What is Neurodiversity?  

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is the natural diversity of human brains and minds. All brains work differently because of neurodiversity.

Neurodivergence

A person can be neurodivergent (sometimes abbreviated as ND) when their brain works in ways that differ from what is considered "normal” or neurotypical (sometimes abbreviated as NT). Neurodivergence is important for neurodiversity as all minds are unique and needed. People with developmental, intellectual, psychiatric or learning differences can be considered neurodivergent.

Neurodivergence is the state of being neurodivergent and can be genetic and innate (such as autism) or produced by experiences (such as trauma). Some forms of innate neurodivergence, like autism, are part of a person’s core being. Other forms of neurodivergence, like the effects of a traumatic brain injury, could be removed from an individual without erasing who they are. Therefore, neurodivergence involves understanding and supporting each individual’s unique mind and experience.

Health & Wellness with Neurodivergent Minds

All minds can flourish and fatigue; however, outward presentations (often called symptoms) are different for each person. Because of differences, neurodivergent individuals can present with difficulties or “symptoms” that may mean something different than the same presentation in a neurotypical individual. For example, autistic burnout can “look like” depression as they can both involve lack of motivation, difficulty with self-care, fatigue, and memory difficulties; however, the support approaches are very different. Autistic burnout occurs when one suppresses autistic traits, experiences too much stress or sensory overload, and/ or significant life changes. Support for autistic burnout involves time, solitude, and absolute quiet, whereas support for depression would encourage the opposite through behavioral activity, cognitive behavioral therapy, and/ or medication. This is just one example that demonstrates the importance of understanding the health and wellness considerations for supporting neurodivergent minds.

recognition & assessment

Because most standardized psychological tests were developed for neurotypical individuals, they do not always provide an accurate picture of neurodivergent minds. Additionally, because neurodivergent individuals may have different ways of expressing themselves and communicating, they may be misunderstood and underestimated. “Diagnostic Overshadowing” also occurs when providers overlook or minimize the signs of mental health difficulties in a neurodivergent person because they are mistakenly considered to be less debilitating than or a result of being neurodivergent. The result of these assessment limitations is either under- or over-diagnosis of mental health difficulties. When this happens, individuals may not get the supports they need or may receive the wrong supports.

co-occuring difficulties

Mental health difficulties can present throughout the lifespan, especially when the neurodivergent mind is fatigued, stressed, and unsupported or ignored. Some unique contributors to mental health and wellness for neurodivergent individuals include different expectations and opportunities, vulnerabilities, isolation, and stigma. Common co-occurring difficulties include anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive, and mood disorders. Because of differences in “symptom” presentation and assessment limitations noted above, many neurodivergent individuals are inaccurately diagnosed with behavioral, psychotic, or personality disorders, leading to increased mental health difficulties.

Neurodivergent individuals are at greater risk for experiencing stress and trauma, which can also influence neurodevelopment. They are more likely to experience emotional neglect, physical and sexual abuse, and bullying. They are also subject to more traumatizing incidents such as hospitalizations, out of home placements, physical restraints, and seclusion. Further, unrecognized and unsupported differences in neurodivergent individuals result in being continually misunderstood and mistreated.

Executive functioning is a cognitive process that influences attention and the ability to organize and regulate behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. Difficulties with executive functioning can also co-occur with neurodivergence and can influence thinking, behavior, emotions, learning, and socializing.

Sensory sensitivities also commonly co-occur with neurodivergence. Neurodivergent individuals may be over (hyper) or under (hypo) sensitive to certain sensory input and therefore seek or avoid them. Sensory sensitivities can be a strength but can also be overwhelming and cause distress when not supported and accommodated for.

Speech and language (e.g. expressive, receptive, pragmatic), motor (e.g. gross and fine), and medical (e.g. feeding difficulties, digestive issues, seizures, allergies, autoimmune disorders, inflammation, joint issues, and migraines) considerations can also be present and further contribute to mental health and wellness if not supported.

supporting mental health and wellness

Although administration and funding of mental health and neurodevelopmental services are often separate, Place of Mind offers dual expertise and strives to exist outside of, but in collaboration with, each system by providing inclusive, comprehensive support for all minds. Place of Mind provides an understanding of each individual’s unique profile that includes psychological, cognitive, intellectual, communication, sensory, and developmental elements to empower and support mental health and wellness. The goal is not to change one’s unique neurological profile but to support neurodevelopmental health and wellness.