What is Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence is an umbrella term denoting pronounced differences in how an individuals brain and nervous system processes cognition and sensory information. Whereas many people see neurodivergence purely as a developmental disorder or as something that needs to be treated, neurodivergence could be seen as referring to the diversity of ways in which people can perceive and experience the world, and that these differences are fundamental to the functioning of a healthy society.

Unfortunately, western culture often demonizes these differences, just as it has done so with Indigenous cultures around the world or with LGBTQ populations, and leaves neurodiverse individuals feeling like they are broken because they do not fit into the mold modern society expects them to. While neurodiverse individuals can experience severe disabilities and have high support needs, many can also live highly rewarding lives when they are resourced and provided the right support.

An alternative view of autism and ADHD

During childhood our brains are hyper-connected, with neurological connections (synapses) between regions of the brain and individual brain cells considered relatively dense compared to typical adult brains. These connections or synapses go through a process called synaptic pruning, where excess neurological connections are shed. Studies have found that autistic and ADHD brains in adults retain a far greater degree of these connections than neurotypical individuals, and this hyper-connectivity is maintained to a certain extent.

What’s more, both autism and ADHD have been shown to possess an extremely similar neurobiological basis, suggesting they may be far more connected than researchers initially believed, and could even form part of a continuum.

While most studies view this neurological hyper connectivity through the lens of a disorder, stating that this may lead to too much communication between brain regions, akin to a deafening ‘white noise’ that could be overwhelming, another interpretation is that neurodivergent individuals are in fact retaining the sensitivity that they had in childhood into adulthood.

People with autism and ADHD are usually described as being highly sensitive, however many professionals regard this sensitivity almost as a secondary characteristic. Rather than being a secondary aspect, autism and ADHD could be framed primarily as neurological adaptations to living as a highly sensitive person in a society not designed for it.

What are considered to be observable symptoms of autism and ADHD may be ways of regulating the stress that this level of sensitivity comes with, particularly within a culture which does not nurture or cherish sensitivity, but often belittles or demonizes it.

The beauty of diversity

Rather than being a disorder, neurodivergence when nurtured in the right environment could be a tremendous positive force, leading to highly creative and intelligent individuals with their own diverse contributions to the world. Many renowned artists, creative people, and gifted individuals throughout history have been neurodivergent, with their neurodivergence potentially granting a unique perspective on the world, such as through retaining the child-like wonder and curiosity most people seem to lose in adulthood. Rather than being treated like a disorder, neurodivergence could instead be seen as an empowering aspect of who you are, but it may take a cultural shift in values for our society to begin to recognize this.