Neurodiversity

What is neurodiversity?

First established in the 1990s by Australian sociologist Judy Singer, neurodiversity comes from the words neuro (relating to nerves or the nervous system) and diversity (a state of being diverse or very different). The term was first used by Singer who, on the autism spectrum herself, wanted to help neurological diversity become more widely recognised, accepted and respected as differences, not defects.

Counsellor and coach Louise Taylor (MNCS (Accred), MA) explains more about neurodiversity, including her own journey in embracing life as an autistic adult. 

The term neurodiversity can help neurodivergent individuals move away from some of the specific labels which may have negative connotations. Instead of focusing on perceived ‘deficits’, neurodiversity highlights that neurodivergent individuals' brains work in a different way. That doesn’t mean that how they think or process things is ‘wrong’ - it’s just different from neurotypical ways of thinking.

Neurodiversity as a concept works with the idea that there isn’t anything that needs to be ‘fixed’. Instead, neurodivergent communities advocate for environmental adaptations (such as no background music in stores or offices, softer or more natural lighting, the chance to take a quiet break or work alone) to help them thrive; dignity, agency, and autonomy, no matter what level of support they need; as well as identity-first language (such as ‘autistic person’, rather than ‘person with autism’).

How common are neurodivergent conditions?

An estimated one in seven people in the UK are thought to have neurodevelopmental differences. This means the way that the way their brains learn, function and process information is different from neurotypical people. 

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What are neurodivergent conditions?

There are many different neurodivergent conditions currently included within the wider neurodiversity community. These include:

Autistic spectrum

Around 1-2% of the population in the UK is thought to be on the spectrum. Autism is a developmental disability that affects how someone perceives the world. Autistic people may have difficulties with communication and sensory sensitivity. They may exhibit repetitive behaviours or have highly focused interests. It’s important to remember that autism is a spectrum, and each person may or may not exhibit ‘common autistic traits’.

Asperger’s syndrome

Now very rarely used as an official diagnosis, Asperger’s syndrome is considered a part of the broader term autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism spectrum condition (ASC).

ADHD 

Affecting around 3-5% of children and 2% of adults in the UK, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that typically affects someone’s ability to concentrate. This can be shown in the following ways: inattentiveness and/or hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

Dyslexia

Nearly 10% of the UK are dyslexic. Considered to be a learning difficulty, those with dyslexia primarily experience challenges with reading, spelling, and writing. They may also have trouble with spoken language, sequencing, motor skills, organisation, or memory. 

Dyspraxia

It is thought that around 10% of the UK is affected by dyspraxia. Affecting movement and coordination, someone with dyspraxia may have difficulty maintaining balance, playing sports, or learning to drive a car. 

Dyscalculia

Affecting one's ability to understand and carry out basic maths processes, around one in 20 people in the UK have dyscalculia.

Tourette's syndrome

A neurological condition that involves repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalisations (referred to as ‘tics’), Tourette’s syndrome affects around one in 100 children. Tics can vary in complexity and presentation. They can range from vocal tics such as screaming, coughing, or swearing, to physical tics such as jerking, blinking, or shaking.  

Neurodiversity and mental health

Neurodivergence is not a mental illness, nor does being neurodivergent mean someone will have mental health conditions. However, as explained by leading mental health charity Mind, those on the spectrum may be more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population. 

Research suggests that those with a diagnosis of autism, dyspraxia, or ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. Autistic individuals have also been shown to have higher rates of eating and mood disorders, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, there has also been much debate as to whether individuals experience distinct mental health conditions (such as generalised anxiety), or if certain difficulties experienced are misdiagnosed as a separate condition. 

Neurodiversity and well-being

Those in the neurodivergent community may feel pressured to conform to neurotypical standards or expectations, which can take its toll on their mental health. Social masking (also known as social camouflaging) is frequently used by those on the spectrum, to try and appear ‘normal’ in social situations. This can include forcing or faking eye contact during conversations and imitating smiles or other facial expressions. This can be mentally draining and, over time, may negatively impact their overall sense of well-being.

Here, Louise debunks the myths around neurodiversity and empathy.

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Neurodiversity in the workplace

Many neurodivergent conditions are protected under The Equality Act 2010, as they are considered ‘hidden disabilities’. While each individual condition under the neurodivergent banner has its own unique set of challenges, common issues that can cause non-neurotypical difficulties at work include:

• experiencing excessive stress
• trouble concentrating
• difficulty with time management
• struggling to divert from or maintain a schedule
• physical illness
• feelings of anxiety or overwhelm when interacting with colleagues or customers

Over time, some people may thrive and build resistance, moving past or learning to cope with these difficulties. Others may continue to struggle and could benefit from additional support. Encouraging well-being, openness, and inclusivity can all help to foster a more positive work environment for everyone.

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How can I get a diagnosis for a neurodivergent condition?

Seeking a diagnosis as an adult can be a challenge. Not all areas offer an adult pathway towards diagnosis. Speaking with your GP can often be a positive first step towards finding out what is available to you. It’s important to be prepared, as you may be asked why a diagnosis is important to you, and what benefits a diagnosis would have. 

While not everyone feels that having a label is helpful, others benefit from an official diagnosis. For some, it can help them to better understand why some things are difficult, helping them find new ways to deal with them. For others, it can be a step towards gaining the right support and access to services and benefits. If your GP refers you, you may see a multidisciplinary team or an individual professional (such as a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist). 

What is neurodiversity-affirming counselling?

Working with a counsellor who has experience or additional, specific training in working with neurodiversity can be beneficial. Many counsellors have experience working with those with neurodivergent traits. Together, you can ensure that your therapy sessions are tailored to best meet your needs if any accommodations are required (such as dimming lights, using fidget objects, or reducing background noise where possible). 

Your therapist is there to support you with other challenges faced, such as depression, anxiety, or managing stress levels. They may be able to offer help introducing you to coping strategies, or with identifying areas that you may not realise are causing you distress. However, neurodivergent conditions are differences in how our brains work. We can’t ‘cure’ or ‘fix’ them. The aim of counselling is to provide you with a safe space where you can open up and talk without fear of judgement. 

Neurodiversity-affirming psychotherapy is an approach to supporting mental health. Focusing on individual strengths and unique abilities, this therapeutic approach helps individuals to tap into and recognise their positive attributes and work towards meeting personal goals. Supporting individuals in learning self-advocacy skills to allow them to create opportunities to thrive, your therapist can help you discover alternatives to masking and trying to fit neurotypical norms that may be negatively impacting your self-worth, overall sense of well-being, or mental health.