The word “normal” is a synonym for “typical.” But when we are talking about human beings, we are all unique. There are very few human characteristics that are typical. Talking about “normal” bodies, personalities and minds only describes a very small number of people. Should we really be using the term “normal” to describe humans?
The new normal of brain function
Slowly but surely, we are embracing our human differences. For example, you may have heard the term “neurodivergent” lately. More than just a buzzword, it is rooted in how the brain functions.
The term was coined in the 1990s by sociologist Judy Singer, who is autistic and wanted to help others understand that “neurodivergent” people’s brains work differently from the “neurotypical” majority. Those differences bring with them a unique set of strengths. In other words, there’s nothing wrong with them. Fifteen to 20 percent of the world’s population has some form of neurodivergence.
The term has taken hold as we move toward a more inclusive society. “As a society, the terms ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ have taken on negative implications. To be labeled abnormal is bad, and normal does not feel right. The terms neurodivergent and neurotypical help us to embrace our differences positively,” said OhioHealth neurologist Geoffrey A. Eubank, MD, ABPN.
Is neurodivergence a diagnosis?
Being neurodivergent is not a medical condition. Dr. Eubank said, “It’s a term that describes all the ways our brains process the world differently. A brain that functions differently doesn’t make it bad or less valuable. That is neurodivergence explained.”
People who are neurodivergent may have a medical condition (like stroke) that contributes to their brain differences. Other neurodivergent people have no medical condition but might have a learning disability or a mental disorder. They have different strengths and struggles from people whose brains develop or work more typically, but many are not limited in their daily life. Instead, they learn to live a little differently.
What are some examples of neurodivergence?
Everyone’s brains develop and function differently, which means those with a neurodivergent brain are born with it in most cases. However, certain influences during your life can make brain differences more extreme, such as poor nutrition, stress or brain injuries.
Among adults, dyslexia, a learning disability, is the most common type of neurodivergence. Other learning disabilities, Down syndrome, Tourette syndrome, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, acquired brain injury and stroke are also types of neurodivergence.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is also very common, impacting around 4 to 5 percent of the American population. While people with ADHD may have trouble focusing on details, they are often very active and creative. “When you think about it, innovation has made ADHD a ‘problem,’” Dr. Eubank said. “Hundreds of years ago, we didn’t have an educational system asking people to sit in a classroom and focus for hours at a time. Students with ADD did not struggle as much back then.”
Autism has as many variations as humans do – which is why it’s often called autism spectrum disorder – and is widely misunderstood. People with autism are wired to approach the world differently. They may struggle with communication and may be limited in how they interact with the world. However, people with autism sometimes use those differences to develop unique solutions to common world problems.
Who should I talk to if I think I am neurodivergent?
Because neurodivergent conditions are so broad, there is not one type of neurodivergence medical specialist. Most mental health and neurology professionals will address neurodivergence in their patients as a part of another diagnosis. In addition, social workers, speech therapists, occupational therapists and educators help people manage their brain function differences.
“The medical field is learning about neurodivergent thinking at the same pace as our society. Those in the psychology and neurology field are familiar with the topic, but the terms are changing. These changes allow us to reframe it for our patients and give them other options,” Dr. Eubank said. “If you have concerns, the best place to start would be to talk to your primary care doctor.”
Are there treatments for neurodivergent conditions?
If you have ADHD, medication and behavioral health therapy can improve your quality of life. For other brain differences, behavioral therapy can help you learn how to leverage your strengths and adapt to your challenges. Speech therapy and reading programs can help you if you have dyslexia or other learning disabilities. Often creating safe and adaptive work or school environment is all a neurodivergent person needs to participate in life fully.
Using the term “neurodivergent” instead of “abnormal” allows us to embrace, accept and even value our differences. Dr. Eubank sums it up this way: “We should not put anyone into a bucket that diminishes who they are. People who are neurodivergent bring depth and breadth to our human experience. Let’s challenge ourselves to celebrate our differences and interact with everyone with acceptance.”
