Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Neurodiversity Celebration Week (18th — 24th March) is a week to learn about these differences and celebrate the strengths that come from different ways of thinking!
‘Neurodiversity’ is a term used to describe how all brains are different, and everyone thinks differently.
‘Neurodivergent’ is a broad term used to describe neurological differences, learning or developmental conditions. Many people have neurodivergent conditions which can impact brain function (thinking, behaviour, processing).
Types of Neurodiversity
There are many different types of neurodivergent conditions, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Tourette’s Syndrome, and other Learning Differences.
Every person has unique strengths and characteristics, which is the same for people with neurodivergent thinking. You can explore specific characteristics by clicking the conditions listed above, or read some general characteristics of neurodivergent conditions below:
- Sensory processing differences — including high or low sensitivity to light, sound, smell, taste, or texture
- Emotional regulation differences
- Planning and organisational differences
- Information-processing differences
- Working memory differences
- Hyperfixations (high focus for a period of time on a specific topic) and/or special interests
- Rejection sensitivity dysphoria (sensitivity to potentially negative interpersonal cues such as sudden changes in arrangements or plans, delayed replies to messages, and constructive criticism)
- Social anxiety (often due to differences in communication styles)
- Masking (imitating ‘socially acceptable’ behaviours)
- Sometimes the above characteristics can lead to feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated
It’s estimated that in the global adult population that…
10% have dyslexia (1 in 10 people)
5% have dyspraxia (1 in 20 people)
4% have ADHD (1 in 25 people)
1–2% have autism
Strengths of Being Neurodivergent…
The ability to think and process information differently has many strengths. Some general strengths of neurodivergence include:
- Periods of high focus
- Out of the box thinking
- Good memory
- Creative problem solving
- Good pattern recognition
- Attention to detail
- Specialised skills
- Innovation
There are also strengths relative to different neurodivergent conditions, for example:
- People with dyslexia often excel in visual, spatial, and emotional intelligence related skills.
- People with autism often have great attention to detail, can be highly organised and punctual, learn and remember new information quickly, strong visual and logical thinking, and exceptional honesty, reliability, and dependability.
- Many adults with autism have exceptional skills in areas like maths, visual arts, natural sciences, engineering, and computer science.
- People with ADHD have associated strengths in creativity, innovation (new ideas), periods of high focus, high energy and enthusiasm, courageousness which can be beneficial in times of crisis, and will often explore new ideas and adventures. Adults with ADHD excel when adequately challenged, and can often think of creative solutions to problems.
- People with dyspraxia are often creative, empathetic (caring to others), have good attention to detail, and are persistent and determined. Adults with dyspraxia also generally have great interpersonal skills (works well with other people).
If you are interested in exploring information or support around neurodiversity you can visit our welfare handbook here.
