Neurotypical vs Neurodivergent: 1 Essential Difference Parents Should Know

Neurotypical vs Neurodivergent: Understanding Key Differences in Neurodiversity

What Does Neurotypical vs Neurodivergent Really Mean?

Many wonder, ‘What’s the difference between neurodivergent and neurotypical?’ Simply put, neurodivergent refers to individuals whose brains work differently from the majority, while neurotypical describes those whose brain functions align with societal expectations.

“Neurodivergent” is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of neurological differences. It is also a variation of the word neurodiversity.

The difference between neurodivergent and neurotypical lies in how individuals’ brains are wired (more on this in a moment). Neurotypical individuals process information in ways that align with societal norms, while neurodivergent individuals experience the world differently due to unique neurological variations.

The concept of neurodiversity is a relatively new idea that neurological differences should be recognized, accepted, and respected just like any other human variation. There are different types of neurological differences like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette syndrome, and other developmental and learning disabilities. 

I’ll take a quick sidebar here to define  a few examples of neurodivergent conditions in case you need it:

• Autism spectrum disorder: A developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior (can include impact on eye contact, social communication, social interactions, understanding of social norms, sensory input, and repetitive behaviors).
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to pay attention, control impulsive behaviors, and regulate activity levels (this can affect a child’s ability to pay attention, control impulses, and manage behavior).
• Dyslexia: A learning disorder that affects reading skills.
• Dyspraxia: A neurodevelopmental disorder that affects motor skills and coordination.
• Tourette syndrome: A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, sudden, and involuntary movements or vocalizations called tics.

The neurodiversity movement advocates for the acceptance and inclusion of neurodiverse individuals in society. This means creating an environment where neurodiverse individuals can thrive and have equal opportunities. One of the other goals of this movement is to challenge the societal norms and stereotypes associated with neurodivergence, such as viewing it as a disorder or disability.

The Prevalence of Neurodiversity

Believe it or not, neurodiversity is far more common than a lot of people think. According the the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion, 15-20% of people in the United States are neurodivergent people. This means that  there are millions of individuals who have different ways of processing information and interacting with the world around them. You probably work and/or socialize with many people who are neurodivergent. Your child goes to school with other kids who are neurodivergent, and your child may be neurodivergent too.

A Breakdown of the Terms

The term “neurodivergence” is often used in contrast to “neurotypical,” which refers to people without any neurological differences, and differences mean exactly that. This does not mean that neurodiverse individuals are “abnormal”.  The neurodiversity movement highlights the fact that neurological differences are not only normal, but an aspect of human diversity that should be celebrated. Some of the most brilliant creatives of our time are neurodivergent like Albert Einstein, Emily Dickinson, and Steve Jobs. 

The term “neurodivergent” refers to people who exhibit neurological differences or divergences from what is considered the norm (this is where the divergent part of neurodivergent comes in, meaning that they diverge from what is considered the norm).

Examples of neurotypical vs neurodivergent behaviors:

• A neurotypical child might adapt quickly to routine transitions, while a neurodivergent child might need additional structure to ease into new activities.
• Neurotypical individuals often interpret social cues intuitively, whereas neurodivergent individuals may prefer direct communication and struggle with unspoken norms.

While there are many aspects of neurodivergence that can be beneficial, being a neurodivergent person can also come with a unique set of challenges.

Neurodivergent vs Neurotypical Brain: What’s the Difference?

The human brain is so complex and scientists are still learning more about it every day. But one thing that the research does seem to suggest, consistently and over time, is that neurodivergent individuals may have structural and functional differences in their brains compared to neurotypical individuals.

In people in general, there are normal variations in the structure of our brains, brain functions, and in brain processes, to a certain degree. These variations can be the reasons for different ways of thinking, learning, and perceiving the world. Just like how people have different skills, interests, and abilities, we also have different cognitive strengths and weaknesses. This extends to neurodiversity as well, and strengths and weaknesses can be found within any of the neurological differences that fall under the umbrella of neurodivergence.

When we look at a neurodivergent vs neurotypical brain, research shows structural and functional differences that influence how individuals process information, manage tasks, and engage with the world. These differences are neither good nor bad—they simply reflect the diversity of human cognition.

How Society Perceives Neurotypical vs Neurodivergent Individuals

There are different types of neurodivergence and each one presents its own set of challenges and strengths. For example, an individual with dyslexia may struggle with reading and writing in compariosn to their neurotypical peers, but may excel in creative problem-solving or visual-spatial thinking. Someone with ADHD may have difficulty focusing in traditional classroom settings but may thrive in more dynamic and active learning environments. Someone with autism may struggle with communication and social interactions, but may excel in analytical thinking or attention to detail.

While a neurotypical person may easily adapt to certain environments and tasks, a neurodivergent person may struggle with those same situations. This can also apply to social situations, where someone who is neurotypical may intuitively understand social cues and norms, while someone who is neurodivergent may struggle with interpreting or responding to them.

Differences in behavioral traits  and ways of thinking can also bring unique perspectives, skills, and contributions to the workplace and society as a whole. Embracing neurodiversity can lead to increased innovation, creativity, and productivity in various fields.

Neurodiversity Activists: Leading the Way for Acceptance and Inclusion

Neurodiversity activists have played a crucial role in bringing awareness to the concept of neurodiversity and promoting acceptance of neurodivergent individuals. They have advocated for a change in societal attitudes towards neurodivergence, calling for the creation of a more inclusive environment that celebrates diversity.

