What is a neurodivergence?

​Name that brain variation...

 

Understanding Brain Variations

​As the terms neurodiversity and neurodivergence gain traction, their meanings are increasingly debated. Neurodivergences refer to brain variations within the broader framework of neurodiversity. (The term neurotypes is sometimes used interchangeably with neurodivergences.)

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The relationship between mental health and neurodivergent conditions (or neurodivergences) is complex, with individual genetics and environmental factors blurring clear distinctions.

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Mental health diagnoses (like depression or anxiety) are often linked to chemical imbalances in the brain (e.g., serotonin, dopamine) and can fluctuate over time with stress, environment, or treatment.

Neurodivergent conditions (like autism or ADHD) are neurodevelopmental—rooted in how the brain forms and functions from early development. These differences are structural and lifelong, though symptoms may change with age or support.

The distinction matters because:

• Mental health conditions may resolve or recur with therapy/medication.

• Neurodivergence isn’t "fixable"; it’s about adapting environments to fit the brain. In other words, the focus shifts from trying to change the individual to instead adapting surroundings—like schools, workplaces, and social spaces—to accommodate different ways of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world.

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Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions primarily affecting brain function and neurological development. These disorders can manifest in diverse ways, including challenges with:

• Attention (e.g., ADHD)

• Social communication (e.g., autism)

• Learning (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia)

• Cognitive abilities (e.g., intellectual disability)

• Motor skills (e.g., cerebral palsy)

• Sensory processing (e.g., sensory impairments)

Individuals with these disorders may experience difficulties in areas such as speech, memory, behavior, and daily functioning. While some symptoms may evolve over time, certain conditions persist lifelong.

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Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing neurodevelopmental disorders can be complex, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment strategies may include:

• Professional therapies (e.g., behavioral, speech, occupational)

• Medication (where applicable)

• Structured support programs (home, school, or workplace)

Early intervention and tailored support can improve outcomes, but ongoing care is often necessary for adults as well.

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For more information on the DSM-5, visit the DSM-5 Manual.
 

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is a manual published by the American Psychiatric Association, outlining the agreed-upon diagnoses included in the manual. For more information on the DSM-5, you can visit: DSM-5 Manual.