Understanding Neurodivergence and Neurodiversity
When a psychologist uses the term ‘neurodivergence’ or ‘neurodiversity’, what are they referring to? This is an important overarching concept to understand as more and more people are using it. The creation of the term ‘neurodiversity’ is credited to Judy Singer, an Australian sociologist, in 1998. She wanted to recognize that everyone’s brain develops differently, and no two minds are alike. Around the same time, many individuals on the autism spectrum began using similar terms in online communities to define their development, capturing both strengths and challenges that came with their diagnosis. Over time, the term neurodivergence also came into use to encompass more than autism symptoms and their impact.
Put simply, neurodivergence describes brains that have developed differently than typical expectations. The term is meant to be broadly inclusive, to capture anyone with a different brain. The advocate who coined this term, Kassiane Asasumasu, wanted to move away from the medical model of disability and, instead, embrace a more flexible definition of the human mind. While everyone has a unique brain that develops based on our genetics and impacts from the environment, people with neurodivergence experience a greater degree of differences than most. Since development can be so variable and individual, there is no agreed-upon definition of “normal” for how a human brain works. Hence the term ‘neurodivergent’ being popularized. Instead of thinking of brains as ‘normal’ and ‘atypical’, these advocates and many in the scientific community encouraged an understanding of brain development along a spectrum.
Different medical and mental health conditions, teratogens (substances that interfere with the development of the fetus during pregnancy), life experiences, genetic predispositions, and more all impact where an individual falls on this spectrum. In other words, there are many reasons for or causes of neurodivergence. Sometimes it can be caused by a medical condition or birth defect. Other types of neurodivergence are related to how the brain develops or “wires together” over time. Most psychologists believe conditions like autism spectrum disorders, learning disorders, and ADHD are forms of neurodivergence. Some would argue for a much broader definition that includes any condition that impacts the brain and its development, including types of anxiety and depressive disorders, living in poverty conditions, or impacts from a head injury, to name a few.
Neurodivergence comes with strengths and weaknesses, though these are highly dependent on the individual. For example, some may notice impressive recall for statistics from a beloved hobby, while others may struggle to remember where they put their keys down. One person may be able to solve complex mathematical problems in the blink of an eye, though another may struggle to learn the fundamentals of algebra. Another may have a boundless, creative imagination and the ability to hyperfocus and concentrate on an interest with great passion.
Unfortunately, American society has made little room for people with neurodivergence. This can increase people’s tendency to struggle, especially if expectations are narrow. Consider that someone may need more time to solve difficult problems, but can “think outside the box” with ease when given that additional time. Or they may need modifications to a traditional school or work environment to reduce stimulation and distractions (or eliminate hurdles that impede them from demonstrating their strengths). Learning what specific interventions and supports may help is a key goal of psychological and neuropsychological assessments, though many people spend their lifetimes discovering these same principals through trial-and-error, creating their own spaces, and finding others that share similar minds and needs.
In sum, neurodiversity and neurodivergence are broad terms meant to capture the uniqueness, the individuality, of the human mind. There is no single definition for these concepts. Asking the psychologist or provider you’re working with what they mean when they use these labels can help, but diving into individual strengths and challenges is often more meaningful. Understanding your own brain is the goal.