3 Types of Neurodiversity That Might Surprise You

Types of neurodiversity may seem obvious if you’re speaking with someone who has non-verbal autism or maybe a child with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. You might recognize that someone with non-verbal autism communicates differently or that a child with ADHD struggles to maintain attention with competing priorities all at once.

However, understanding what neurodiversity is and isn’t helps everyone widen their view of what it means to be neurodivergent, how you can build accommodations into your everyday life, and how you can thrive no matter how your brain works.

Definition of Neurodiversity Versus Neurodivergent

Neurodiversity is the noun form of neurodivergent and simply refers to a state of having a brain that works differently from what is considered a norm or standard. Because it’s not a clinical definition, there are no specific criteria to meet; however, neurodiversity is used to classify someone whose brain operates uniquely compared to others.

Even two different people with the same diagnosis can have differently-wired brains, so comparing apples to apples (so to speak) isn’t going to result in a clear-cut definition. Neurotypical refers to someone whose brain operates in ways that are more culturally and socially accepted as standard. For example, someone who joins a group, introduces themselves, and starts to integrate into a group conversation might be considered neurotypical.

In contrast, someone who joins a group, stands off to the side, waits to be invited into the conversation, and still struggles to assert their opinion may show signs of a neurodiverse brain. Or they may just be shy until they’re comfortable in a new setting. It’s hard to tell at first glance, and it may not be visible whether someone is neurodiverse.

More Easily Identifiable Types of Neurodiversity

Conditions such as Down syndrome, ADHD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder have been widely publicized in the last three decades. Even if you haven’t met someone with these conditions, you’ve probably had some basic understanding of what the symptoms can look like.

It is important to note that not all conditions present the same in each individual, because no two brains are alike. All neurodiversity is based on a spectrum, and people cannot be boxed in based on how their brain works. The types of neurodiversity have been under a microscope recently because of an emphasis on busting myths and shifting to more accepting language and workplace environments.

For example, one myth says that someone who is “special education” or “disabled” cannot learn like others. However, the more accurate term, neurodiverse learners, actually means these children or adults are just as capable as others. Still, their brains have developed differently, so they may not process the information in the same way that neurotypical brains do.

Does it mean that neurodiverse learners are dumb or less likely to succeed? No, in fact, quite the opposite. Studies show that neurodiversity can be a super-strength because a brain that developed differently or processes information differently has strengths that a neurotypically developing brain may not.

3 Types of Neurodiversity You May Not Know About

While we may think we know about ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder, there are likely aspects of each that many are unaware of. Here are three aspects of neurodiversity that could surprise you.

1. ADHD learners can focus for long periods of time on certain tasks or pursuits

A neurotypical brain may be able to focus for sustained periods of time, synthesize and go between various forms of information intermittently without any issues, and transition from task to task easily. However, someone with ADHD may struggle with these processes. The underlying cause, though, isn’t a lack of attention, as the name implies.

Instead, many people with ADHD can focus for extended periods of time if the task is a strength, such as creative pursuits. Many highly creative people — artists, songwriters and musicians, authors, and actors — are diagnosed with ADHD, and their ability to sustain focus on their artistic pursuits helps them in their chosen career field.

So, why does the name refer to attention deficit?

When the neurodevelopmental condition that we now know as ADHD was identified, it was considered a deficit in someone’s attention span. Much of the early research was from children with the condition, who tended to show signs of impulsivity. However, just like not everyone strong in computational skills enjoys algebra, not everyone with ADHD is impulsive.

Instead of viewing neurodeficits, we now recognize that all brains are different, which is where the term neurodiverse comes from.

Did you know that a person with inattentive ADHD can sustain focus for long periods of time without regard for other pursuits? This may explain why artists like Mary-Jo Lough can create intricate paintings for hours. In an interview for the Arts to Hearts Project, Lough said that her process of making the art is exhibited in the painting itself, layered over a sustained period of time.

She said, “After several layers, I gradually see a connected movement between the shapes and marks. This is when I begin to refine, incorporating deliberate details, lines, patterns, and textures. This process of building up and breaking down mirrors how my mind works, constantly shifting and reordering thoughts, noticing connections and patterns until they form a cohesive whole. The ability to hyperfocus during these moments allows me to dive deep into the details, ensuring every aspect of the piece resonates with my vision.” (Lough)

Hyperfocus is a strength if you’re an actor learning lines for a script, on a movie set for 14-16 hours a day. It’s also a strength if you are a designer, crafting fashions on a laptop and then taking them from the design phase to the material that will one day adorn the person who buys them.

2. Dyslexia may make you a more creative problem solver

Many people think that there’s simply one type of dyslexia and that it means you can’t read or that letters jump around on the page. This is a misnomer because there are also subcategories of dyslexia, some of which include phonological, surface, and rapid naming.

According to the International Dyslexia Association, dyslexia is “a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography. These difficulties occur along a continuum of severity and persist even with instruction that is effective for the individual’s peers. The causes of dyslexia are complex and involve combinations of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental influences that interact throughout development.” (International Dyslexia Association)

While dyslexia definitely presents challenges for some with skills like processing language, reading pace, writing, or decoding sounds, it isn’t insurmountable. Because of these challenges, a more positive outlook suggests that dyslexic people find ways around their obstacles.

Dyslexic people often think outside the box and are able to visualize 3-D elements in ways that neurotypical learners can’t. They can solve problems, recognizing solutions that aren’t linear in nature or wouldn’t be based on categorization of information attributed to research or reading.

Multisensory learning has proven highly successful with people who have dyslexia because it teaches concepts that are processed through more than one sense. This makes it more likely that dyslexic people will use a variety of senses to solve challenges in the workplace or in their everyday life, rather than simply focusing on one or two senses.

3. Autism Spectrum Disorder may mean you excel in finding patterns, identifying non-language-based sequencing, or code-breaking

Why would types of neurodiversity focus on strengths based on shape and pattern vs. strengths based on language acquisition? One reason is that some people’s brains are better at recognizing recurring patterns, odd patterns that don’t fit a paradigm, or even idiosyncrasies in shapes and structures.

If you’re autistic, some of these skills could be where you excel, even if communicative behavior is a challenge or complex hidden social cues tax your brain. Sadly, social cues are often prized as cultural strengths. Still, the need for strong nonverbal reasoning skills, such as puzzles, logic sequences, and code-breaking, is becoming dominant in the career landscape.

Companies are recognizing that they need the strengths of all neurodiverse people, including autistic ones. These are people who can look at patterns and identify the ones that aren’t working, and excel at combining complex tables or designing unique elements of a product. While types of neurodiversity abound because brain wiring is multifaceted, societal perspectives of neurodiverse learners are shifting.

Cultural adaptations and decades-long myths mean we still have a long way to go, which means you may be struggling with self-esteem because of how you’ve been labeled or perceived in the past. If you are a neurodiverse thinker and are struggling, our offices are equipped to help.

Seeking out a psychologist or counselor who can guide you to view yourself through a strengths-based lens may be what gives you the mindset you need to see yourself as successful and thriving. Reach out to this office to learn more about the support services offered.