What’s with all these neuro words? The word neurodiversity recognises and embraces the natural variations between all human brains and how they function.
For much of the twentieth century, people whose brains worked differently from the accepted “normal” were often institutionalised or treated in harmful ways to “fix” them. But in the 1990s, autistic people built an online movement to advocate that their differences weren’t wrong—they simply experienced the world differently and didn’t need a cure.
What is neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence refers to brain-based differences from what is considered neurotypical. It’s an umbrella term that includes:
- Autism: Differences in how a person socialises, communicates, thinks, processes, moves, and senses the world
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): Impacts planning, focus, and task completion
- Bipolar disorder: Characterised by intense shifts in mood, energy, and behaviour
- Down syndrome: Involves distinctive physical traits and developmental differences due to an extra chromosome
- Dyslexia: Affects reading and writing
- Dyspraxia: Impacts coordination and movement planning
- Dyscalculia: Involves challenges with number-based concepts
- OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder): Repetitive behaviours triggered by persistent unwanted thoughts
- Tourette Syndrome: Involves involuntary sounds and movements (tics)
These identities often overlap. For example, research shows more than 50% of people with Tourette Syndrome also have ADHD, and 50–70% of autistic people also have ADHD.
Because diagnoses are often approached one condition at a time (and can be expensive or time-consuming), many people don’t realise they have more than one neurodivergent trait.
How neurodivergent traits may show up
Neurodivergent people all present uniquely, but here are some broad examples of strengths and traits across different neurotypes.
AUTISM
Autistic individuals may:
- Be highly detail-focused and visually/auditorily attentive (often gifted in music or observation)
- Have strong morals and be very direct
- Absorb and retain facts, especially around personal interests
- Spot patterns and think methodically, which makes them great at coding and analysis
Notable autistic individuals: Greta Thunberg, Albert Einstein, Hannah Gadsby, Mozart, Steve Jobs, and Isaac Newton
ADHD
People with ADHD often:
- Hyperfocus on tasks they enjoy (a workplace superpower!)
- Are imaginative and think outside the box
- Have high energy (sometimes inconvenient at 2am, but great on the go)
Notable ADHD individuals: Emma Watson, Justin Timberlake, Jamie Oliver, Solange Knowles, and Bill Gates
Dyslexia
Dyslexic individuals frequently:
- Have excellent spatial reasoning (common in architects and designers)
- Possess rich imaginations (many authors and artists are dyslexic)
- Excel at creative problem-solving
Notable dyslexic individuals: Leonardo da Vinci, Jessica Watson, Richard Branson, Steven Spielberg, Jennifer Aniston, and Anthony Hopkins
Other neurodivergent identities
- OCD: Often brings strong organisation skills and attention to detail (e.g., Kelly Clarkson)
- Down syndrome: Individuals frequently show strong visual learning and spatial skills (e.g., Ellie Goldstein)
- Bipolar disorder: Often linked to high creativity and empathy (e.g., Carrie Fisher)
It’s time to celebrate—not correct—neurodiversity
Despite old stigmas, we now know that neurodivergent individuals aren’t broken. They’re simply wired differently. And those differences can be incredibly valuable.
“Normal is just a setting on a washing machine.”
We’ve created a beautiful printable affirmation poster to help celebrate your child’s uniqueness. Hang it on their bedroom wall or pop it in a school bag for a little boost of self-confidence wherever they go.
» Click here to download your free printable affirmation poster
A final word for parents
Our biggest job is to accept our children exactly as they are. When we stop trying to make them fit a mould and instead support their natural quirks, we allow them to thrive.
