“Neurodiversity recognises the natural diversity of our different brains and how we process information”
“Neurodiversity is an umbrella term for a range of neurodivergent conditions”
Fact/stats
There are around 700,000 autistic children and adults in the UK
(National Autistic Society)
10 per cent of the population are believed to be dyslexic
(British Dyslexia Association)
You may have seen the term neurodiversity mentioned on TV or in the media. But what does it actually mean? It’s very simple: neurodiversity recognises the natural diversity of our different brains and how we process information. It describes the whole population which is made up of neurotypical and neurodivergent people. The majority are neurotypical; they express themselves in ways that are seen as the societal ‘norm’.
A smaller minority are neurodivergent, meaning they are neurologically different from this ‘norm’. They think differently and see the world in a different way to those who are considered ‘typical’ of the general population. Neurodivergent people are not ill, nor can they be ‘cured’; they are simply different.
Although neurodivergence is classed as a disability, some people with mild neurodivergent symptoms do not identify as disabled. Others have more severe symptoms that affect every aspect of their lives; they need daily help to cope with living in a neurotypical society. With the right support, neurodivergent people can lead full lives in which their difference is their strength.
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term for a range of neurodivergent conditions including the following:
Autism/autism spectrum condition (ASC) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Neurodiversity is most commonly associated with autism, a lifelong disability. Because autism is a spectrum condition, it affects people in different ways so varying levels of support are needed depending on their symptoms.
Autism affects how people communicate and interact with the world around them. An autistic person may have difficulty understanding people’s facial expressions and feelings; they can take longer to understand information; and they may find it hard to express their own emotions. They may engage in repetitive behaviour, and they can find unfamiliar situations and changes to routines overwhelming.
Autistic people can also experience sensory overload, for example, in a shopping centre with bright lights and lots of noise, which can be very distressing for them.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
ADHD affects a person’s behaviour, meaning they are likely to be impulsive; to have difficulty concentrating; and to be restless, hyperactive and inattentive. The condition is sometimes called variable attention stimulus trait (VAST). Another form of ADHD is attention deficit disorder (ADD), whereby a person experiences similar symptoms to ADHD but without hyperactivity or impulsiveness.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, not least because school can be extremely challenging for children and teenagers with the condition. However, ADHD can be managed with the right support; medicine may also be used if necessary. Adults with ADHD can use a combination of medicine and psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy to alleviate their symptoms.
Dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that causes problems when reading, writing and spelling. It’s different from a learning disability because intelligence is not affected. Dyslexia is usually diagnosed in school when a child is learning to read and write. Common symptoms include reading and writing slowly, having poor and inconsistent spelling, confusing the order of letters in words, and writing letters the wrong way round. In addition, people with dyslexia can understand a set of verbal instructions, but struggle to do the same with written instructions. Once diagnosed, dyslexic children are offered additional educational support by their school. It’s important to realise that dyslexic people often have very good skills in other areas of life, such as problem solving and creative thinking.
Dyscalculia is a severe maths learning difficulty that is apparent from a young age. People with dyscalculia persistently struggle with arithmetic, lacking an understanding of numbers and how they relate to each other. They rely on learning by rote and counting on their fingers to work out answers. 60% of dyslexic people will have maths learning difficulties.
Dysgraphia is a less common learning difficulty in which people can articulate their thoughts orally but find it difficult to put them into writing. In particular, dysgraphia affects their fine motor skills, meaning they struggle to hold a pencil to form legible hand-written letters.
Dyspraxia
Also known as developmental coordination disorder (DCD), dyspraxia affects a child’s physical coordination, balance and movement, causing them to appear clumsy. They may have problems with writing, drawing and grasping small objects such as tying shoelaces; the condition may also affect their ability to learn new skills.
A range of therapies can help children to manage their dyspraxia. These include adapting tasks, for instance, using special grips for pens and pencils when writing; and breaking down difficult activities into smaller parts and regularly practising them. Dyspraxia often continues into adulthood.
Tourette’s syndrome
Usually beginning in childhood, Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological condition that causes a person to make involuntary sounds and movements. These are called tics, and people with Tourette’s have a combination of physical and vocal tics which can be worse during periods of stress and anxiety.
Although there’s no cure for Tourette’s, people with the condition can learn strategies to manage their tics and recognise their triggers. Tics can also improve or disappear by themselves as children move into adulthood.
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5 famous people who are neurodivergent
Greta Thunberg (autism)
Daniel Radcliffe (dyspraxia)
Billie Eilish (Tourette’s)
Sir Richard Branson (dyslexia)
Mel B (ADHD)