Understanding Neurodiversity: Different, Not Deficient
Neurodiversity isn’t a diagnosis; it’s a way of thinking about how human brains function differently. Believed to have been coined by Australian sociologist Judy Singer in the 1990s, the term comes from “neuro” meaning brain and “diversity” meaning variety. Neurodiversity reframes conditions like ADHD and Autism, not as deficits or medical problems, but as natural, valid differences in the way we think.
Rather than trying to “fix” people who think differently, the neurodiversity paradigm encourages us to understand that people experience and process the world in unique ways. It’s about respecting these differences, not trying to repair something that isn’t broken.
What Does Neurodiversity Include?
Neurodiversity covers a wide range of cognitive styles, including:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Tourette’s Syndrome
OCD
Sensory Processing Disorder
Anxiety
PTSD and trauma-related cognitive differences
These are not broken versions of a “normal” brain, they are valid neurotypes with their own strengths and challenges.
Different Brains, Different Needs
Someone with ADHD might be energetic, quick-thinking and creative, but struggle to stay focused in long meetings. An autistic person might be highly perceptive, honest and detail-oriented, but find noisy environments or vague social rules overwhelming.
These are just different ways of being in the world. But because society tends to be built for neurotypical people, those who think and behave in ways that are considered standard, neurodivergent individuals often face misunderstandings or unfair judgments.
For example:
A person who fidgets in a classroom might be labelled “disruptive” when they’re actually self-regulating to stay focused.
Someone who avoids eye contact might be seen as unfriendly when they’re just communicating differently.
Science Says
MRI scans of people with ADHD are thought to show show patterns that are distinctly different from neurotypical brains. Some believe this suggests that neurodivergent traits aren’t random, they’re neurologically consistent and meaningful. ADHD brains, for instance, tend to have differences in how they regulate dopamine and manage attention. It’s not a character flaw, it’s just a difference in biology.
Managing the Challenges
Recognising neurodiversity doesn’t mean pretending everything is easy. Many neurodivergent people face challenges, especially in systems that aren’t designed for them. The goal isn’t to “normalise” the behaviour, the aim is to identify what supports are needed, while also recognising the strengths that we can build from.
For example:
A quiet space or noise-cancelling headphones can help someone with sensory sensitivity focus at work.
A structured daily routine or a countdown timer might help an someone with autistism feel safe and manage transitions.
Body-doubling (working alongside someone else) can help a person with ADHD complete tasks more efficiently.
Recognising Strengths
Nassir Ghaemi often explore the complexities of mental health and its relationship to leadership. He highlights how certain mental illnesses, like mania and depression, can paradoxically foster qualities like realism, resilience, empathy, and creativity that are beneficial in leadership. Each neurotype has unique abilities:
ADHD: Rapid idea generation, adaptability, energy
Autism: Deep focus, pattern recognition, honesty, integrity
Dyslexia: Visual thinking, creative problem-solving
OCD: Precision, persistence, a drive for excellence
Tourette’s: Humour, resilience, quick thinking
These strengths often go unnoticed when the focus is purely on what someone “can’t” do.
Reframing the Conversation
The neurodiversity movement is a shift from the old medical model, which has often treated differences as disorders, to a social model that asks: how can society change to include everyone?
As Dr Megan Neff, an Australian psychologist, puts it:
“Neurodiversity isn’t about forcing neurodivergent people to fit into the world. It’s about changing the world so that everyone can thrive.”
Understanding neurodiversity means moving past labels and embracing the variety in our culture. Whether you’re neurodivergent yourself, a parent, teacher, employer or clinician, this shift in thinking can change lives. In a world where we can embrace more of people’s differences, we enrich not only our our own lives but the wider society.
