How Do I Know if I’m Neurodivergent? | The Umbrella of Neurodivergence
Explore the broad spectrum of neurodiversity, from innate neurodivergence like autism, ADHD, and high sensitivity; to acquired differences resulting from trauma and other experiences. We’ll explain why both formal diagnoses and self-diagnosis are valid; and why there is no such thing as a 100% neurotypical person.
What does it mean to be neurodivergent?
“Neurodivergent” is a term used to describe individuals whose brains function in ways that differ from what’s considered “normal.”
The term used as a counterpart to “neurodivergent” is “neurotypical.” This describes folks whose brains tend to process information and experience the world in ways that align with what society considers “normal” or “typical.”
It’s important to remember that “typical” isn’t some fixed, objective standard. What we consider “typical” reflects the values and expectations of our current culture, especially within systems that prioritize certain kinds of productivity and ways of thinking.
Therefore, there is no such thing as a 100% neurotypical person; and there is no one way to be neurodivergent.
We all exist somewhere along that spectrum of neurodivergence and neurotypicality.
Neurodivergence is an umbrella term for many experiences and identities.
The neurodivergent community is diverse. It overlaps significantly with the disability community and LGBTQ+ community.
Neurodivergence can include variations in attention, learning, processing styles, emotional expression, communication style, social interaction, and sensory experiences.
Some individuals experience their neurodivergence as a disability, as they face varying degrees of ableism – including social stigma; systemic exclusion from public life and community spaces; institutional barriers to employment, education, and other opportunities; and lack of access to physical, mental, and sensory accommodations.
Ultimately, the label of “neurodivergent” is a personal choice.
You may choose to identify as neurodivergent, neurotypical, or somewhere in between (with or without a specific label). Your relationship to neurodivergence may shift and change across time.
Key Terms
Neurodiversity = the natural variation in human brains and bodies
Neurotype = a type of brain or mind-body system
ex: autism, ADHD, giftedness, twice-exceptional, high sensitivity
Neurodiversity-affirming movement = an anti-ableist movement created by and for neurodivergent folks, which emphasizes the following:
There is no one “normal” or “right” way to be
Differences are not deficits
Neurodiversity is a valuable, natural, and essential part of human expression and community
On a systemic and community level, our goal should be to support the specific needs of each individual, rather than forcing everyone to conform to the standards of neurotypical society
Let’s explore 2 types of neurodivergence: INNATE and ACQUIRED.
(1) Innate Neurodivergence
Innate neurodivergence refers to neurological differences that are present from birth or develop very early in life, typically due to genetic, developmental, or prenatal factors.
Autism
a neurotype known in Western society as “Autism Spectrum Disorder” (a pathology-based description)
describes brains that experience less neural pruning compared to neurotypical brains; and which may be hyper-connected in some areas and hypo-connected in others
characterized by hypersensitivity to stimuli, monotropic processing style (focusing deeply on a few things at a time), preference for routines & familiarity, social & communication differences, repetitive behaviors (i.e., stimming, echolalia), and deep special interests
often accompanied by advanced cognitive & perceptive abilities
People with this neurotype may describe themselves in a variety of ways: “I’m autistic,” “I have autism,” “I have an autism diagnosis,” “I identify as autistic,” “I’m a person with autism”, etc. – with most folks in the autistic community preferring identity-first language: “I’m autistic.”
