When I was 16, my world transformed in two profound ways. I became a mother, and I began the journey of raising a child who—like me—experienced the world through a neurodivergent lens. Neither of us knew it then, but we were both autistic, navigating a world that wasn't designed for minds like ours. ## Two Space Cadets Finding Our Way They called me a "space cadet" long before I understood what it meant. Lost in thought, missing social cues, overwhelmed by sensory experiences others barely noticed—I lived in a different orbit from my peers. When my son came along, I recognized familiar patterns in him, though his autism expressed itself differently than mine. He was a bit less on the spectrum than me, but together, we formed our own constellation. What we lacked in traditional guidance, we made up for in understanding. When he couldn't bear the feel of certain fabrics, I didn't need an explanation. When I became overwhelmed in crowded spaces, he instinctively knew...
You've probably heard the term "neurodivergent" more often lately. But what does it actually mean?
Simply put: Neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently from what society considers "typical" or "normal."
It's not a diagnosis—it's an umbrella term that includes many different ways of thinking, learning, processing, and experiencing the world.
Common Neurodivergent Identities
Autism (Autistic Spectrum)
- What it is: A developmental difference affecting how people communicate, process sensory input, and relate to the world.
- Traits: Differences in social communication, intense interests, sensory sensitivities, need for routine, unique ways of thinking and learning.
- Important: Autism is a spectrum—every autistic person is different. There's no "one way" to be autistic.
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity "Disorder")
- What it is: A neurological difference affecting attention, impulse control, and executive function.
- Traits: Difficulty with focus (or hyperfocus), impulsivity, restlessness, time blindness, emotional regulation challenges, creative thinking.
- Important: ADHD isn't "just kids who can't sit still." It affects adults too, and it's about how the brain processes dopamine and regulates attention.
Dyslexia
- What it is: A learning difference affecting reading, writing, and spelling.
- Traits: Difficulty decoding words, reversing letters/numbers, reading slower than peers, strong visual-spatial reasoning.
- Important: Dyslexia isn't about intelligence—it's about how the brain processes written language.
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
- What it is: A difference affecting motor coordination and planning.
- Traits: Difficulty with fine/gross motor skills, coordination challenges, organizational struggles.
Tourette's Syndrome
- What it is: A neurological condition involving involuntary movements or sounds (tics).
- Traits: Motor tics (blinking, jerking) and/or vocal tics (sounds, words), often worsened by stress.
- Important: Most people with Tourette's do NOT swear uncontrollably (that's a stereotype).
Other Neurodivergences
- Dyscalculia (difficulty with numbers/math)
- Sensory Processing Disorder
- Epilepsy
- Synesthesia (blending of senses)
- And more!
Neurodivergent vs. Neurotypical
Neurotypical means having a brain that functions in ways society considers "typical" or "standard."
Neurodivergent means thinking, learning, or processing differently from that standard.
Neither is better or worse—just different. The neurodiversity movement recognizes that different brains are natural variations of human diversity, like biodiversity in nature.
Why "Neurodivergent" Instead of "Disorder"?
Many people prefer "neurodivergent" over medical terms like "disorder" because:
- It centers difference, not deficiency.
- It recognizes strengths alongside challenges.
- It shifts from "fixing" people to creating accessible, inclusive environments.
Medical terms like ADHD or autism are still used (and many people identify with them), but "neurodivergent" offers a less pathologizing, identity-affirming way to talk about different brains.
Common Myths About Neurodivergence
- Myth: "Neurodivergent people lack empathy."
Truth: Many neurodivergent people feel empathy deeply—they just express or process it differently. - Myth: "You grow out of it."
Truth: Neurodivergence is lifelong. Supports and strategies can help, but it's not something you "cure." - Myth: "Everyone's a little ADHD/autistic."
Truth: No. Everyone has quirks, but neurodivergence involves persistent, significant differences that affect daily life. - Myth: "It's just an excuse."
Truth: Neurodivergence is real, neurological, and affects how people navigate the world. It's not laziness or a lack of trying.
Why This Matters
Understanding neurodivergence helps:
- Neurodivergent people understand themselves, advocate for accommodations, and find community.
- Parents, partners, friends support their loved ones without stigma or misunderstanding.
- Educators, employers, healthcare providers create inclusive, accessible environments.
Where to Go From Here
If you're newly discovering you might be neurodivergent, or you're supporting someone who is:
- Explore our Neurodiversity Hub for deeper dives into specific identities.
- Check out Self-Advocacy Toolkits for language, strategies, and empowerment.
- Join our Community to connect with others navigating neurodivergent life.
You're not broken. You're not "less than." You're beautifully, brilliantly neurodivergent.
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