Understanding Neurodivergence: Supporting, Coping, & Celebrating

Understanding neurodivergence allows individuals to overcome obstacles, learn to recognize and utilize their unique strengths, and ultimately thrive. Continue reading to discover specific ways you can support and celebrate neurodivergent people in this blog.

What Is Neurodivergence?

The term neurotypical is used for people whose brain function, including the rate at which they develop skills like social and organizational abilities, is considered standard. The term “neurodivergent” is used to describe individuals whose brains function differently from what is considered typical.

This results in a unique combination of strengths and challenges. These differences can stem from a variety of conditions, including learning disabilities, medical disorders, and mental health conditions.

Neurodivergence and Mental Health

When understanding neurodivergence, it’s crucial to know how it impacts individuals’ mental health and wellness. Neurodivergent individuals are more likely to face mental health challenges compared to their neurotypical peers.

One significant factor contributing to this is the practice of “masking” or camouflaging neurodivergent traits to better fit into social situations. There is evidence that suppressing aspects of one’s identity can lead to significant mental health consequences.

The effort to hide one’s natural traits is both stressful and exhausting, and the feeling that no one knows the “real you” can be profoundly lonely. This internal conflict can contribute to issues such as anxiety, depression, or even suicidal ideation.

Furthermore, some of the anxiety and depression experienced may be performance-based. Individuals may feel shame over their perceived weaknesses or experience anxiety due to the difficulty of succeeding in traditional environments.

Why Is Understanding Neurodivergence Important?

The idea of neurodivergence is rooted in neurodiversity, a concept coined in 1998 by Australian sociologist Judy Singer to acknowledge that every person’s brain develops uniquely. Therefore, understanding neurodivergence means understanding that there is no single, fixed definition for how the human brain should work.

Crucially, neurodivergent is not a medical diagnosis, disease, or illness; there is no “cure”. Rather, it provides a neutral, non-judgmental way to describe brain function, moving beyond the binary and often stigmatizing labels of “normal” and “abnormal.”

Neurodivergent Traits

A key element of understanding neurodivergence is knowing that there are no strict medical criteria or diagnosis. While a range of conditions often fall under the neurodivergent umbrella, the classification remains fluid. Furthermore, individuals with these conditions may choose whether or not to identify as neurodivergent. Some of these conditions include:

• Aphasia and stuttering
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Dyscalculia
• Dysgraphia
• Dyslexia
• Dyspraxia
• Executive Dysfunction Disorder
• Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD)
• Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD)

That being said, neurodivergent traits refer to variations of cognitive, sensory, and behavioral patterns that differ from what is considered “neurotypical”. Keep in mind that neurodivergence is a spectrum, and individuals may experience varying degrees of these traits.

• Sensory sensitivities. Heightened or reduced sensitivity to stimuli such as light, sound, touch, or taste.
• Attention and focus difficulties. Challenges with sustaining attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity.
• Cognitive processing differences. Variations in memory, problem-solving, or information processing.
• Social and communication challenges. Difficulty understanding social cues, interpreting nonverbal communication, or expressing emotions effectively.
• Motor coordination issues. Challenges with fine motor skills, balance, or coordination.
• Emotional regulation difficulties. Intense emotions, mood swings, or anxiety.
• Ritualistic behaviors or obsessions. Repetitive thoughts, actions, or routines.

Along with some challenges, neurodivergent individuals may face, they also possess many unique strengths and abilities. These include:

• Creativity and innovation. The capability to think outside the box, by using creative imagination and great curiosity.
• Focus and attention. The ability to hyperfocus and have great attention to detail when motivated.
• Connection and understanding. Having a high sense of empathy and compassion for others.
• Intellect and memory. Excelling in specific areas of learning and memory.

It’s important to celebrate and support neurodiversity because of its valuable contribution to the human experience.

4 Ways to Support Someone Who Is Neurodivergent

Supporting a neurodivergent friend, colleague, or family member starts with understanding and respect. Because brain differences lead to unique ways of experiencing the world, what helps one person may not help another. By adopting a few key habits, you can create a more inclusive environment for everyone.

