Is autism a neurodiverse?

Autistic people, individuals on the spectrum, or those who have other neurological differences are referred to as “neurodivergent.” Instead of seeing autism as a disorder, people use the term “neurodiverse” to recognize the rich differences, abilities, and strengths autistic people and other neurodiverse people have.

What disorders are considered neurodiverse?

Several "recognized" types of Neurodivergence, include autism, Asperger's syndrome, dyslexia, dyscalculia, epilepsy, hyperlexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and Tourette syndrome (TS).

What is neurodiversity in the context of autism?

Neurodiversity refers to the notion that seemingly 'impaired' cognitive as well as emotional features characteristic of developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) fall into normal human behavioral variations that should enjoy some selective advantages.

Is autism Neurotypical?

The word "neurotypical "may be used to describe individuals whose brain develops and functions in ways that are considered usual or expected by society. This term may also be used to refer to those who do not have developmental disorders, like autism.

Is autism a disability?

Autism is a neurological developmental disability with an estimated prevalence of one to two percent of the American and worldwide population. The diversity of the disability means that each person's individual experience of autism and needs for supports and services can vary widely.

Autism Research

How do I know if I am neurodivergent?

What it means to be neurodiverse?

At a glance. Neurodiversity is a viewpoint that brain differences are normal, rather than deficits. Neurodivergent people experience, interact with, and interpret the world in unique ways. This concept can help reduce stigma around learning and thinking differences.

What is a neurodiverse person?

A relatively new term, neurodivergent simply means someone who thinks differently from the way the majority (referred to as neurotypical) expect. Neurotypical means the opposite –someone whose brain behaves in the same way as the majority of society.

What does neurotypical mean in autism?

Neurotypical (NT, an abbreviation of neurologically typical) is a neologism widely used in the neurodiversity movement as a label for non-neurodivergent people. That is, anyone who has a typical neurotype, so excluding autistic people, or those with ADHD, dyslexia, and so on.

Who counts as neurodivergent?

ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia all fall within the spectrum of “Neurodiversity” and are all neurodiverse conditions. Neuro-differences are recognised and appreciated as a social category similar to differences in ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or ability.

Is ADHD on the autism spectrum?

Autism spectrum disorder and ADHD are related in several ways. ADHD is not on the autism spectrum, but they have some of the same symptoms. And having one of these conditions increases the chances of having the other. Experts have changed the way they think about how autism and ADHD are related.

Is ADHD neurodivergent or neurotypical?

A Quick Neurodivergent Definition

It applies to conditions such as autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Neurodiverse individuals often struggle with soft skills, especially ones that apply to social interactions.

What is a neurodiverse child?

Neurodiversity is a scientific concept arising from brain imaging. A number of brain studies have shown that people with learning or thinking differences are “wired” differently than their peers. In other words, some children are born with brains that think, learn and process information differently than others.

Is anxiety considered neurodivergent?

Other Types. Other types of neurodivergence include Tourette's, dyspraxia, synesthesia, dyscalculia, Down syndrome, epilepsy, and chronic mental health illnesses such as bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, and depression.

Is neurodivergent an acceptable term?

There is no such thing as a “neurodiverse individual.” The correct term is “neurodivergent individual.” An individual can diverge, but an individual cannot be diverse. Diversity is a property of groups, not of individuals.

Is dyslexia a neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is a range of commonly co-occurring 'conditions' related to processing or cognitive differences. It includes Dyslexia, Autism, ADHD, and more. Another widely used term is Specific Learning Difference (SpLD).

What is neurotypical vs neurodivergent?

Neurodivergent refers the an individual who has a less typical cognitive variation such as Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia etc. Neurotypical refers to individuals of typical development, and intellectual/cognitive functioning.

What is the opposite of neurodiverse?

Neurodiverse cannot be used to mean “non-neurotypical,” because neurotypical people, like all other human beings, are part of the spectrum of human neurodiversity. The opposite of neurodiverse would be neurohomogenous (meaning “composed of people who are all neurocognitively similar to one another”).

What is the difference between mental illness and neurodiversity?

The most obvious way to distinguish the examples I have given so far would be to use “neurodiversity” to refer to all inborn variation, and “mental disorder” to refer to those psychiatric disabilities caused by hostile environments. However, this would run into problems.

Can I be neurodivergent without a diagnosis?

Neurodivergence is often first recognized as the result of a diagnosis, but, of course, neurodiversity exists before a diagnosis—and can exist with or without a diagnosis.

What do I do if I think I am neurodivergent?

If you are diagnosed with any form of neurodiversity, informing your friends, family and colleagues about it can help them understand your condition. If you disclose your diagnosis to your manager or supervisor at work, they should be able to put reasonable adjustments in place and support you with your duties.

What is neurodivergent in simple terms?

In its simplest definition, neurodiversity is the concept that when it comes to the human brain and nervous system, people don't all end up the same. In other words, it's a concept that describes individuality and uniqueness in cognitive functioning. Beyond that, neurodiversity is also a growing movement.

Is neurodiversity a disability?

Neurodiversity isn't the same thing as disability. Though, people who have neurodivergent features may need accommodations at work or school.

Is OCD a neurodiversity?

Some well-known forms of neurodivergence include autism, dyslexia, Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, epilepsy, and Tourette syndrome (TS) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Is OCD on the autism spectrum?

At first glance, autism and OCD appear to have little in common. Yet clinicians and researchers have found an overlap between the two. Studies indicate that up to 84 percent of autistic people have some form of anxiety; as much as 17 percent may specifically have OCD.