Neurodivergent Symptoms: Insights and Resources for Enhanced Well-Being

Neurotypical people follow conventional patterns of thinking and behavior that align with societal expectations whereas neurodivergent brains function in unique ways. Neurodivergence is not a medical term, though some people with neurodivergence have a formal diagnosis of medical conditions like autism, ADHD, or dyslexia.

The idea of neurodiversity was introduced by Judy Singer in 1998 to highlight natural variation in brain development.¹

What It Means to Be Neurodivergent

Neurodivergent refers to individuals whose brains function differently from what is considered typical. This includes conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, and more.

These differences are not deficits, but rather natural variations in human brain function.

Neurodivergent people may face challenges in areas like communication, social interaction, or sensory processing, but they also possess unique strengths, such as creativity, problem-solving, or attention to detail.¹

People with neurodivergence can thrive by focusing on their abilities rather than limitations.

What are some effective strategies for supporting neurodivergent individuals in social settings, especially those struggling with social cues or anxiety?

When it comes to supporting neurodivergent people, it’s all about coming from a place of understanding and honoring neurocognitive differences. It’s not about teaching them how to socialize like a neurotypical person — it’s about guiding and supporting them so they can engage socially in ways that are meaningful to them. When they understand their own sensory processing, they can begin to advocate for sensory-friendly environments when going out with friends. They may discover strategies or tools that support them socially, like fidgets, noise-dampening headphones, or choosing lower-stimulation settings.

Dr. Sarah Anderson

Neurodivergent Conditions

The following are considered to be neurodivergent conditions:¹

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Dyslexia
• Dyscalculia
• Intellectual disabilities
• Sensory processing disorders
• Social anxiety

Notably, neurodivergence is not a medical term but a framework for understanding diverse ways of thinking and processing the world.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Neurodivergence

Neurodivergence encompasses a range of cognitive and developmental conditions that can manifest in various ways.

Common conditions under this umbrella include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia. Each of these conditions presents a unique set of symptoms, but there are general patterns that may be signs of neurodivergence.³

• People with autism often face challenges with understanding social cues which can make social situations uncomfortable and lead to difficulty in forming relationships. Additionally, people with autism and may display repetitive behaviors, demonstrate sensory sensitivities, and/or show intense interests in specific topics.
• ADHD is commonly associated with difficulty in sustaining attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, though individuals with ADHD may also exhibit periods of hyperfocus, especially on areas of interest.
• Dyslexia primarily impacts reading, spelling, and writing, with individuals often struggling with word recognition and decoding skills.
• Dyscalculia is often referred to as, “math dyslexia” and can make it challenging for individuals to understand number concepts, perform basic arithemtic, tell time, and/or estimate quantities.
• Dyspraxia affects coordination and motor skills, making everyday tasks like tying shoes or writing challenging for those affected.

While these neurodivergent symptoms may be noticeable from an early age, it’s important to recognize that they can vary significantly in severity from person to person.

Additionally, many neurodivergent individuals also experience co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which can further complicate symptom recognition. By understanding these diverse traits and challenges, we can better identify when someone may be neurodivergent and offer the right support and accommodations.

Impact on Daily Life

Being neurodivergent comes with both strengths and challenges that impact daily living.

Neurodivergent individuals often experience the world in unique ways, which can influence how they interact with their environment, approach tasks, and manage social situations. For instance, people with ADHD and autism have difficulties with time management, completing tasks, or understanding social cues.

Neurodivergence is often linked to an increased likelihood of experiencing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. At the same time, neurodivergent people may demonstrate exceptional creativity, problem-solving abilities, or hyperfocus in certain areas of interest.

Ultimately, understanding and embracing neurodiversity can lead to better support systems in schools, workplaces, and social settings, helping individuals thrive despite these challenges.

Mental Health, Addiction, and Neurodivergence

Neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum, often face heightened mental health challenges, including higher rates of anxiety and depression. These difficulties are influenced by a range of neurodevelopmental, genetic, and environmental factors.

Personalized mental health support that is informed by neurodivergence, recognizes the unique ways brains work in neurodivergent individuals.³ It is crucial that healthcare professionals provide a personalized, holistic approach to treatment when supporting neurodivergent individuals in navigating their mental health struggles and fostering resilience.

