Brains work and function in different ways. Whether it’s how we walk, talk, or even the most basic functions like reminding you to breathe in and out again. We all are built with beautiful and unique brains.

An article from The Very Well Mind states that Neurodivergence is how one’s brain functions in different capacities that would not be seen as typical. There are several different categories under Neurodivergence, like Dyslexia, Autism, ADHD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Tourette’s syndrome, dyscalculia, epilepsy, and more.

Autism is known as a “spectrum disorder” that can vary from person to person. People with autism may struggle with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and also have speech difficulties.

Another form of Neurodivergence is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD.  People with this may struggle with thoughts, attention, behaviors, and emotions. They also can have a hard time focusing, being organized, or having inappropriate behavior due to having strong emotions.

Dyslexia is also a form of Neurodivergence. Dyslexia mainly affects how one reads and writes. This can cause struggles with spelling skills, memory, organizing, and reading. They excel in visualizing and amazing skills at solving puzzles or riddles.

Leaf Complex Care states “Dyslexic people, like other individuals with neurodivergent traits, possess unique strengths and abilities that should be celebrated and harnessed.”

People who struggle with OCD may have trouble with uncontrollable recurring thoughts, and repetitive behavior.

Tourette’s syndrome causes one to have uncontrollable repetitive behavior or movements.

People who have dyscalculia struggle with numbers or number-based information.

Epilepsy causes one to have  seizures, which may cause loss of consciousness or abnormal behavior.

Those who are neurodivergent are still able to be a part of day-to-day learning and activities. People with neurodivergence can apply their talents and skills to the workplace and even school.

An article written by Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) states: “Hiring neurodivergent workers can offer organizations a competitive edge, often bringing measurable financial and cultural benefits.”

An example of this is the story written by the National Library of Medicine of  family physician Jennifer Vassel who felt she was “different” in the medical field. She was able to remember pages she read in 6th grade and was also more sensitive than most to people’s emotions. This led to her being able to better understand patients and even form strong bonds with them.

“What I used to think was weird, I now think of as what makes me different, unique, and, in some ways, what I’m good at,” Vassel said.

Students with neurodivergence often thrive in school settings. Some may exceed socially, or even educationally. Though they may need more support in some areas, this kind of support can come from peers, teachers, or administrators.

Different, Not Less is a book written by  Chloe Hayden. It tells a story about being diagnosed with Autism and ADHD and how she  learns and grows from being neurodivergent. The book helps to understand the struggles behind the scenes, but also viewing being neurodivergent as being  “different, not less.”

An article from The Child’s Mind Institute states that  “neurodivergent students need social support to be happy and do well in school. They often face difficulties making and maintaining friendships due to challenges reading social cues and entering play situations”.

Every brain works in different capacities, which helps growth and understanding. Neurodivergence is what makes the brain different in its functions, and what makes us human.