Neurodiversity: How to Recognize and Support a Neurodiverse Child
Key takeaways:
Neurodiversity is a way to think about how everyone has different brains and behaviors.
In general, a neurodiverse child has autism, ADHD, or dyslexia. But there is no strict definition for which conditions fall under the neurodiverse category.
Neurodiverse children may need extra support to succeed. But it's also important to celebrate and develop their unique gifts.
Have you ever heard someone refer to a child as neurodiverse? People are becoming more and more familiar with the concept of neurodiversity. It promotes the idea that a neurotypical brain — or one that is “normal” — is not better or worse than a neurodivergent one.
These terms can be confusing, and they may mean different things to different people. We'll explain what neurodiversity is and give examples of what it looks like in children.
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is a term for the differences in people’s brains and behaviors. It was first used in the late 1990s, but it’s becoming more common.
When people use the term “neurodiverse,” they are usually referring to people with autism, ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder), or dyslexia. But some experts consider other conditions as neurodiverse. Examples range from tics and anxiety to intellectual disability, depression, and schizophrenia.
The concept of neurodiversity encourages the idea that one kind of brain isn’t better or worse because it is different.
Neurotypical vs. neurodivergent
“Neurotypical” refers to an average person. “Neurodivergent” refers to a person with autism, ADHD, or dyslexia. Things can get a bit confusing because people use the terms “neurodivergent” and “neurodiverse” interchangeably. There is no firm definition of these terms. Neurodiversity is not a medical term, and neurodiverse is not a diagnosis.
What are the signs of a neurodiverse child?
Since neurodiversity includes several different conditions, the signs of a neurodiverse child vary. The signs depend on their underlying condition.
Autism
The signs of autism vary, which is why it’s called “autism spectrum disorder.” Generally, the signs fall into these categories:
Social interaction: Children may have trouble connecting with people or reading social cues.
Specific interests: They often have a strong interest in specific subjects.
Repetitive behaviors: Some children with autism have repetitive movements or behaviors. They also rely on routine.
Sensory differences: It is easy for children with autism to become overstimulated with sounds, lights, or other sensory inputs.
For example, a neurodiverse child with autism might:
Have poor eye contact
Not understand when others are joking
Have trouble making friends because they want to play only the way they like
Not be very interested in other people
Not speak as often as other children, or hardly speak at all
Only wear certain clothes because other fabrics feel uncomfortable
Get easily overstimulated by sounds or lights
Need lots of hugs or a weighted blanket to soothe them
Quiz: Am I Autistic?
ADHD
The hallmark signs of ADHD are difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
A neurodiverse child with ADHD might:
Seem to never listen, or have a poor memory
Have a hard time paying attention
Have high energy even when they should be tired
Never want to sit down for activities or meals
Be very talkative
Do things without stopping to think about the consequences, like climbing on something dangerous
Frequently blurt out words when they should be quiet
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a common learning disorder that affects how someone processes information. It affects how children read, write, and even learn.
A neurodiverse child with dyslexia might:
Have trouble remembering or understanding what they read
Read something over and over and still not understand the message
Have more trouble doing schoolwork than other children
Act out or have behavior problems at school because schoolwork is hard for them
Avoid going to school
What are the benefits of understanding a neurodiverse child?
Neurodiverse children face challenges because their brain works a little differently. But they can also have exceptional abilities that seem like superpowers. Examples of these abilities in a neurodiverse child include:
Extraordinary memory: Children with autism often have specific interests. Sometimes they quickly memorize facts about those topics. These can be historical events, science topics, video games, and the like.
Attention to detail: A neurodiverse child can be very detail oriented. This can lead to a deep understanding of their topics of interest.
Logic: Neurodiverse children can have a talent for solving complex problems. Examples are math problems, computer coding, and video gaming. This can help with academic and professional success.
Creativity: Children with ADHD often have lots of ideas and can be more creative than their peers. Similarly, children with dyslexia come up with new ways to do and think about things.
Friendliness: Talkative children with ADHD can be charming communicators. They can be friendly and fun to be around.
Willingness to try new things: This is particularly true for children with ADHD. And it goes along with their outgoing, energetic personalities.
Visual strengths: Children with dyslexia can understand 3D objects better than the average person. They are also good at finding patterns.
You can help your child develop these positive traits when you:
Connect with them about their interests.
Give them rewards for behavior that relate to their preferred topics.
Make “boring” topics more interesting by connecting them to things they enjoy.
Make their environment more fun for them by encouraging their ideas.
Work with their teachers to adapt schoolwork to their skills.
Help them find peers who have similar interests and abilities.
Who to talk with if you think your child is neurodiverse
If you think your child is neurodiverse, there are many people who can help you take the next steps. This includes a:
Teacher: If your child is in school, their teacher may have insight into their learning and social behavior.
School counselor: You can request a school psychological evaluation if behaviors are interfering with learning.
Primary care provider: Let them know what you think is different about your child’s behavior compared to other children. They can tell you if there is a diagnosis that fits the picture. They can also recommend testing, if needed.
And if you still have questions after talking to one of the people above, you can also get a neuropsychological evaluation. This is a test that looks at thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It also considers physical health and social environment. It can help figure out if your child has one of the conditions above or if something is triggering any neurodiverse behavior.
The bottom line
The concept of neurodiversity encourages people to recognize the differences in brains and behavior. People with autism, ADHD, or dyslexia are sometimes called neurodiverse. They often need help to succeed in a world built for a neurotypical brain. But they also have special gifts related to their differences.
If you care for a neurodiverse child, you can use these strengths as an opportunity to connect and give encouragement. This will help them develop their strengths and thrive in their environment.
Why trust our experts?
References
Austin, R. D., et al. (2017). Neurodiveristy as a competitive advantage. Harvard Business Review.
Dwyer, P., et al. (2022). The neurodiversity approach(es): What are they and what do they mean for researchers? Human Development.
Kapp, S. K., et al. (2013). Deficit, difference, or both? Autism and neurodiversity. Developmental Psychology.
Sonuga-Barke, E., et al. (2021). The neurodiversity concept: Is it helpful for clinicians and scientists? The Lancet.
