Difference Between Neurodivergent and Neurotypical

Understanding the difference between these two can help explain how brain differences affect our lives. It can help us understand ourselves better, reduce shame, and support an inclusive environment at the workplace or school.

It does not mean neurotypical people don’t face challenges, but their behavior, learning, and thinking work in a way that is considered standard or typical. In contrast, neurodivergent people experience differences that deviate from these social norms.

7 Common Types of Neurodivergent Disorders

Neurodivergent disorders refer to clinically recognized neurodevelopmental conditions listed as follows:

1. ADHD

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people in the United States.

ADHD involves difficulties with focus, attention, impulse control, executive functioning, and working memory. Common signs of ADHD may include:

1. Difficulty paying attention
2. Difficulty following instructions
3. Forgetfulness
4. Fidgeting
5. Difficulty waiting for turns
6. Poor time management
7. Possible mood swings

Symptoms of ADHD may change over time; however, medical monitoring is required for proper diagnosis and treatment by a licensed healthcare professional.

2. Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting nearly 3.2% of children aged 8 years. It affects various areas of life such as communication, repetitive behavior, and social interaction. Common signs of Autism may include:

1. Differences in emotional expression
2. Repetitive behavior
3. Delayed speech
4. Sensory sensitivity
5. Difficulty making friends
6. Echolalia (repeating phrases said by others)
7. Repetitive actions

3. Dyslexia (Difficulty with Reading)

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that affects reading and writing. It does not impact intelligence but is a different way of processing written language. Common signs of dyslexia may include:

1. Difficulty with reading
2. Slow reading and writing speed
3. Difficulty with word recognition
4. Trouble following written instructions

4. Dyspraxia (Difficulty with Coordination)

Dyspraxia is a developmental coordination disorder that impacts motor coordination and planning. As a result, it causes issues in activities that require balance, such as sports, walking, riding a bicycle, and fine motor skills (writing). Signs and symptoms are:

1. Difficulty with motor coordination
2. Poor balance (clumsiness)
3. Difficulty with fine motor skills
4. Difficulty with learning motor-based tasks
5. Difficulty with time management
6. Social interaction difficulties
7. Difficulty with daily living skills

5. Dyscalculia (Difficulty with Math)

Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that affects a person’s ability to understand mathematical concepts, like numbers or calculations. With dyscalculia, the brain processes information differently than neurotypical individuals, and these individuals often face mental health challenges (anxiety, depression) when they have to do math.

6. Dysgraphia (Difficulty with Writing)

Dysgraphia affects people’s ability to write. It is not related to intelligence, but the signs of Dysgraphia are:

1. Poor handwriting
2. Difficulty with Punctuation
3. Spelling difficulty
4. Trouble organising thoughts on paper

7. Tourette’s Syndrome

Tourette’s syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder that involves involuntary movements and vocal tics (involuntary sounds or actions produced by a person). People with TS often experience tics, either motor (rapid eye blinking, repetitive body movements) or vocal (grunting, repeating words or sounds). 

9 Common Neurodivergent Traits

There are some commonly seen neurodivergent traits, such as:

1. Social differences
2. Hyperfocus
3. Sensory sensitivity
4. Repetitive or restricted behavior
5. Restlessness
6. Divergent or non-linear thinking
7. Challenges with executive functioning
8. Emotional dysregulation or intense emotional responses
9.  Difference in language learning 

How are Neurodivergent Conditions Diagnosed?

No single test can diagnose neurodivergent disorders. Your healthcare provider assesses and diagnoses specific conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder ASD, or learning disorders using a comprehensive evaluation that may include:

1. Clinical assessments (interviews and standardized questionnaires)
2. Behavioral assessments (direct behavioral observation)
3. Developmental history (cognitive or communication evaluations)

A licensed healthcare professional can evaluate your symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis after a thorough assessment.

Treatment and Support Options for Neurodivergent Disorders

Treatment focuses on improving the quality of life rather than fixing neurological conditions. Support options may include:

1. Medication when appropriate (for example, for ADHD)
2. Psychotherapy, like CBT, ABA (for ADHD), may help individuals with ADHD as well as co-occurring depression or anxiety.
3. Counselling services for emotional support
4. Clear communication in the healthcare, workplace, or educational setting
5. Educational and workplace accommodations

Research suggests that many neurodivergent individuals in the United States experience challenges not because of neurodivergent conditions themselves, but due to a lack of accommodations. For example: 

1. Too loud or overstimulating work can cause stress
2. Masking behavior in ADHD (hiding) or autism masking can lead to burnout.

A licensed healthcare provider can help provide support and personalized care.