1. Listen To Understand

One of the best ways to support those who identify as neurodivergent is to listen to understand. Many neurodivergent people have spent their lives feeling misunderstood or excluded. This means being willing to hear them out and genuinely respect their personal choices and boundaries.

2. Adapt Your Communication

A crucial aspect of supporting someone who identifies as neurodivergent is adapting your communication style to meet their needs. Some individuals may prefer written communication—like instant messages, texts, or emails—over phone calls or face-to-face conversations. Giving them the time and tools they need to communicate comfortably is a sign of respect.

3. Stay Away From Labels

It’s also vital to avoid value-based labels. Experts advise against terms like “high-functioning” or “low-functioning” to describe conditions like autism. These labels are often misleading because they judge a person’s capability based on how closely they conform to neurotypical behavior. Instead, remember that no two neurodivergent people are the same; their personalities and preferences can vary widely, even among those with the same diagnosis.

4. Treat Everyone With Respect

Finally, you should never assume a person is incapable or unintelligent just because their behavior or preferences appear different. Always treat everyone with respect and strive to provide accommodations in a way that truly honors their human dignity. When you adjust your behavior to be more inclusive, you help to “normalize” the support that all individuals deserve.

4 Coping Skills For Neurodivergent Adults

Because their brains are wired differently, neurodivergent adults naturally experience the world in a distinct way from a neurotypical person. In practical terms, this often means that the average environment is not typically set up to meet their unique needs.

However, many neurodivergent individuals can develop appropriate coping skills that allow them to navigate a world not designed for them, enabling them to thrive while living independent lives.

1. Practice Calming Activities

As we’ve mentioned before, neurodivergent adults are often more sensitive to their surroundings than neurotypical individuals, a trait that can sometimes lead to sensory overload, feelings of being completely overwhelmed, or even a meltdown.

Calming activities can help address this overstimulation and provide grounding in times of anxiety or stress. Consider trying one or two of the following:

• Listening to music.
• Practicing deep breathing and mindfulness.
• Playing with fidget toys.
• Getting physical exercise.
• Engaging with a pet.

Keep in mind, the most critical coping skill for anyone, regardless of whether they are neurodivergent or neurotypical, is the ability to recognize the signs of being overwhelmed and to possess the self-advocacy skills necessary to remove themselves from the challenging situation.

2. Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care is a crucial coping skill for neurodivergent adults and is key to managing stress. Simple acts, such as taking a bath, can serve as a way to calm the senses and metaphorically wash away the stressors of overwhelming situations.

Other valuable self-care techniques often mirror calming strategies and include activities like those listed above. By taking the time to prioritize self-care, neurodivergent adults can leave themselves better prepared and more resilient when they encounter unfamiliar or overstimulating situations.

3. Identify Sensory Soothers

Not every environment allows for simple fixes like turning off the lights when a neurodivergent person is experiencing sensory overload. Fortunately, there are many practical ways to address overstimulation, whether it stems from loud sounds, bright lights, or even powerful scents.

Pressure and touch can be particularly soothing. Items like weighted blankets, lap pads, and weighted vests provide calming sensory input, as can activities like swinging, sitting in a bean bag chair, or gently scratching or brushing the skin.

When noise is overwhelming, noise-canceling or noise-blocking headphones are extremely helpful. Other sensory soothing items that can be beneficial for neurodivergent adults include essential oils, dark glasses, soft fabrics, and fidget toys.

4. Consider Therapeutic Techniques

Neurodivergent adults must have access to appropriate mental health care and counseling services. A mental health professional can provide therapeutic techniques and care specifically tailored to their needs.

For example, some neurodivergent adults benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps individuals recognize and reorganize the thought patterns that often lead to overwhelming feelings or problematic behaviors. Therapeutic techniques used may include journaling, mindfulness, role-playing, and exposure therapy.

Our team is dedicated to helping individuals struggling with mental health conditions. Contact us to see how Malvern Behavioral Health might be an effective treatment option for you or someone you know.