What Does it Mean to Be Neurodivergent?

Just like fingerprints, everyone’s brain is distinct. Neurodivergence is a term used to describe someone whose brain works a little differently from the rest. Their thought patterns, behaviors, or learning styles may fall outside what may be considered “normal” or neurotypical. It does not mean that all neurodivergent have brain disorders. In most cases, they may possess unique strengths such as better memory and the ability to solve complex mathematical problems in their mind.

This article explains everything you need to know about neurodivergence, its associated conditions, how to get diagnosed, and whether to get diagnosed. Keep reading to find out more.

A Quick Overview

Neurodiversity is the idea that there are differences in human brains which are natural and normal. These distinctions may cause some people to function differently. Because there is no single definition or a definite process by which the human brain works, many believe the term normal or abnormal should not be used to describe someone.

Neurodivergence is not a disability or a recognized disorder. It is a movement to empower people on the spectrum and with developmental disorders. These variations can be beneficial in many cases as they may invoke positive insights and abilities.

Some of the strengths noticed in neurodivergent people include better memory, the ability to solve complex mathematical calculations in their head, and excellent imagination. Some may have weaknesses like medical disorders, learning disabilities, and more.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms?

As explained above, a neurodivergent brain may function differently. One can say that it functions in a way that is unexpected by society. Consequently, they may find it challenging to fit in the community, keep up with the expectations of others, and adjust to changes. Here are some symptoms:

• Communication difficulties in social settings or making friends.
• Speech and language difficulties.
• Difficulty focusing, reading, or having problems with executive functioning. 
• Unusual sensitivity or obliviousness towards sensory outputs such as sound, light, temperature, crowd, etc.
• Physical behaviors such as expressing tics, yelling, and shouting at unexpected times. 
• Inability to adapt to changes.

However, various strengths have been observed in neurodivergent peoples, such as:

• The ability to hyperfocus on a topic or activity of interest.
• Thinking outside the box can lead to novel solutions to problems.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Superior pattern recognition abilities, including in codes and behavior.
• Some have strong skills in music, art, technology, and science.

These, of course, vary with the person.

Common Associated Conditions

Neurodivergence may manifest itself in various ways, ranging from very subtle ways that most people might never notice to more obvious ways that may lead to a person behaving differently than is expected in society. We’ll look at the most common types of neurodivergence and how they manifest in the coming sections. Some common examples of neurodivergence are:

Autism

Autism is a lifelong developmental disease characterized by disparities or challenges in social communication skills, fine and gross motor skills, speech, and cognitive ability.

Autism symptoms vary greatly in nature and severity and are typically observed in early childhood. A craving for sameness and consistency, anxiety, and atypical responses to sensory input, such as unusual sensitivity to light, sound, smell, or taste, are all common symptoms.

Most autism spectrum disorder cases are diagnosed through interviews, observation, and assessments by a psychologist, developmental pediatrician, or pediatric neurologist. While there is no known cure, behavioral and educational therapy may relieve symptoms and skill development.

ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health illness characterized by excessive hyperactivity and impulsive conduct. People with ADHD may also struggle to focus on a single task or to sit quietly for extended periods.

Many people endure inattention and energy fluctuations. When compared to persons without ADHD, this occurs more frequently and extensively. It can substantially impact their schooling, jobs, and personal lives.

ADHD can affect both adults and children. Symptoms may lessen with aging. Some people, however, never totally outgrow their ADHD symptoms. They can, however, develop effective methods to deal with it.

While medication will not cure ADHD, it can significantly reduce symptoms. Medication and behavioral approaches are commonly used in treatment. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in the result.

Tourette’s Syndrome

Tourette’s syndrome is a nervous system disorder that causes people to make uncontrollable movements or sounds known as tics. For example, someone with this condition may repeatedly blink or clear their throat. Some people may say things they did not mean.

Though there is no cure for Tourette syndrome, there are treatments available. Many persons with Tourette syndrome do not require therapy if their symptoms are not bothersome. Generally, tics diminish or disappear after the adolescent years.

How Do I Get Diagnosed?

There are two reasons why neurodivergent people have a hard time getting a diagnosis. Firstly, not all have access to healthcare. While they cannot get diagnosed by a healthcare professional, they can learn more about themselves by researching online. Many resources are available online, such as blogs, books, podcasts, social media, and vlogs by other neurodiverse people.

Secondly, as there are no strict guidelines on the diagnosis criteria, whether you will be diagnosed or not depends on your healthcare providers. Sometimes, their judgment can be wrong. Hence, many are not officially diagnosed even though they are certain they are not neurotypical.

Should you get a diagnosis?

This is a question you may have been pondering for a while. If you are not diagnosed, it can be hard to access the support and treatment you need. But it may come with the risk of stigma and differences in the way people treat you.

Remember that your peers will notice your behaviors whether or not you are diagnosed. A label is not going to change the way people think about you. But your life journey would be a little easier with access to the medication and accommodation you will receive.

Avoiding diagnosis due to fears of being treated differently prevents neurodiverse individuals from beginning their journey to self-awareness and self-efficacy.

Self-awareness is more crucial than diagnosis.

Neurodiverse individuals cannot begin their road to self-awareness and self-efficacy if they avoid diagnosis due to fear of being treated differently. Self-efficacy is a prevalent issue for neurodiverse people and can have major consequences in their professional lives. How much a person believes in themselves affects all aspects of their life. Consider, for a moment, growing up with the knowledge that you struggle more than your peers but not knowing why. This lack of a ‘why’ makes us subject to the opinions of others.

How to Treat It

Diagnosis involves psychological consultation, blood tests, and physical examination. Different treatments are based on severity, age, and type of OCD. Medicines, therapy, and a combination of treatments are present to provide the best cure. Sometimes people with it may suffer from other mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.

Below are some of the treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder:

• Medication: People suffering from this disorder may experience improvement through medication. A particular class of antidepressants can be an effective treatment for this disorder. Some psychiatric medications may control obsessions and compulsions of this condition. All the medications can have potential side effects. Hence, factors like pregnancy and breastfeeding should be considered before prescribing medication.
  Consulting and discussing your medical history with your doctor before starting medication is a must. One should also not stop their medication without a doctor’s advice. This can be dangerous as one might suffer from withdrawal symptoms.
• Relaxation Therapy: Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves major indicators like anxiety, depression, and compulsive behavior patterns. Treatments like yoga, meditation, and massage can help you manage and relax the brain.
• Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is an effective treatment for this disorder in adults and children. It includes cognitive behavior therapy and habit reversal training. Habit reversal training can be as effective as medication. Cognitive behavior therapy involves Exposure and Response Prevention. In this, the patients may learn how to stop themselves from performing repetitive behavior in a situation that triggers anxiety.

Most mental disorders may need personalized treatment. Although there are treatments, therapy, and experts available to help. But a person suffering from this condition needs support from their loved ones.

Find Answers and Resources With a Trusted Therapist on DocVita Today

If you think you are neurotypical, we encourage you to get a diagnosis. It’s best to not focus on the negatives of having a label but instead embrace the empowerment that comes with knowing and understanding yourself. A good diagnosis will draw out strengths you never knew you had and bring more insights into your vocational talents. You can use these strengths to grow in life. Furthermore, you may finally get an explanation of why you might think so differently than others. It can be a huge relief!

With Docvita, you can book an appointment with a trusted and compassionate therapist from the comfort of your home. Book a therapy session online with DocVita today and get started!