What is Neurodiversity?

Since the turn of the millennium, the term ‘neurodivergent’ has entered public consciousness. Previously, there was very little understanding and patience for neurodiverse conditions. Through wider initiatives to generate greater awareness for the associated conditions, positive attitudes towards the neurodiverse community have become far more common.

The increased awareness around neurodiversity has resulted in more individuals understanding the symptoms of various conditions and seeking diagnosis. It is now estimated that 1 in 7 people in the UK are defined as neurodivergent. The understanding around conditions such as autism and ADHD have substantially improved. However, there are still misconceptions and stigmas around neurodiversity. This is due to a lack of information around the basic concept of the associated conditions.

Neurodiversity definition

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variations of how those classed as neurodivergent experience and interact with aspects of life. It also refers to how they process information. Each person with a neurodiverse condition will comprehend and experience things differently to people defined as neurotypical. Many conditions classed as neurodiverse exist on a spectrum and can affect people in a variety of different ways. In some instances, symptoms associated with these conditions are immediately noticeable. In other instances, the conditions are mild. Conditions may be so mild that people may not be identify conditions within themselves.

People with a lesser understanding of neurodiversity and the associated conditions may believe those with a diagnosis have underdeveloped comprehension skills and functions. However, the very opposite can be true. Neurodiverse individuals, depending on their condition, may have excellent analytical or creative skills. For example, characteristics associated with autism are often linked to strong attention to detail and identifying patterns. However, people diagnosed with dyslexia are associated with strong and well-defined creative skills.

These strengths and weaknesses exist on a spectrum and will affect each person differently. Identifying, recognising and nurturing these skills will bring the most out of a neurodiverse individual in their professional and personal lives.

What qualifies as neurodivergent?

There is a belief that neurodivergent conditions are disabilities. This is not entirely accurate. Although some conditions are associated with disabilities and mental illnesses, in recent years, attitudes among medical professionals and neurologists have begun to shift. As neurodiverse conditions and their complexities are studied further, it is now believed that some qualities associated with neurodiverse conditions provide a significant societal benefit.

The term ‘neurodivergent’ itself is not a medical diagnosis. It is a broad umbrella term that that encompasses specific conditions and associated traits. Understanding the different the symptoms associated with different conditions can help a person understand if they are classed as neurodivergent.

Conditions defined as neurodiverse

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder affects communication skills, sensory processing and social comprehension. Autism is defined on a spectrum and affects individuals with the condition differently.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Impacts a person’s focus, impulses and energy levels.

Down’s syndrome

Defined as a chromosomal condition that alters how the brain develops and causes intellectual delays in some instances.

Dyscalculia

Impacts numeracy skills and understanding.

Dysgraphia

Handwriting, reading and fine motor skills are affected, possibly making writing physically painful.

Dyslexia

Affects an individual’s literacy skills, i.e. reading, writing and spelling.

Dyspraxia

Motor skills, movement and coordination are impacted and can affect balance.

Hyperlexia

Defined as advanced reading abilities beyond a child’s age group but impacts language and social comprehension.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Repetitive thoughts leading to obsessive and compulsive behaviours. The repetitive thoughts and lack of control are linked to anxiety disorders.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

Individuals with SPD interpret sensory inputs differently and can cause hypersensitivity human senses, i.e. touch, sound, sight (specifically light sensitivity).

Synesthesia

Affects senses, i.e. hearing a song or smelling a scent might lead to number, word, touch or memory association.

Tourette’s Syndrome

This condition is defined as involuntary tics. These tics can be physical or vocal and can range from subtle tics such as blinking, or they may be more apparent, like repeating certain words or phrases without reference.

Each condition has different traits and affects individuals differently. Identifying the traits helps individuals embrace their personal strengths and effectively manage the everyday challenges associated with the conditions.

How do I know if I am neurodivergent?

Due to the fact neurodiversity exists on a spectrum, with some conditions being more subtle than others, it is often necessary for individuals to choose to assess their own behaviours and self-diagnose, or seek a professional opinion. Simple awareness of the key indicators of neurodiverse conditions could lead to understanding if a person fits the description of one of the defined conditions.

What do neurodivergent people struggle with?

Although neurodiverse individuals excel in certain areas and with specific skills, others are greatly impacted and cause struggle and concern. Due to the nature of neurodiverse conditions and the difference in interactions and learning styles, those who are classed as neurodiverse can often feel isolated. This is evident in the fact that 50% of people diagnosed as autistic struggle with anxiety disorders. These feelings of anxiety could emanate from the fact that autistic individuals believe there is an unconscious bias against them. Due to becoming hyper-focused, struggling to understand social interactions or failing to communicate their true feelings, all of these could manifest in feelings of anxiety and depression.

This phenomenon is not exclusive to ASD. There are a variety of triggers that can impact neurodiverse individuals. People diagnosed as neurodivergent struggle with a variety issues, environments and situations:

Sound and light:

Those diagnosed with ASD, SPD and ADHD may struggle in environments with loud noises or flashing lights. With lots of people, could lead to a sensory overload and impact their behaviour. A nightclub is a prime example of an environment that may affect the behaviour of a neurodiverse individual.

Unclear communication:

Clear and precise communication is always key with neurodiverse individuals. Things such as sarcasm and euphemisms might appear entirely reasonable and clear to neurotypical people. However, this form of communicating can be very difficult for neurodivergent people to comprehend.

Structure:

Structure can be a difficult balancing act when discussing neurodivergence. For those diagnosed with ASD, structure is essential. It provides predictability and stability, easing communication and decreasing levels of anxiety.

The same can apply for those defined as dyslexic. Due to the struggles with literacy, putting measures in place such as colour-coding and breaking tasks down to be more digestible allows people to navigate challenges more effectively. However, for those diagnosed with ADHD, rigid structure can lead to distraction and frustration. Affording flexibility to those with ADHD allows for spontaneity and inventive thinking.

It is always necessary to keep in mind that neurodiverse people struggle with specific tasks and processes. If an individual is struggling with a task or activity that may be defined as ‘typical’, assessing how and why they are struggling could lead to a solution and afford them space to succeed.

How an EAP can help

Neurodivergent people can be a great benefit in the workplace, with specific skills and specialities that will complement any team. However, it is essential to effectively manage their concerns and feelings, both in the workplace and at home. If someone classed as neurodivergent is struggling in their place of work as their condition is not accommodated for, they can begin to feel anxious and depressed about not fitting into the bracket of ‘typical’. Failing to provide adequate support will not only damage an organisations growth and reputation, but on a personal level, can cause the individual incredible mental turmoil and stress.

Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provides neurodiverse people and the organisations they work for, guidance on wellbeing and managing their condition. With 24/7 support, 365-days a year, secure and confidential support is afforded to neurodiverse individuals whenever they require it, no matter the issue.

Conclusion

Neurodiversity is now at the forefront of many discussions within mental health and wellbeing. There is more understanding about the different conditions and what they entail. The stigma around the topic of neurodivergence and conditions such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder are beginning to dissipate. This is not to say there is a total understanding and prejudice no longer exists. But rather than the conditions being seen as a flaw, the benefits of interacting with the world differently to neurotypical people is now seen as something that should be celebrated.