Understanding neurodiversity terms
The term ‘neurodiversity’ is used to describe the different ways the brain can work and process information. In the UK, around one in 15 people are neurodivergent. But what are the different types of neurodiversity? Here I explain some common neurodiversity terms.
What is neurodivergent?
If you’re neurodivergent, you may perceive and respond to information in a way that’s different from others.
The term ‘neurodiversity’ was introduced in the 1990s to reduce the stigma against people with autism, ADHD and learning disorders. Being neurodivergent can make certain tasks more difficult. Treatment should aim to help neurodivergent people to overcome these barriers and reach their goals.
Neurodiversity is something to be celebrated and has many benefits. Seeing the world differently can help these individuals be more creative and forward thinking. These attributes can help neurodivergent people thrive for example, in the workplace.
What are the different types of neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity comes in a range of different forms, experiences, and behaviours. Getting a specific diagnosis can be helpful to make sure you receive the correct support.
Being aware of the different neurodiversity terms can help us to better understand ourselves or other people who may be neurodivergent.
These are some of the most common types of neurodiversity.
ADHD
ADHD stands for ‘attention deficit hyperactive disorder’. There are three sub-types of ADHD.
- Inattention – you may be easily distracted, disorganised and struggle to focus on a task for very long.
- Hyperactive-impulsive – you may be restless, find it hard to stay sitting down, and make decisions without considering the consequences.
- Combined – this is where you experience both inattention and hyperactive-impulsivity.
Symptoms of ADHD can vary between each person, and may change over time.
ADHD is common, affecting around 200,000 to 300,000 adults in the UK. This number is estimated to be higher in children. It’s diagnosed through an assessment by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or ADHD specialist nurse.
Treatment includes medication to increase focus, and therapy to manage any difficult thoughts and behaviours.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects how people behave, interact, and communicate with others. Symptoms usually develop in the first two years of life. Below are some key signs of ASD.
Difficulty with social interaction and communication:
- finding it hard to maintain eye contact
- not responding or being slow to respond to others, for example someone saying your name
- talking for a long time about a special interest
- difficulty picking up on social cues
- difficulty understanding other’s feelings or point of view
Repetitive behaviours and/or restricted interests:
- repeating certain words or behaviours
- having intense interests in specific topics, such as certain objects or facts
- being upset by a change in routine
- being sensitive to light, sound, or temperature
ASD can affect people differently. It may make some aspects of daily life challenging. Treatment focuses on building skills such as social interaction and independent living.
Living with Autism can have many strengths. These include the ability to hyper-focus on a task, a good memory and attention to detail. This can increase productivity, such as in the workplace.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that can affect someone’s ability to read, write and process information. It can also impact organisation skills and memory. The cause of dyslexia is unknown, but it often runs in families.
Each person with dyslexia may have different strengths and weaknesses. But some common signs include:
- confusing similar words, such as ‘cat’ and ‘cot’
- difficulty spelling words correctly
- reading or writing slowly
- difficulty listening and focusing
- having to re-read information to understand it
- difficulty organising your thoughts
If you think you could be dyslexic, you can get a diagnostic assessment from a certified assessor. These are not covered by the NHS, but can be done through the British Dyslexic Association.
Dyslexia can make certain tasks difficult. But many dyslexic people show strengths in visual and creative fields.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) affects around 12 in every 1,000 people in the UK. The main signs of OCD include the following.
- Obsessive, persistent thoughts or urges – these can be intrusive (happen suddenly without us wanting them to). They can also cause anxiety. You may worry about something bad happening to you or others.
- Repetitive behaviours, also known as ‘compulsions’ – these are often done to reduce anxiety caused by the obsessive thoughts. Examples of compulsions include repetitive hand washing, checking locks or switches, or counting.
The symptoms of OCD are usually time-consuming and interfere with daily functioning.
OCD is diagnosed using a structured interview or a self-report test. Treatment for OCD includes certain types of antidepressant medication and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). But many people don’t respond to treatment.
OCD is classed as a mental health condition. But recent research suggests that OCD may be a neurological disorder, as the brain and nervous system is affected. And so we may consider it a neurodiversity term.
Tourette’s and tic disorders
Tourette’s syndrome is a condition affecting the development of the brain. People with Tourette’s experience ‘tics’. These are sudden, involuntary movements or speech.
Tics can be divided into motor tics (affecting movement) or vocal tics (affecting speech).
Motor tics
Symptoms of motor tics include:
- blinking
- head jerking
- grimacing
- imitating gestures
Vocal tics
Symptoms of vocal tics include:
- coughing or grunting
- screaming
- repeating words
- swearing
The exact cause of Tourette’s syndrome is unknown, but it can run in families. Tics can often be triggered or made worse by stress and anxiety.
You should receive a diagnosis of Tourette’s syndrome if your tics began in childhood. But not everyone with tics has Tourette’s syndrome. Your healthcare professional may diagnose you with a different tic disorder.
Your diagnosis will depend on factors such as age of onset, and what triggers your tics.
Many people learn to live with their tics, and they don’t always need treatment. But cognitive behavioural therapy for tics (CBIT) can be used to help you relax and manage your tics.
Our health insurance allows you to skip a GP referral in some cases, and speak to a mental health practitioner. Learn more today.
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Sources Sources
- What is neurodiversity? Child Mind Institute. Childmind.org, reviewed March 2024
- Neurodevelopmental conditions. ADHD aware. Adhdaware.org.uk, accessed July 2024
- Workplace neurodiversity training from The Brain Charity. The Brain Charity. Thebraincharity.org.uk, accessed July 2024
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: what is it? NICE CKS. Cks.nice.org.uk, revised April 2024
- Getting an ADHD assessment. ADHD aware. Adhdaware.org.uk, accessed July 2024
- Autism Spectrum Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. Nimh.nih.gov, reviewed February 2024
- Autistic strengths. Autistica. Autistica.org.uk, accessed July 2024
- About dyslexia. British Dyslexia Association. Bdadyslexia.org.uk, accessed July 2024
- Occurrences of OCD. OCD UK. Ocduk.org, accessed July 2024
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder. BMJ Best Practice. bestpractice.bmj.com, reviewed January 2024
- Tourette’s syndrome. BMJ Best Practice. bestpractice.bmj.com, reviewed June 2024
- Tic disorders. BMJ Best Practice. bestpractice.bmj.com, reviewed June 2024
- Personal communication. Bianca Clarke, Cognitive Behavioural therapist, Bupa. July 2024
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