What Does “Neurodivergent” Mean?
To be neurodivergent means a person whose brain functions are differently wired from what society considers typical, or “neurotypical.” Here, we are discussing natural neurological differences in processing, learning, and/or behaviour, including attention, communication and emotional regulation. The term was coined by the Australian sociologist Judy Singer in 1998 to describe natural variations in cognition and support differences as part of human diversity rather than pathology. This paradigm shift, aligned with the neurodiversity movement, challenged the traditional medical model, which viewed neurological differences primarily as disorders to be fixed.
The most common conditions that fall under this neurodivergent umbrella are:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),
- Learning difficulties as dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia,
- Tourette’s syndrome,
- Down’s syndrome.
Neurodivergence is not considered a mental health disorder, nor even a disorder. Neurodivergent people are characterised by unique challenges and differences that are typically present from birth or early childhood and continue throughout their lives. The differences originate from atypical brain development that affects how the nervous system is organised. But these differences, along with recognised challenges, bring many abilities, such as hyperfocus, enhanced memory, pattern recognition abilities and attention to detail.
Neurodivergency in the UK
It’s estimated that 15% of the UK population, roughly 1 in 7 people, is neurodivergent. Many neurodivergent people in the UK commonly fall within the scope of disability when they meet the Equality Act 2010 definition of having “a substantial and long-term adverse effect on normal day-to-day activities.”
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) framework provides support, particularly for autistic children and children with ADHD. In 2025, approximately 1 in 5 children across the UK received SEND support, highlighting the growing recognition of diverse learning and developmental needs.
Adults with brain differences, disabilities or health conditions are not left behind, either. The UK government’s Access to Work scheme offers practical and financial support to help people overcome day-to-day challenges of the modern workplace, ensuring they can thrive in meaningful employment.
Clinical Definition of Depression
Depression is a mental health condition, characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, negative thought patterns and a lack of pleasure in previously fulfilling activities. Depression, also referred to as Major Depressive Disorder, is classified separately from neurodevelopmental conditions in international diagnostic systems. The World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) requires at least five depressive symptoms for diagnosis, each of which persists for at least two weeks. Ten common symptoms of depression include:
- Depressed mood throughout most of the day
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Significant changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation observable by others
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
- Hopelessness about the future
Is Depression Considered Neurodivergent?
No, depression is not recognised as a neurodivergent condition. Diagnostically, depression is classified as a mood disorder rather than a neurodivergent disorder. However, debates exist about whether people with depression should be considered as neurodivergent. Some people feel that their experiences with depression shape how they think, feel, and navigate the world, and therefore see it as part of their identity in the neurodivergent community rather than solely a medical condition. Several factors contribute to the conversation about whether depression could be considered within the scope of neurodivergence:
- Depression involves neurochemical changes affecting brain function, similar to recognised neurodivergent conditions.
- The condition alters how individuals process information, perceive reality, and interact with their environment.
- Brain imaging reveals structural and functional differences in people experiencing depression.
The Key Difference: Mental Illness vs. Neurodevelopmental Difference
Despite the ongoing debate, for now, the facts firmly suggest that depression is a mental health illness, rather than a neurodevelopmental difference. Two key differences are affecting this statement:
- Temporary vs. lifelong conditions.
Temporality constitutes one of the most striking differences. Depression can emerge later in life, often in response to significant life events that show up at certain moments.
On the other side, neurodevelopmental conditions are lifelong. Children are born with them. Correct treatment and care can help neurodiverse people develop strategies and skills to manage their needs, even in complex situations. However, the objective is not to “cure”, but rather to support people in thriving along with their neurological differences. - Treatability.
Depression, just as many other mental health conditions, is treatable. Regarding the success of the effective treatment provided by mental health services, depressive episodes can go into remission or completely disappear.
Conversely, for neurodivergent people, the approach is fundamentally different. Rather than treating a temporary condition, it’s about supporting people in developing coping strategies, adapting to environments, and building on their strengths.
How Depression Affects Brain Function?
Depression produces significant neurobiological alterations, including structural, functional, and molecular changes across several brain regions, physically changing the human brain in measurable ways. