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:
- abstract and critical thinking
- excellent vocabulary
- multi-dimensional thinking
- big picture thinking
- good reasoning skills
- hyperfocused
- good conversationalists
- energetic
- excellent memory
- keen sense of observation
- multi-tasking
- precise
- detail orientated
- visual skills
- problem solving
- strategic.
Common difficulties experienced by neurodivergent people include:
- attention
- organisation
- working memory
- time management
- listening skills
- sensory perception
- speed of processing.
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