Understanding Types of Neurodiversity
Exploring the natural variation in how human brains process information, communicate, and experience the world
Survivor-led | Neuro-affirming | Evidence-informed
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the understanding that human brains and minds naturally differ from one another. Just as biodiversity describes the variety of life on Earth, neurodiversity recognises the natural variation in how people think, learn, process information, and experience the world.
Australian sociologist Judy Singer coined the term in the 1990s, representing a shift from viewing neurological differences as deficits to recognising them as natural variations of human neurology. This perspective acknowledges that conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and others are not disorders to be cured, but different ways of being that come with both challenges and strengths.
The neurodivergent brain is not broken. The environments and expectations placed upon them often are.
Autism
A lifelong neurodevelopmental difference characterised by variations in brain structure, connectivity, and function that affect how individuals process sensory information, communicate, navigate social situations, and experience the world.
Autism exists across a spectrum, meaning presentation varies significantly between individuals and across the lifespan. No two autistic people are the same.
Common Characteristics
- Sensory differences (hyper or hypo-sensitivity to stimuli)
- Need for predictability and routine
- Communication differences (literal interpretation, preference for clarity)
- Social fatigue from interaction demands
- Intense, focused interests in specific topics
- Pattern recognition and systematic thinking
- Attention to detail others may miss
- Honesty and direct communication
ADHD
A neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in brain structure, neurochemistry, and connectivity that affect executive function, attention regulation, impulse control, and activity levels.
ADHD manifests in three presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentation.
Common Characteristics
- Difficulty sustaining focus on routine tasks
- Restlessness and internal sense of being “driven”
- Impulsivity in decisions and actions
- Executive dysfunction (planning, organising, initiating tasks)
- Hyperfocus on tasks of high interest
- Time blindness and difficulty with deadlines
- Emotional dysregulation and intensity
- Creativity and innovative thinking
Dyslexia
A neurological difference that primarily affects reading, writing, spelling, and sometimes speaking. Dyslexia is characterised by difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition, poor spelling, and decoding abilities.
These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language and are often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities. Dyslexia affects approximately 10% of the population.
Common Characteristics
- Difficulty with phonological awareness (connecting sounds to letters)
- Slow or inaccurate reading despite adequate intelligence
- Challenges with spelling and written expression
- Difficulty with rapid naming of familiar objects
- Problems with working memory for verbal information
- Exceptional visual-spatial reasoning abilities
- Strong creative and problem-solving skills
- Ability to see “big picture” connections
Dyspraxia
A neurological condition affecting physical coordination, movement planning, and organisation. Dyspraxia impacts the ability to plan and coordinate physical movements, making everyday activities that others find simple potentially challenging.
Also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), dyspraxia affects fine motor skills (writing, buttoning), gross motor skills (sports, balance), and often organisational and planning abilities.
Common Characteristics
- Difficulty with fine motor skills (handwriting, using cutlery)
- Challenges with gross motor skills (catching, balance)
- Poor spatial awareness and perception
- Difficulty following multi-step instructions
- Challenges with organisation and time management
- Sensitivity to sensory stimuli
- Strong verbal communication skills
- Creative thinking and empathy
Dyscalculia
A specific learning difference affecting mathematical understanding and number processing. Dyscalculia involves difficulty understanding number concepts, number relationships, and struggles with mathematical reasoning and calculation.
Often called “maths dyslexia,” dyscalculia is a neurological condition affecting the areas of the brain responsible for processing numbers and mathematical concepts, affecting approximately 5-7% of the population.
Common Characteristics
- Difficulty understanding number concepts and relationships
- Struggles with basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction)
- Difficulty with mental maths calculations
- Problems understanding mathematical symbols and operations
- Challenges with time management and reading clocks
- Difficulty with money management and financial concepts
- Strong verbal and creative abilities
- Often strong intuition and holistic thinking
Recognising Neurodivergent Strengths
Neurodivergent individuals often possess remarkable strengths that are valuable in personal, educational, and professional contexts. These strengths are not despite their neurodivergence, but often because of the unique way their brains process information.
Pattern Recognition
Enhanced ability to identify patterns, sequences, and logical systems—valuable in fields such as mathematics, programming, engineering, and data analysis.
Creative Innovation
Exceptional creativity, innovative thinking, and unconventional problem-solving approaches. Ability to see connections others miss and generate novel solutions.
Hyperfocus & Expertise
Periods of intense concentration when engaged with topics of interest, leading to remarkable productivity and deep levels of expertise in specific areas.
Visual-Spatial Thinking
Enhanced visual-spatial abilities allowing excellence in fields such as architecture, design, engineering, and the arts. Thinking in pictures rather than words.
Attention to Detail
Noticing details others overlook and maintaining high standards for accuracy and quality—invaluable in fields requiring meticulous attention.
Authentic Communication
Remarkable directness and honesty in communication. Authenticity that builds trust and cuts through ambiguity in professional and personal relationships.
Holistic Thinking
Ability to see “big picture” connections and think holistically about problems, bringing fresh perspectives to complex challenges.
Resilience & Determination
Having navigated a world not designed for their neurological differences, neurodivergent individuals often develop exceptional resilience and determination.
Understanding Support Needs
While neurodivergent individuals have many strengths, they may require specific supports to navigate a world predominantly designed for neurotypical functioning. Understanding these needs is essential for creating inclusive environments.
Sensory Accommodations
Many neurodivergent people experience sensory differences, being over- or under-sensitive to sounds, lights, textures, smells, or tastes.
- Sensory-friendly environments with adjustable lighting
- Noise-cancelling headphones and quiet spaces
- Permission to use fidget tools or movement breaks
- Choice over seating position and proximity to sensory triggers
Clear Communication
Direct, explicit communication without implied meanings or social subtext helps many neurodivergent individuals understand expectations.
- Written instructions alongside verbal communication
- Visual schedules and step-by-step instructions
- Clear advance notice of changes to routine
- Explicit expectations without “reading between the lines”
Structure & Predictability
Predictable routines and advance warning of changes help many neurodivergent people feel secure and manage anxiety.
- Consistent daily structures and routines
- Visual organisers, checklists, and timers
- Advance notice of changes with explanations
- Breaking down large tasks into manageable steps
Time & Processing Support
Additional time for processing information, completing tasks, or responding to questions can be crucial.
- Extended time for exams and assignments
- Flexible deadlines where possible
- Patience during conversations and processing time
- Tools to externalise time (visual timers, clocks)
Executive Function Support
Many neurodivergent individuals benefit from support with planning, organisation, time management, and task initiation.
- Visual organisers and planning tools
- Checklists and reminder systems
- Task breakdown and step-by-step guidance
- Regular check-ins without judgment
Learning Accommodations
Specific accommodations can make significant differences in educational and professional settings.
- Assistive technology (text-to-speech, speech-to-text)
- Alternative assessment methods
- Multi-sensory learning approaches
- Access to written materials in advance
