How Do You Know if You’re Neurodivergent?
Neurodivergent, What Does this Mean?
Neurodivergent is a term that’s growing in awareness and acceptance, and is even becoming a desired trait in the workforce, but what does it mean?
To answer, let’s look at the most commonly asked questions about it:
To answer, let’s look at the most commonly asked questions about it:
- What Neurodivergent means?
- What counts as Neurodivergent?
- Neurodivergent examples
- What is considered Neurodivergent?
- How do you know if you’re Neurodivergent?
What Neurodivergent Means is Wired Differently
Oxford’s online dictionary defines Neurodivergent, or ND, as “differing in mental or neurological function from what is considered typical or normal (frequently used with reference to autistic spectrum disorders); not neurotypical. Sample sentence, “there are some things that neurotypical people just know or can figure out that neurodivergent students may need to have a model for.”
Neurodivergent = Wired Differently
Academic understanding of Neurodiversity is currently very limited. One thing that is known is that Neurodiversity is an umbrella term.
Neurodivergent = Wired Differently
Academic understanding of Neurodiversity is currently very limited. One thing that is known is that Neurodiversity is an umbrella term.
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term for brains wired differently.
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Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that describes a spectrum of conditions in which the brain is wired differently and functions differently than the typical brain.
The atypical ND brain has neurotransmitter levels, such as Serotonin, Dopamine, and Melatonin outside of the norm. Symptoms of Neurodiversity manifest at very young ages and are so interconnected with other disorders dealing with neurological, psychological, and sleep disorders, as well as immune system diseases, and gastrointestinal issues which leads many to believe that the root cause is typically genetic. |
Brain Sciences Journal publication entitled “The Neurochemistry of Autism” reports:
“Numerous studies have also shown that autism can often be comorbid with other neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as global development delay and cognitive deficits, epilepsy or electroencephalographic (EEG) anomalies, sleep disorders, developmental coordination disorder, neuropathies, Tourette syndrome, anxiety, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood disorders, psychosis, personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, gender dysphoria, and substance abuse [4,5]. Moreover, there are several medical conditions comorbid to autism such as immunological disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, sleep-related breathing disorders, and there are several genetic syndromes commonly associated with autism (fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex, Phelan McDermid syndrome, Timothy syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, etc.)”
Open Science publishing pioneer, MDPI, recently shared a Special Issue of Recent Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders calling for more research about Neurodiversity (ND), aka Neurdevelopmental Disorders (NDD).
Dr. Gabriele Tripi wrote,
“Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) represent a group of complex and heterogeneous disorders characterized by impairment of growth and development of the brain often associated with impaired cognition, communication, adaptive behavior, and psychomotor skills. It is an umbrella term that can traverse, to varying degrees, diverse disease classifications, such us autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc. Multiple causes have been associated with NDDs, including genetic, environmental, infectious, and traumatic, among others, which in general do not operate alone but instead interact with each other. NDDs are a public health challenge due to the complexity and heterogeneity of the etiology in conjugation with high prevalence attained. It is crucial to provide researchers and clinicians with the most up-to-date information on the etiopathogenesis and therapeutic strategies for the patients as well as to shed light on the co-occurrence of various medical and behavioral conditions/symptoms."
www.mdpi.com/journal/brainsci/special_issues/Neurodevelopmental_Disorders_Advances
“Numerous studies have also shown that autism can often be comorbid with other neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as global development delay and cognitive deficits, epilepsy or electroencephalographic (EEG) anomalies, sleep disorders, developmental coordination disorder, neuropathies, Tourette syndrome, anxiety, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood disorders, psychosis, personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, gender dysphoria, and substance abuse [4,5]. Moreover, there are several medical conditions comorbid to autism such as immunological disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, sleep-related breathing disorders, and there are several genetic syndromes commonly associated with autism (fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex, Phelan McDermid syndrome, Timothy syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, etc.)”
Open Science publishing pioneer, MDPI, recently shared a Special Issue of Recent Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders calling for more research about Neurodiversity (ND), aka Neurdevelopmental Disorders (NDD).
Dr. Gabriele Tripi wrote,
“Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) represent a group of complex and heterogeneous disorders characterized by impairment of growth and development of the brain often associated with impaired cognition, communication, adaptive behavior, and psychomotor skills. It is an umbrella term that can traverse, to varying degrees, diverse disease classifications, such us autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc. Multiple causes have been associated with NDDs, including genetic, environmental, infectious, and traumatic, among others, which in general do not operate alone but instead interact with each other. NDDs are a public health challenge due to the complexity and heterogeneity of the etiology in conjugation with high prevalence attained. It is crucial to provide researchers and clinicians with the most up-to-date information on the etiopathogenesis and therapeutic strategies for the patients as well as to shed light on the co-occurrence of various medical and behavioral conditions/symptoms."
www.mdpi.com/journal/brainsci/special_issues/Neurodevelopmental_Disorders_Advances
Now, umbrella terms like Neurodivergence, Neurodiversity, and Neurodevelopmental disorders are becoming more common to describe all the related neurological conditions associated with being wired differently.
Each of the neurological conditions can be imagined as a color of the rainbow.
Based on the article by C.L. Lynch, “It’s a Spectrum Doesn’t Mean What You Think”, the colors of Autism can be understood by breaking them into these columns:
Each of the neurological conditions can be imagined as a color of the rainbow.
