Neurodivergence
If you're someone who identifies as neurodivergent, you may face challenges that other neurotypical people don't have to worry about. Check out our content below to learn more about neurodivergence, managing your mental health and wellbeing, and finding support that works for you.
Frequently asked questions about neurodivergence
Neurodiversity is the idea that human brains naturally vary. It's a term used to recognise all of the different (and equally valuable) ways people think and experience the world.
Neurodivergent is a non-medical term used to describe people whose brains work differently from what's considered 'typical'. It's not a diagnosis – it's an umbrella term used that captures many different conditions, such as ADHD and dyslexia. Some people prefer using the terms neurodiverse or neurospicy to describe their experience.
Yes, people with ADHD are considered neurodivergent because ADHD causes the brain to function differently from what’s considered ‘typical’. This doesn’t mean people with ADHD aren’t ‘normal’, it just means they have unique ways of thinking and learning. Check out everything you need to know about ADHD .
Yes, people with dyslexia are considered neurodivergent because their brain processes language and reading differently to what’s seen as ‘typical’. Watch Phoebe’s story about studying with dyslexia to learn more about the condition.
Masking is when neurodivergent people hide or change their natural behaviours or feelings to fit in with neurotypical expectations. For example, they might suppress their stimming or avoid talking about their special interests so that they don’t stand out. Masking can be intentional, but it’s often done subconsciously. Masking can lead to exhaustion, social fatigue, isolation, and identity issues. Check out how autism can affect your mental health for more information.
While masking is typically seen as an autistic trait, people with ADHD or other neurodivergences mask and can experience neurodivergent burnout. Women and girls with ADHD often are overlooked for an ADHD diagnosis due to masking and not seeming ‘ADHD-enough’. Learn more about ADHD in women and girls .
Neurodivergent burnout can happen when someone with ADHD , autism or another neurodivergent condition feels overwhelmed from masking. It often leads to fatigue, stress, and trouble thinking clearly. You can help prevent it by practising self-care, setting healthy boundaries, and finding supportive, neuroaffirming spaces where you can be yourself.
There is some disagreement among researchers, medical professionals and people with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) about whether OCD sits under the neurodivergent umbrella. Some people consider it a neurodivergent condition because it affects the way the brain works. Take a look at more things you might not know about OCD .
Neurodivergence is unique to every individual, but conditions like ADHD and autism can look different across genders. Historically, research into neurodivergence has been centred around men, which means that diagnoses were based on their experiences. But modern research has shown that these conditions present differently in women and girls due to a range of reasons, including social expectations and gender norms. Because of this, women and girls are often misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or diagnosed later in life.
For more about how ADHD shows up in women and girls, check out our guide to ADHD in women and girls .
Anxiety isn’t considered a neurodivergent condition, but many neurodivergent people experience high levels of anxiety. Living as a neurodivergent person in a neurotypical world can be overwhelming and stressful. Masking can also lead to high levels of social anxiety. Check out some helpful management strategies in our guide to managing anxiety and stress .
