What It Means To Be A Neurodivergent Person: Types, Symptoms And Challenges

In global aspects, neurodivergence implies that people can have a superior development in some areas and deficiencies in others. In this way, it studies the acquisition and processing of information that comes from external stimuli. At the same time, it also includes the analysis of the resources that a human being uses to carry out their daily activities, as well as their social relationships, but it does not always manifest itself in the same way.

There are several types of neurodivergence, each with unique characteristics and challenges. The most common types are the following:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): It is characterized by difficulties in communication, social interaction, and repetitive behavior patterns. People with ASD may have intense interests and outstanding abilities in specific areas.
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): manifests itself in difficulties maintaining attention, controlling impulses and regulating activity. People with ADHD may be hyperactive, impulsive, or have difficulty organizing and completing tasks. In this article, we explain the different Types of ADHD and their characteristics.
• Dyslexia: implies difficulties in understanding theoretical content through reading, writing and spelling. People with dyslexia may have strong verbal and cognitive skills but face specific challenges in processing written language. However, people diagnosed with dyslexia may have above-average intellectual development.
• Tourette syndrome: People with this condition experience a wide range of tics, ranging from simple movements such as blinking or shrugging to complex facial expressions or vocal sounds. These tics can be disruptive and can affect daily activities, social relationships, and the self-esteem of those who experience them.
• Asperger syndrome: shares some manifestations with autism spectrum disorder. People with Asperger syndrome often have intense interests in specific areas and may exhibit outstanding abilities in those fields.

The symptoms of a neurodivergent person vary widely depending on the specific condition and the person affected. Here we present the general symptoms associated with different forms of neurodivergence:

• Difficulties in socialization: Impediment to interact effectively and satisfactorily with other people. This can manifest itself in problems starting or maintaining conversations, understanding social norms, or establishing close relationships.
• Lack of empathy: refers to difficulty understanding or recognizing other people’s emotions and perspectives. People with a lack of empathy may have difficulty putting themselves in others’ shoes or responding appropriately to others’ emotions.
• Trouble understanding specific words: difficulty understanding the precise meaning of certain words or phrases. It may manifest itself in difficulties understanding figurative language, metaphors, or technical vocabulary.
• Preference for routine activities: indicates a tendency to seek out and enjoy activities that follow a predictable pattern or structure. People with this preference may feel uncomfortable or anxious about changes in their routine and may have difficulty adjusting to new situations.
• Lack of adaptation to changes: refers to difficulty adjusting or accepting changes in the environment, routines or expectations. People with a lack of adaptation to change may experience anxiety, irritability or discomfort when faced with new or unexpected situations.
• Auditory, tactile, visual or olfactory sensitivity: Greater sensitivity or reactivity is experienced to sensory stimuli such as sounds, textures, lights or smells. This can manifest itself in discomfort, irritability or sensory overload in response to certain stimuli.
• Low self-esteem: indicates a negative evaluation of oneself and a lack of confidence in one’s own abilities and worth. People with low self-esteem may feel insecure, devalued, or unable to cope with life’s challenges.
• Deficiency or superiority in the development of intellectual areas: refers to significant disparities in the development of intellectual abilities compared to the population average. This can manifest itself in areas such as IQ, academic performance, or specific cognitive skills.
• Inability to control impulses: inability to regulate impulses or reactive behaviors, which can lead to impulsive or inappropriate actions without considering the consequences.
• Rigid and stereotyped body movements: refers to limited, repetitive patterns of body movement, which may include repetitive gestures, unusual movements, or rigid postures. This may be associated with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder or Tourette syndrome.

Even so, it should be noted that the isolated presence of any of these symptoms does not represent a picture of neurodivergence. To obtain a valuable diagnosis and evaluation, the intervention of a mental health professional is essential.

Neurodivergent people can face a number of challenges in different aspects of their lives.

• Social interaction: Difficulties understanding unwritten social norms and social cues can make it difficult to form meaningful relationships and participate in social activities.
• Communication: It may be difficult for some neurodivergent people to express their thoughts and feelings effectively, as well as understand non-verbal language or social inferences in communication.
• Mental health: Neurodivergent people may be at higher risk of experiencing mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression or stress, due to the challenges associated with their condition and difficulties adapting to social expectations.
• Stigmatization and discrimination: Lack of understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity can lead to stigmatization and discrimination, which can affect the self-esteem and emotional well-being of neurodivergent people.
• Autonomy and independent living: Being neurodivergent can mean facing challenges in living independently and carrying out everyday activities, such as caring for yourself, managing money, or planning for the future.

To help neurodivergent people face these challenges, on the one hand, it is crucial to offer work opportunities, labor rights in line with their needs, as well as a positive environment. On the other hand, it is also important provide family support and emotional support when faced with life decisions, and provide a space for listening without adopting a discriminatory stance.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to What it means to be a neurodivergent person: types, symptoms and challenges we recommend that you enter our Neurosciences category.