Based on the article by C.L. Lynch, “It’s a Spectrum Doesn’t Mean What You Think”, the colors of Autism can be understood by breaking them into these columns:
- Monotropic Mindset
- Narrow but intense ability to focus, resulting in “obsessive” interests and difficulty task-switching.
- Sensory Processing : Eye Contact, Sleep Issues
- Challenges interpreting sensory information, hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to stimuli.
- Social Awareness
- Ability to pick up on etiquette, social norms, taboos. Ability to form and maintain relationships.
- Repetitive Behaviors - Stimming
- Tendency to self-stimulate, aka “stim”, in response to varying emotions. Can be beneficial or harmful in nature.
- Information Processing
- Ability to assimilate and apply new information quickly or to adapt to new environments or situations.
- Pragmatic Language
- Social communication including body language, eye contact, small talk, and turn-taking in conversation.
- Neuro-Motor Differences
- Ability to control body movements. Ranges from clumsiness to complete loss of ability to move with intention.
What is considered Neurodivergent?
Some commonly recognized forms of neurodivergence are:
- ADHD/ADD
- Tourette’s and Tics
- Autism spectrum
- Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, etc.
- OCD
- PTSD
What counts as Neurodivergent?
You might be Neurodivergent if:
Neurodivergent = Wired differently
Neurodivergents are unique individuals. They are typically free thinkers with unique learning styles. They may have sixth sense abilities because of their 50% more neural synaptic connections which lead to sensory processing issues in which more of the electromagnetic spectrum is experienced than typical.
- You have been described as “intense” or “rude” without any clue why.
- You’re so socially selective that you might be described as being “nonsocial” or “anti-social”.
- You get overwhelmed easily and have been called “too sensitive”.
- You might dissociate often, or be unable to respond immediately in conversations.
Neurodivergent = Wired differently
Neurodivergents are unique individuals. They are typically free thinkers with unique learning styles. They may have sixth sense abilities because of their 50% more neural synaptic connections which lead to sensory processing issues in which more of the electromagnetic spectrum is experienced than typical.
Researchers found more spines in children with autism. Spines branch out from one neuron and receive signals from other neurons through connections called synapses, so more spines indicate more synapses.Credit...Guomei Tang, PhD and Mark S. Sonders, PhD/Columbia University Medical Center
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The Autistic brain has more neural connections in the brain than typical.
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NY Times article, “Study Finds That Brains With Autism Fail to Trim Synapses as They Develop” says, “David Sulzer, a neurobiologist at Columbia, led a study that may help explain symptoms of autism like oversensitivity to noise, as well as why many people with autism also have epilepsy.”
Neurodiversity is a cluster of traits characterized by sensory processing issues, abnormal neurotransmitter levels such as Serotonin, Dopamine, and Melatonin and unique learning styles. The term encompasses a broad spectrum of abilities ranging from disabled to genius.
Neurodivergent Examples
Neurodiversity is a new concept in Psychology and is still biased, as evidenced by its consideration as being a Disorder or Disease. It’s even categorized as being “Abnormal” Psychology and Mental “Illness”. But Neurodiversity does not equal mental illness.
Fortunately, the more we learn about ND, the more we discover the strengths of our differences so that they’re celebrated.
One exciting development is the “Rock Star Gene” associated with ADHD. This genetic variant called DRD4-7R is also known as the “restless gene”, “nomadic gene”, and the “orchid child gene” and highlights the strengths of the Neurodivergent.
Psychology Today's article "ADHD and the Rock Star Gene" suggests that this gene is highly prevalent within the music industry and is linked to ADHD. It’s considered to empower the carrier to maintain crazy schedules, hyper focus on their art, and access vast amounts of creativity.
Fortunately, the more we learn about ND, the more we discover the strengths of our differences so that they’re celebrated.
One exciting development is the “Rock Star Gene” associated with ADHD. This genetic variant called DRD4-7R is also known as the “restless gene”, “nomadic gene”, and the “orchid child gene” and highlights the strengths of the Neurodivergent.
Psychology Today's article "ADHD and the Rock Star Gene" suggests that this gene is highly prevalent within the music industry and is linked to ADHD. It’s considered to empower the carrier to maintain crazy schedules, hyper focus on their art, and access vast amounts of creativity.
Some famous Neurodivergent Stars include:
- Albert Einstein
- Daryl Hannah: Autism
- John Lennon: Dyslexia
- Cher: Dyslexia & Dyscalculia
- Carl Sagan: Autism
- Billie Eilish: Tourette's
- Elon Musk: Autism
How do you know if you are Neurodivergent?
Here are some free quizzes from exceptionalindividuals.com to see if you might be Neurodivergent.
Please note: while these tests are so accurate that they might feel like someone read your journal, they are not technically diagnostic.
They suggest and reveal more than diagnose. Self-knowledge is power, are you ready to take the red pill?
Please note: while these tests are so accurate that they might feel like someone read your journal, they are not technically diagnostic.
They suggest and reveal more than diagnose. Self-knowledge is power, are you ready to take the red pill?
"See the genius in everyone you encounter. Just as the mountain cannot crack a nut though it can carry a forest on it's back, so too does every living creature have its own perfection." Wayne Dyer