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What is Neurodivergence?

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how human brains function. Neurodivergent differences include (but is not exclusive to) those needs linked to: 

    • Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
    • ADHD
    • Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia
    • Tourette Syndrome
    • Sensory Processing Differences.

Differences in how neurodivergent children and young people present are are not illnesses; they are variations in brain function. Neurodivergent people bring a different way of looking at the world which is often a huge strength. Many thrive in careers and relationships, often excelling in areas of interest or creativity.

Key Points:

  • Neurodiversity describes a range of different brains or neuro types, and It reflects normal variations in brain function and behaviour.​​

  • Neurodivergence is a word used to explain how differently and uniquely people experience and interact with the world, with no definitive 'RIGHT OR WRONG' way of thinking, learning, feeling and behaving. ​

  • Being Neurodivergent can mean a person's thinking styles may change how they understand, interpret, communicate and act, based on what is happening around them and also within their bodies. ​​

  • Neurodiversity can affect someone’s behaviour, memory, or ability to learn but this is not always the case. It is an umbrella term – a word that sums up lots of different things. ​

  • Neurodivergent differences include presenting behaviours consistent with traits of autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and Tourette’s.

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Learn more about neurodiversity​

More information from Family Assist.

Use the Glossary to find out about the different meanings of common words used around the topic of neurodivergence

Greta Thunberg
Known around the world for her headstrong environmental activist, Greta Thunberg has autism. She has described her autism as a ‘superpower’ and says it helped her get the support that she needed. 

Billie Eilish
Diagnosed with Tourettes at age 11, singer Billie Eilish has said in an interview that she does not want the conduction to define her. Billie has made astonishing contributions to music and her accomplishments include winning 9 Grammy awards. 

Tim Burton
His most notable works include ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Corpse Bride’, which have cemented Tim Burton’s place within the film industry. The famous director believes himself to have autism and has spoken openly about his experiences in various interviews and many note his unique perspective as the key to his creativity as a director.

Lizzie Acker
Lizzie came to our attention in 2021 when she competed on the popular TV show Great British Bake Off. The Liverpool native was diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age.

Daniel Radcliffe
Growing up before an audience as the lead in the Harry Potter film series, Daniel Radcliff has opened up about living with OCD and dyspraxia - a condition that affects movement and coordination. 

Plumbella 
Jesse McNamara, better known online as Plumbella has over 700,000 subscribers on their YouTube channel. In a video from 2022, they went in-depth about their experience and journey with autism. 

Richard Branson 
British businessman Sir Richard Branson has been open about his difficulties at school and has shared that he does not see his dyslexia and ADHD as a ‘disability’. Dropping out of school at 15 and starting his first company at 16, Richard has achieved many great feats across various industries. 

David Beckham 
Easily one of the biggest household names, former professional footballer, David Beckham has OCD and Tourette syndrome. He has commented in many interviews that he finds conditions “tiring” but he cannot help it. 

Greta Thunberg
Known around the world for her headstrong environmental activist, Greta Thunberg has autism. She has described her autism as a ‘superpower’ and says it helped her get the support that she needed. 

Billie Eilish
Diagnosed with Tourettes at age 11, singer Billie Eilish has said in an interview that she does not want the conduction to define her. Billie has made astonishing contributions to music and her accomplishments include winning 9 Grammy awards. 

Tim Burton
His most notable works include ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Corpse Bride’, which have cemented Tim Burton’s place within the film industry. The famous director believes himself to have autism and has spoken openly about his experiences in various interviews and many note his unique perspective as the key to his creativity as a director.

Lizzie Acker
Lizzie came to our attention in 2021 when she competed on the popular TV show Great British Bake Off. The Liverpool native was diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age.

Daniel Radcliffe
Growing up before an audience as the lead in the Harry Potter film series, Daniel Radcliff has opened up about living with OCD and dyspraxia - a condition that affects movement and coordination. 

Plumbella 
Jesse McNamara, better known online as Plumbella has over 700,000 subscribers on their YouTube channel. In a video from 2022, they went in-depth about their experience and journey with autism. 

Richard Branson 
British businessman Sir Richard Branson has been open about his difficulties at school and has shared that he does not see his dyslexia and ADHD as a ‘disability’. Dropping out of school at 15 and starting his first company at 16, Richard has achieved many great feats across various industries. 

David Beckham 
Easily one of the biggest household names, former professional footballer, David Beckham has OCD and Tourette syndrome. He has commented in many interviews that he finds conditions “tiring” but he cannot help it. 

Neurodivergent individuals bring unique perspectives and strengths, but often face barriers created by environments and expectations. These challenges – such as differences in communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and executive functioning can be supported through accommodations, adaptations, and a shared understanding of each other. Support for neurodivergent children and young people should be tailored to their individual needs as no two neurodivergent people are the same.

Neurodivergent individuals bring unique perspectives and strengths, but often face barriers created by environments and expectations. These challenges – such as differences in communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and executive functioning can be supported through accommodations, adaptations, and a shared understanding of each other. Support for neurodivergent children and young people should be tailored to their individual needs as no two neurodivergent people are the same.