Home
What is "Neurodiversity?"

What is "neurodiversity?"

Neurodiversity means brains work in different ways, and those differences are a normal part of being human.

People may describe themselves as neurodivergent. Neurodivergent is a culturally-driven umbrella term, not a diagnosis. For many, it is a way of saying “my brain works differently.”

An illutrated, rainbow-colored umbrella with diagnosis terms under it

Could This Apply to Me?

You may be exploring this term because something feels familiar — how you think, learn, focus or respond to the world. Some people who identify as neurodivergent describe:

Feeling out of step with expectations, even when trying hard
Needing more or less stimulation (noise, light, activity) than others
Thinking deeply or differently about topics of interest
Struggling with focus, organization or transitions
Feeling overwhelmed in environments others seem to manage easily

You do not need to decide if this label fits to begin learning more about how your brain works.

Who is Neurodivergent?

Because it is an umbrella term, neurodivergent can apply to many different types of people.

Some people are born neurodivergent while others may become neurodivergent after illness, injury or other life conditions. Neurodivergence may be used to describe brain-based disabilities and mental health diagnoses.

Developmental Neurodivergence

Different ways of thinking, learning or processing are common with developmental disabilities and other conditions that begin in childhood.

Common Neurodevelopmental Conditions

ADHD
Autism
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Intellectual disabilities
Learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia)
Tourette syndrome

Other Conditions That May Impact Brain Function

Cerebral palsy
Down syndrome
Epilepsy or seizure disorders

Acquired Neurodivergence

Sometimes injury or illness can change how people think. Some examples of this include:

Dementia
Exposure to chemicals or substances (lead exposure or certain medical treatments)
Stroke
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Mental Health Diagnoses

Mental health diagnoses can be present in childhood or develop over time. They can also lead to differences in thinking, learning or processing. Some common examples include:
Anxiety

Anxiety disorders
Bipolar disorder
Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)
Depression
OCD
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Note: This list includes some examples of diagnoses that people who identify as neurodivergent may have. It is not exhaustive and not intended as a diagnostic tool.

What if I Don’t Have a Diagnosis?

You do not need a diagnosis to explore whether the concept of neurodivergence fits your experience. Connecting for Kids welcomes all families, whether you’re exploring, have a diagnosis, self-identify or are an ally.

Ways to Discover More

Join a Program

We offer support groups, workshops and hands-on family programs where you can learn and build a community.

Discover Resources

Check out our podcasts or resource guides to learn more about neurodiversity and other topics.

Ask Us

Get tailored resources to meet your family's needs by phone, email or text.

Website supported by a grant from Parker.

Call, text or email:

Phone: 1-440-570-5908
Email: info@connectingforkids.org

Post Office Box:

30628 Detroit Rd. #252
Westlake, Ohio 44145