One of the key messages from neurodiversity activists is the importance of understanding and accommodating differences in executive functioning, which impacts many people with neurodivergent conditions. Executive functioning involves our capacity to effectively plan, organize, and manage tasks. Neurodiverse people often have different ways of processing information and managing their daily lives than neurotypical people, which may not align with the expectations of neurotypical individuals. As a result, they may struggle in traditional learning or work environments that are designed for neurotypical minds. 

Because of this, another important aspect of the neurodiversity movement is advocating not only for education around neurodiversity, but also for accommodations and support for neurodiverse individuals in various settings. This is particularly important for settings within education (which may be part of the reason that you’re here).

This can include flexible working arrangements, alternative methods of communication, and tailored learning approaches. In school settings or settings where we’re talking about neurodiverse children, this can include  Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 plans, which provide personalized accommodations and support to help these individuals succeed.

Embracing Neurodiversity in Education and Employment

While there is still a lot to learn, in recent years, we’ve seen a positive shift towards embracing neurodiversity in education and employment. This includes implementing accommodations and support systems for neurodivergent students, as well as creating inclusive workplaces that value the unique strengths of each individual.

For example, some companies have started actively recruiting neurodivergent individuals and providing them with specialized training programs to excel in their roles. We have also learned a lot about specific strengths that neurodiverse people possess that are extremely useful in work settings. Studies have shown that neurodivergent individuals possess a range of strengths, such as exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving skills, which can be leveraged in the workplace.

Mental Illnesses vs Neurodivergence: Understanding the Difference

Now that we’ve gotten those basics out of the way, I want to address a common misconception about neurodiversity: neurodiversity and mental illnesses (or mental health conditions) are not interchangeable terms. While both involve variations in brain function and behavior, they are distinct and separate concepts. 

As I mentioned before, neurodiversity refers to the natural range of human neurodevelopment and includes conditions such as autism, dyslexia, and ADHD. These are not considered mental illnesses, but rather neurological differences that are present from birth. On the other hand, mental illnesses are defined as psychological disorders that cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. These can include conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Unlike neurodivergence, mental health disorders are not considered to be within the normal range of human variation. They also often have a later onset, typically during teenage or young adult years.

You may be asking “why is it important to understand the difference between neurodivergence and mental illness?” For one, it helps reduce stigma surrounding neurodevelopmental disorders. People with conditions like autism or ADHD are often viewed as “abnormal” or “broken,” when in reality, they are simply different. Understanding neurodiversity can also lead to more effective support and accommodations for those who need it.

A second reason is that acknowledging the difference between neurodivergence and mental illness can help prevent misdiagnosis and mistreatment. Many individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions may be incorrectly labeled as having a mental illness, leading to inappropriate treatment and potentially harmful medication. In today’s day and age where so much information is available at our fingertips, people who think that they may be neurodivergent can also go to their qualified medical and mental health professional with a better (and more accurate) understanding of how what they are experiencing may map onto a neurodivergent condition. By recognizing the distinct nature of these conditions, healthcare professionals can provide more accurate diagnoses and appropriate care.

It’s also important to recognize that neurodivergence and mental illness are not mutually exclusive, meaning that you can be neurodivergent and  have a mental illness. Many people may have both a neurodevelopmental condition and a mental illness. This is known as “dual diagnosis” or “co-occurring disorders.” Understanding this overlap is crucial in providing comprehensive and effective care for individuals with these dual diagnoses and knowing how to effectively care for yourself or a loved one.

Neurodiversity and Children: Creating a Supportive Environment

Finally, let’s talk about the kids (because I’m sure that’s why you’re here)! While characteristics and traits of neurodiversity can be consistent across the lifespan, there are some nuances of neurodiversity in children that should be highlighted. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, creating a supportive environment for neurodivergent children is crucial for their development and well-being.

When it comes to children, understanding and embracing neurodiversity is really important. Children with neurodevelopmental conditions might encounter distinctive hurdles in social settings, communication, and learning, setting them apart from their peers. It’s essential for parents to cultivate a nurturing environment at home and in school that acknowledges and adapts to their child’s specific requirements.

Things for Parents to Know

Parents should also be aware that neurodivergent kids may not always fit into traditional systems and structures. This means finding the best way to support your child’s growth and development may require a different approach than what is typically used for neurotypical children. It’s important for parents to educate themselves on the variety of ways in which their child may experience the world and adapt accordingly.

Parents should also understand that neurodivergent kids may face challenges in real life situations, such as employment or relationships, due to their condition. As such, it’s important for parents to not only provide support and understanding within the home but also advocate for their child in larger systems and society.

Answering Your Questions: Neurotypical vs Neurodivergent Explained

Still have questions about neurodivergence? Let’s clear up two of the most common ones below.

1. What is the difference between neurodivergent and neurotypical?

The difference between neurodivergent and neurotypical lies in how individuals’ brains function. Neurotypical individuals process information in ways that align with societal expectations, while neurodivergent individuals experience the world differently due to neurological variations like autism, ADHD, or dyslexia. These differences are natural and should be celebrated as part of human diversity.

2. What’s the difference between neurodivergent and neurotypical brain function?

A neurodivergent brain might process information, regulate emotions, or respond to sensory input in unique ways compared to a neurotypical brain. These differences can influence learning styles, social interactions, and problem-solving approaches, highlighting the strengths and challenges of neurodivergent individuals.

Understanding and Embracing Neurodiversity for the Well-Being of Children

Understanding the difference between neurotypical vs. neurodivergent individuals is a key step toward building a more inclusive and compassionate society. By embracing neurodiversity, we acknowledge that neurological differences are a natural part of human variation, each bringing its own unique strengths and challenges. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just curious, learning about these differences helps create environments where all individuals—regardless of how their brains work—feel seen, supported, and valued. Together, we can celebrate the diversity that makes our world so vibrant.