Lorraine Cookson

Neurodivergent: describes humans with brains that diverge from the predominant neurotype (often called neurotypical). This is an umbrella term for a range of conditions and experiences.

Although there is some debate around what is included under the neurodivergent umbrella here are the most commonly cited conditions, in no particular order:

Autism
Is a different way of processing the sensory information we received from the world. By sensory information I mean things like sound, sights, temperatures etc. This can create differences in how we communicate, how quickly we process information, and we interpret the world. Keiran Rose, The Autistic Advocate, has some excellent information on his website.

ADHD
Is primarily a dysregulation in the person's ability to choose where their attention goes. This then impacts a range of our behaviours. As well as attention difficulties we can have issues with our impulsivity and executive functioning. Find more information here on the ADHD Adult UK Website.

Dyslexia
Primarily impacts reading and writing and is an information processing difference. You can find great information on the British Dyslexia Association website.

Dyspraxia
Also known as DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder), affects the ability to coordinate and carryout movements. Dyspraxia Foundation has more information on their website.

Tic Disorders
(Inc. Tourette Syndrome) Tics are involuntary repetitive sound or motor actions. Tourettes Action have some great information on their website, which I have found very informative.

Dyscalculia
Is a significant and sustained difficulty with numbers, which does not match the age expectations. Read more information on the the British Dyslexia Association website.

Acquired Brain Injury
This covers a range of different brain injuries, such as a Stroke, a Traumatic Brain Injury or a Brain Aneurysm. Acquired means that the brain has been altered by something since birth, the person was not born with it like with other neurodivergent conditions. Headway have more information on their website.

Epilepsy
Is a neurological condition that affects the brain and causes repeated seizures. Some types of epilepsy will affect someone for only a limited time while others can be life-long. Read more about it on Epilepsy Action's website.


These are the most basic descriptions of these conditions, and the lived experience of all of these conditions will be so much more involved.
There is a high likelihood that if you have one neurodivergence you will have another. And if one or both of your parents have neurodivergent condition you are also more likely to have one.

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Please note that I have done my best to ensure that the organisations listed here are appropriate, supportive of the individuals with these conditions and non-ableist. However, things change, and I may have missed some information. If the organisation does not fit with your ethos please ignore the suggestion, I would appreciate gentle education too if you have the spoons.