What’s the difference between neurodiversity and neurodivergence?

Neurodiversity Vs Neurodivergence: Why is this important?

I believe that language shapes our reality, and as such, that it is important to be thoughtful about the words we use. The words neurodiversity and neurodivergence are sometimes used interchangeably, and it’s easy to get them confused even though they refer to different things. Let’s consider them both individually…

What is Neurodiversity?

The term neurodiversity refers to the idea that all human brains work and are structured differently. That is, the way our brains process information, interpret the sensory environment, connect, and communicate with others and understand the world, varies amongst all of us.

Did you know that the word neurodiversity was coined by the autistic community collectively in the 1990s? The word was used to galvanise the beginnings of a civil rights movement, championing that all neurotypes should be valued equally and highlighting the benefit of valuing different perspectives in culture, the workplace, technology and art, as just a few examples.

Top tip: a group can be neurodiverse, but not an individual.

So, what is neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence refers to people whose brains process the world differently to the way that the perceived majority does. Someone who is neurodivergent may have one of the following diagnoses: ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or Tourette’s, for example.

Top tip: a person can be neurodivergent, but a person wouldn’t be neurodiverse as this refers to group characteristics.  

Am I Neurotypical?

Describing yourself as neurotypical means that you identify that your needs and the way you do things fall within your culture’s expectations or ‘norms’. Being neurotypical comes with it a lot of privilege, as typically society views being neurotypical as the ‘baseline’. This means that the world is designed for neurotypical people, rather than a neurodiverse spectrum.

Isn’t neurodivergence something that only affects boys?

Neurodivergence isn’t something that only affects boys! Neurodivergence in women is underdiagnosed and has too often been missed because the formal diagnostic criteria were based on the experience of boys. We know more now about how neurodivergence presents in women, but it still needs more research.

How do I know if I am neurodivergent?

Have you always wondered if you might be neurodivergent, but you’re not sure? Are you weighing up whether you need to go through a full assessment? Perhaps you just need some space to explore your thoughts in a safe way?

If you’d like a space to discuss some of your concerns and experiences, book a Neurodivergence Consultation with me today. I can help you to consider if it would be worthwhile going ahead with a full neurodivergence assessment, and to help you to weigh up the pros and cons of taking the next step towards discovering your neurodivergent identity.