What is neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity and neurodivergence

Neurodiversity describes the whole of society. While everyone’s brain develops similarly, no two brains function just alike.

An individual is not described as ‘neurodiverse’, but ’neurodivergent’.

Being neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently from the average or ‘neurotypical’ person.

Common neurodivergent groups include dyslexia, ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, Developmental Language Disorder and Tourette’s.

Neurodivergent strengths can include:

Common difficulties experienced by neurodivergent people include:

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Difficulties can include social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour

Dyslexia

Difficulties can include reading, writing, spelling and memory

DCD/Dyspraxia difficulties

Difficulties can include fine and/or gross motor co-ordination

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Can have difficulties with attention, activity levels, impulsiveness

Dyscalculia

Can have difficulties with arithmetic

Developmental Language Disorder

Difficulties can include speaking, understanding, and communicating

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Neurodiversity and neurodivergence

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