While the connection between neurodivergence and addiction is complex, it’s essential to recognize that mental health challenges, and potential mental illnesses, faced by neurodivergent individuals can contribute to the risk of developing addictive behaviors. Co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, may lead some individuals to turn to substances or other coping mechanisms as a way to manage their symptoms.

Understanding how neurodivergence and mental health challenges intertwine is key to developing effective strategies for addressing addiction in people with neurodivergence.

How can we best address the mental health challenges that often co-occur with neurodivergence, and what role do individualized support systems play in promoting well-being?

Many of the same evidence-based therapies that exist for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health challenges can be helpful for autistic and ADHD folks, as long as they’re provided in a neurodiversity-affirmative way. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, for example, can help many people who struggle with intense emotions or impulsivity, and it can be adapted to accommodate various sensory, learning, and executive functioning needs. Therapy is always going to be most effective when the client believes the therapist understands them and is considering their unique preferences, values, and goals. Individualized support systems are so important for promoting well-being, for anyone, but especially for neurodivergent people.

Dr. Kiki Fehling

Embracing the Unique Strengths of Neurodiversity

Neurodivergent individuals are often misinterpreted and undervalued; there are many unique cognitive abilities that are frequently viewed as challenges rather than strengths.

Embracing neurodiversity means recognizing the value of the unique ways in which neurodivergent brains work such as exceptional creativity, attention to detail, and intense focus. These strengths can drive innovation and problem-solving in various fields, from technology to the arts.

By fostering inclusive environments that celebrate cognitive diversity throughout society including in schools, universities, and workplaces, we can unlock the full potential of neurodivergent individuals, benefiting both society and the economy. Understanding and embracing these differences in the ways people’s brains work helps create more inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.

Tips for Promoting Inclusion

Promoting inclusion involves creating environments that recognize and embrace neurodiversity. For schools and workplaces, this means offering individualized support or reasonable accommodations, to ensure that neurodivergent individuals can fully participate and thrive. Encouraging neurodivergent individuals to share their unique perspectives can enhance creativity and problem-solving within teams, ultimately driving innovation.

Training staff and peers on neurodiversity, along with providing accessible resources, further empowers individuals to feel accepted and valued in their communities or workplaces.

It is crucial that all areas of society work to foster a culture of empathy and respect—where differences in thinking and learning are celebrated rather than viewed as deficits. This approach not only benefits neurodivergent individuals but enriches the broader environment by promoting understanding and reducing stigma.

What are some of the most common misconceptions about neurodivergence, and how can we work to challenge these misunderstandings in schools, workplaces, and society at large?

One of the biggest misconceptions about neurodivergence is that it only shows up as visible or disruptive behavior, when in reality, many people mask their differences to fit in, often at the cost of their mental health. Another is assuming neurodivergent individuals are either ‘too much’ or ‘not enough’, rather than recognizing their unique strengths. We can start to challenge these misunderstandings by listening to lived experiences, making room for multiple ways of thinking and processing, and shifting from compliance-based environments to connection-based ones.

Amanda Stretcher

Improving Well-Being

Improving the well-being of neurodivergent folks requires a multifaceted approach that focuses on enhancing personal strengths, developing appropriate coping mechanisms, and keeping executive functioning in check.

Key resilience factors, such as effective emotion regulation, self-determination, and self-understanding, play a crucial role in promoting mental health and quality of life.⁴ Neurodivergent people who develop strong emotional regulation and adaptive coping strategies are better able to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and improve their overall resilience.

Similarly, fostering self-esteem and self-efficacy—through a sense of agency and competence—has been linked to improved mental health outcomes, including better social functioning and reduced depressive symptoms.

Additionally, cultivating a positive self-identity, including embracing one’s neurodivergence, can contribute to a stronger sense of self-worth and resilience, buffering against the challenges that arise from societal stigma.

Participation in meaningful activities, including leisure, recreation, and community engagement, also plays a vital role in enhancing well-being. These activities not only improve social functioning and life satisfaction but also buffer against negative factors like depression and loneliness. Regular engagement in physical activities, in particular, has been shown to foster resilience, reduce stress, and improve both mental and physical health.

By focusing on building self-awareness, offering opportunities for growth, and ensuring access to supportive environments, it is possible to significantly enhance the well-being of neurodivergent individuals, promoting greater life satisfaction and emotional health.

If you're seeking mental health support that honors your neurodivergence, explore treatment programs designed with neurodiversity-affirming care. Find providers who understand your unique strengths and challenges.