neurodivergent. 

• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition where a person displays an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity or impulsivity that interferes with their ability to function in places like school or work. ADHD can be broken into three types, these are hyperactive, inattentive and combined type. Although ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, it is very common for those with inattentive ADHD to live their whole lives without a diagnosis.Check out this article in ADDitude for more information on why this is a big issue for girls and AFAB people. Find out what it’s like to live with ADHD, check out this short video. 
  
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition involving ongoing challenges with social communication, special interests and repetitive behaviour. While autism is a lifelong disorder, the degree of impairment in functioning because of these challenges varies between people with autism. Find out what it’s like to live with ASD check out this short video. 
• Dyslexia is a learning disability in which the person affected has ongoing difficulty learning language skills like reading, writing, spelling, or maths. Find out what it’s like to live with dyslexia, check out this short video. 
• Dyspraxia, or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), is a neurological condition that affects movement and coordination. Signs may include difficulty handwriting, getting changed, or difficulty picking up new skills. Find out what it’s like to live with dyspraxia, check out this short video. 
• Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a condition of the central nervous system that causes people to have ‘tics’, sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that aren’t easy to control. Find out what it’s like to live with Tourette’s Syndrome, check out this short video.

The neurodiversity movement  

During the 1990s, the internet helped neurodivergent people connect through online platforms. This laid the groundwork for the neurodiversity movement, which aimed to increase the acceptance and inclusion of all neurodivergent people. It also aimed to celebrate diversity, highlighting that no two brains are exactly alike! 

The neurodiversity movement has had a significant impact. It has challenged and changed how society views and interacts with neurodivergent people. This has also influenced medical professionals, leading to improvement in understanding and treating neurological conditions. 

Is neurodivergence a disability?

We know that neurodivergence causes difficulties, but are these conditions disabilities? When people hear ‘disability,’ they often think of physical impairments, but neurodivergence can also fall into this category. Under Australian law, a disability includes any condition significantly affecting a person’s daily activities. Neurodivergence can impact learning, communication, and social interactions, so yes, neurodivergence is a disability. 

People living with these conditions experience varying degrees of difficulty and have unique accessibility needs. But, the conversation is more complex than simple labels. Many neurodivergent people prefer to view themselves as different rather than disabled, arguing that societal barriers create the difficulties they experience, not their condition. This view mirrors parts of the Social Model of disability.

In contrast, many neurodivergent people embrace the label ‘disabled.’ They see it as an accurate description that validates their experiences and struggles without painting them as superheroes. If you’re referring to someone with neurodivergence, it’s best to ask them what kind of language they prefer to use to avoid offending them.

Regardless of the label, neurodivergent people are valuable to society. Innovations in technology, art, and science often stem from neurodivergent thinking patterns. While we shouldn’t diminish the struggles of neurodivergent people, we also need to stop focusing only on the negative parts. Suppose we shift our thinking towards a human rights model of disability, which focuses on understanding, acceptance, support, recognition, and equal rights. Celebrating neurodiversity means recognising the value in all ways of thinking and ensuring everyone can thrive.

What’s it like to live as a neurodivergent person?

It’s important to remember that every neurodivergent person is unique, so it’s hard to say what it’s like to live with neurodivergence, as people’s experiences are all different. However, neurodivergent people who share the same conditions do report similar experiences of their strengths and struggles.

Check out this short video below (and the ones above) to hear what it’s like living with a neurodiverse condition from people who live with them:

@townoftawiah and i know im not the only one 💓 #blackgirltiktok #blackgirlautistic #blackwomanautism #blackneurodivergent #blackneurodiversity #autismawareness #neurodivergent #africandiaspora #autism #asd #asc ♬ original sound – Town of Tawiah (Akua Daniella) – Town of Tawiah (Akua)

Another way to get an insight into what it’s like to live with a neurodiverse condition is to ask the people you’re close to who have these conditions how you can better support their needs.

Where can I get help? 

If you want to learn more about neurodiversity or you think you might be neurodivergent yourself – great! We have other articles that can help you through this journey of reflection and discovery. Also, make sure you are taking care of yourself and reaching out to those around you for support through this time. You can use services like:

• Gateways support services have a great list of autism and neurodiversity resources
• I CAN provides mentoring programs and community networks for young people with autism 
• The ADHD Foundation provides diagnostic support and services for people with ADHD 
• Kids Helpline provides round-the-clock assistance for young people who are struggling
• headspace  provides support for young people struggling with mental health