What is Neurodiversity?
Published June 20th, 2024
4 min read
Neurodiversity is a term used to describe how people’s brains can develop and work differently.
Written by Simon Spichak
Neurodiversity is a framework that emphasizes differences in brain development and function as differences, rather than problems or diseases that need to be cured. Many people with autism, ADHD, or learning disabilities consider themselves neurodiverse. Research suggests that learning about neurodiversity can help people adapt to challenges and empower their success.
Where did neurodiversity originate from?
The term neurodiversity was developed collectively within the autistic community on email lists, forums, and blogs in the mid-1990s. It became popularized when sociologist Judy Singer described the term in her thesis, who is sometimes incorrectly credited as the first person to develop it.
The concept of neurodiversity explains that there is nothing inherently wrong or abnormal in the brains of people with autism, just that they might work a little differently. This movement promotes inclusion and equity for everyone across the neurodiversity spectrum, which might mean introducing accommodations at work or school.
These ideas are supported by studies that find people on the autism spectrum, or ADHD have brains that are wired differently and other studies that find neurodiverse people often excel at specific tasks.
What is the difference between neurodivergent and neurotypical?
You may have heard two additional terms: neurodivergent and neurotypical. These terms help avoid using words like normal or abnormal, which pathologize differences in brain function.
Neurodivergent simply means that someone’s brain works differently than the average or typical person. Someone who is neurotypical doesn’t have these differences.
Why is neurodiversity useful?
Neurodiversity is useful because it reframes the conversation to focus on strengths and differences rather than deficits.
It doesn’t deny, for example, that someone who may have dyslexia has trouble reading or someone with ADHD may have difficulties with impulse control. However, it emphasizes that these problems can be overcome by reshaping environments and teaching individuals new skills.
Business leaders recognize that people with neurodiverse minds can be more creative and better at math and pattern recognition. People with dyslexia are better at processing visual information and picturing 3D objects in their minds, which can help them excel in the arts, graphic design, architecture and engineering. People with ADHD can hyperfocus, which allows them to finish complex tasks or projects.
How to accommodate neurodiversity
Many workplaces are developing strategies to accommodate people with neurodiverse brains. Here are a few:
Providing more mentorship opportunities.
Providing frequent feedback and positive reinforcement.
Paying or providing assistive technologies that help people with neurodiverse needs.
Allowing for flexible breaks.
Modifying the work environment to accommodate sound and light sensitivities.
How Resolvve can help
If you want to learn more about neurodivergence and conditions like ADHD or OCD that fall under this framework, Resolvve is here to help with free resources and therapy. Here are some of our blogs that go into detail about these conditions:
Therapists can help you overcome some of the challenges and symptoms of these conditions, like impulsivity, intrusive thoughts, or trouble focusing. If you are considering trying therapy, click here to learn more about our therapists and book a free 15-minute consultation.
Please note that this post is written for educational purposes; it is not therapy. If you need to talk to a professional, please book a consultation with a psychotherapist through Resolvve.
