Neurodivergent vs. Neurotypical: What's the Difference?

In recent years, the term neurodivergent has become more widely used.  However, that does not mean that being neurodivergent is anything new. In fact, people who are neurodivergent have been around for centuries upon centuries. The only thing that has changed is the term people use to describe others who are neurodivergent.

Most people automatically hear the word neurodivergent and immediately associate it with with people who are autistic. While that is definitely the case, people who are autistic aren't the only ones who are considered neurodivergent.

If we throw in another word, neurotypical, are you even more confused now? If you are, don't worry because these are relatively new terminologies to many people. Let's talk about what the differences are between neurotypical and neurodivergent.

Neurodivergent vs. Neurotypical: What's the Difference?

Neurotypical

This term is most often used to describe people whose brain functions, ways of processing information and behaviours to be seen as being standard or typical. Someone who is considered neurotypical, generally, is seen as someone whose perceptions and ways of thinking are “normal” or typical within their society, and tend to learn skills and reach developmental milestones around the same time as their same age peers. The scientific community, at large, however, does not agree with this exactly. They are of the understanding there is no single definition of what normal is. After all, that would imply that every single human thinks and reacts to the world in the same way. Even with no firm understanding of the human brain, most can agree that is far from the case. While there is no agreed-upon definition of what normal is, that helps us to set a foundation for what neurodivergent means.

Neurodivergent

Those who are considered neurodivergent often have neurological differences that create unique ways of thinking, processing, and behaviours that are outside of the typical or "normal" experience. We like this term because it is an inclusive way to shift the focus away from pathology once a diagnosis has been determined, and then quickly move towards discovery around the different ways of understanding and interacting with the world.

What conditions, then, are seen as neurodivergent? Some examples of neurodivergence include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder, formerly known as Asperger's syndrome

• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Dyslexia

• Dyspraxia

Recently Diagnosed As Being Neurodivergent?

Whether you were recently diagnosed as having a condition that falls under neurodivergent or not, or you suspect you are, keep this in mind. This is just a way of describing how you think, feel, and react to the world around you.

Being neurodivergent does not mean there is something wrong with you. It does not mean that you are broken, either. It is simply a neurological difference. Being neurodivergent, while it comes with challenges, can also be a beautiful gift. The way that a neurodivergent person reacts to the world is so unique that they often have a very different and good perspective of the world around them.

Also, keep in mind that you don't just develop neurodivergent conditions out of nowhere. They are often conditions that have been developing since early childhood that have often gone undiagnosed. If you received a late diagnosis, you might be wondering about your next steps. Or you might wonder what is next for your child.

What's Next?

If you or your child have been recently diagnosed with a neurodivergent condition, it can feel like a life-altering condition. You might feel tremendous relief to finally understand how your brain works and to validate and heal from your pain and struggles you have navigated over time. You might also feel worried about what this means for you or your child's future, or how you can help them deal with their specific condition in an easier way. From a clinical standpoint, we can't speak about that portion because that will vary widely depending on your or your child's diagnosis.

As psychologists with specialized training in assessing and treating neurodivergent conditions, we understand how challenging this can feel. While being neurodivergent can be seen as different, we want to help you see that there is also beauty and positivity. Psychology can help!

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us to learn more about how we can support you as a neurodivergent person with diagnostic assessment and therapy for Individual, ADHD, or Adult Autism Spectrum Disorder - we look forward to hearing from you!