→ To learn more, check out this blog post: “Autistic Person” vs “Person with Autism”: What’s the Difference? | A Neurodivergent Therapist’s POV
ADHD
a neurotype known in Western society as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (a pathology-based description)
also referred to, within the neurodiversity-affirming movement, as VAST: “Variable Attention Stimulus Trait,” reframing this neurotype in a more neutral way
characterized by: novelty-seeking behavior, abundant & inconsistent attention span, tendency toward verbal processing, interest-based nervous system (high capacity to focus on topics of interest/passion, and difficulty focusing outside those areas), emotional intensity, sensitivity to rejection, and sensitivity to injustice
Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)
characterized by deep processing, rich imagination, complex inner world, tendency to get overstimulated & startle easily, strong need for quiet & solitude, high levels of emotional responsiveness & empathy, ability to pick up on subtle details (such as emotional nuances of a conversation, changes in lighting and temperature, and shifts in energy)
Dyslexia
a learning disability that primarily affects reading and writing abilities
caused by differences in the parts of the brain that process language
Giftedness
characterized by advanced aptitude in one or more areas (ex: intellect, creativity, artistry, leadership)
often accompanied by exceptional curiosity, intense interests, a rapid pace of learning, heightened sensitivity, and emotional depth
can come with challenges like perfectionism, existential depression, and social difficulties
2e - Twice-Exceptional
characterized by exceptional strengths/talents, as well as great challenges (often labeled as learning disabilities)
may lead to internal conflict and frustration, due to the discrepancy between one’s abilities and challenges
Sensory Processing Differences
variations in how individuals perceive and respond to sensory information from their environment
may impact any of the five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell), as well as proprioception (body awareness) and vestibular sense (balance & spatial orientation)
may look like hyper-sensitivity or hypo-sensitivity to sensory input (ex: sensitivity to bright lights, loud noises, textures, smells, tastes; challenges with depth perception, auditory processing; difficulty with fine motor skills; seeking out deep pressure; limited food preferences; difficulty with body awareness; seeking out activities that provide deep pressure, resistance, or movement; difficulty with balance and coordination; motion sickness)
Developmental Disability
encompasses a broad range of conditions that impact development across various domains (physical, cognitive, language, social, etc.).
*Please note that the above is a non-exhaustive list of innate neurodivergence.
Formal Diagnosis vs. Self-Diagnosis: What Should I Choose?
Many neurodivergent conditions can be formally diagnosed by a mental health professional.
However, you may also self-identify as neurodivergent based on your own lived experience.
From a neurodiversity-affirming perspective, formal diagnosis, self-diagnosis, and self-identification are all valid.
It’s important to recognize that formal diagnosis isn’t accessible or appropriate for everyone. At the same time, a formal diagnosis can sometimes offer validation, greater self-understanding, and access to accommodations and support, such as in the workplace.
*If you’re unsure whether a formal diagnosis or self-identification is the best path for you, consider working with a neurodiversity-affirming practitioner, who can help you make an informed decision based on your specific context, needs, and goals.
—> You can schedule a free consult to work with me HERE.
(2) Acquired Neurodivergence
Acquired neurodivergence refers to changes in neurological wiring that happen after birth, due to a specific event or series of experiences.
It’s a difference that develops later in life, not one present from the start.
This can be induced by various factors, including:
traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
neurological symptoms persisting during/after a physical illness (ex: brain fog, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties)
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma
grief of all kinds (anticipatory, collective, complex, etc.)
psychedelic & meditation experiences, which can induce lasting changes in perception, thought patterns, self-understanding, emotional depth, creativity, and nervous system regulation
All these experiences can alter neural pathways and lead to different ways of thinking, perceiving, and interacting with the world, effectively creating a new form of neurodivergence that was not present before.
Acquired neurodivergence encompasses both difficult experiences (such as PTSD, grief, and TBIs) and positive shifts (such as healing through psychedelic medicines or rewiring the nervous system through intensive meditation practice).
*Please note that the above is a non-exhaustive list of acquired neurodivergence.
An individual can experience multiple types of neurodivergence at once.
For example, autism and complex trauma can (and often do) co-occur.
Or, an individual can be highly sensitive and AuDHD, as well as have a traumatic brain injury.
IN SUMMARY:
Neurodivergence is an umbrella term for many experiences and identities.
Formal diagnosis, self-diagnosis, and self-identification are all valid.
Innate neurodivergence refers to neurological differences that are present from birth or develop very early in life.
Acquired neurodivergence describes changes in neurological wiring that develop later in life.
An individual can experience multiple types of neurodivergence at once.
There is no one “right” or “normal” way to be.
Looking for a neurodivergent therapist who specializes in supporting late-identified neurodivergent adults?
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About the Author
Liz Zhou is holistic trauma therapist providing therapy services in Colorado & coaching services worldwide. She helps highly sensitive, neurodivergent adults and couples heal from the past and connect with their authentic selves. Liz’s specialties include EMDR, IFS, Brainspotting, psychedelic integration, and trauma therapy intensives for individuals and couples.
Research
https://embrace-autism.com/autistic-brain-differences-connectivity/
