Neurodiversity is something that is better understood now than ever before, and as a result, more people are gaining the right support and equal access to opportunities. As much as 15-20% of the world’s population is neurodivergent, meaning that their brains think and process information in a way that challenges the ‘norm’, and that they experience the world a little differently.
While each type of neurodivergence has its own unique characteristics, and these vary between individuals, there are some common symptoms that may signal a person has a neurodivergent condition. Here, we explore these signs and explain how they may influence behavior.
Neurodivergent social communication challenges
People with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can often find social interactions particularly challenging. For individuals with ASD, symptoms can include difficulty in understanding social cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They may also find it hard to maintain a conversation, especially when initiating dialogue. Some people with ASD can also find it challenging to interpret nonverbal communication, which can lead to misunderstandings in social situations.
For people with ADHD, it can be difficult to focus on a conversation or to listen intently for extended periods of time. The urge to fidget, the inability to sit still, and the inherent restlessness that typically comes with this condition can also make socializing difficult and lead to social misunderstandings. Sometimes, people with ADHD can also be prone to excessive talking or find it hard to stay quiet in situations where silence is expected.
Sensory processing issues
For many individuals with a neurodivergent condition, their sensory processing works a little differently from their neurotypical peers. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a standalone condition, but others with conditions such as ASD or ADHD can also exhibit similar symptoms. As all neurodivergence is not black and white but a spectrum, people will have their own unique comfort levels when it comes to sensory input.
Neurodivergent people can often show signs of feeling overwhelmed with loud sounds, flashing or bright lights, and new textures or smells. This over-sensitivity leads to a feeling of intense discomfort and can cause them to become distressed in new environments. At the other extreme, some neurodivergent people show signs of being under-sensitive, meaning they may not notice or respond to sensory input that neurotypical people may find overwhelming.
Reading and number comprehension
Dyslexia is the most common form of neurodivergence, which primarily affects one’s ability to decode words, read fluently, or pronounce words. Dyscalculia is the numerical equivalent, which makes it more difficult for some people to work with numbers and understand arithmetic and problems associated with time, sequences or patterns.
Symptoms of both these conditions are anxiety and/or frustration around reading, writing, or working with numbers, as well as avoidance of such tasks. There are many tools and learning strategies that have been developed to help people with these conditions better understand letters and numbers – when educators recognize these signs early on and offer targeted support, children can find it much easier to achieve their academic goals.
Embracing the beauty of diversity
As neurodivergence manifests itself through a wide range of symptoms and behaviors, it’s crucial for educators and health professionals to be able to identify people with potential neurodivergent conditions. Whether the signs are displayed in the way in which people interact with others, process information, learn, or a combination of these elements of life, embracing the beauty of diversity and offering the right help and support is essential in fostering greater inclusivity for neurodivergent people.
This article was written for WHN by the Outreach Team at Studocu, working to empower everyone to excel at their studies by providing the best tools to study more efficiently, such as this guide of study tips for neurodiverse students. As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7732033
https://www.studocu.com/blog/en/40-study-tips-for-neurodiverse-students
https://louiseselbydyslexia.com/dyslexia-dyscalculia-and-maths-how-to-identify-and-help
