Some of the neurodiversity terms like neurodiverse and neurodivergent can be quite confusing.
And it can also be hard to know what's all included under the neurodiversity umbrella. Most people already know that it includes autism, ADHD, and dyspraxia, for instance, but it can also include so many other conditions and brain differences.
That's why I put together this list of types of neurodivergence so you can have a better sense of what's all included. Hint: basically anything that isn't a neurotypical brain is considered a form of neurodivergence.
So...What Does Neurodivergence Mean?
Neurodivergence can be defined as "the state of being neurodivergent." (source) Basically, any brain that diverges from the norm falls under the umbrella of neurodivergence. So everything except the neurotypical brain is included here.
Please read here for more information from the individual who coined the term neurodivergent to learn more.
Types of Neurodivergence
Please note that this list is by no means complete.
I know there are likely lots missing from this list, but the idea here is to give you a sense of what can be included. Remember any brain that diverges from the norm can be considered a type of neurodivergence.
So just because something's not on this list below, doesn't mean it isn't a type of neurodivergence. It just means that I might not know about it and are unfamiliar with it (after all, I didn't know about hyperlexia until 2014).
Here are some types of neurodivergence:
- Autism
- Hyperlexia
- ADHD/ADD
- Dyspraxia
- Dyslexia
- Dyscalculia
- Dysgraphia
- Synesthesia
- Tourette Syndrome
- Tic disorders
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Epilepsy
- Seizure disorders
- Intellectual disabilities
- Developmental language disorders
- Developmental coordination disorders
- Specific learning difficulties, differences, and disabilities
- Anxiety
- Trauma
- Down Syndrome
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Bipolar
- Personality disorders
- Giftedness
- Sensory integration/processing disorder
- Depression
- Auditory processing disorder
- Irlen Syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
- Apraxia
- Mental illnesses
- Parkinson's
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Disorders of the corpus callosum (agenesis or dysgenesis)
Other Neurodiversity Resources You'll Love
Neurodiversity Definitions & Terms You Should Know
Activities for Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Neurodiversity & Autism Book Lists
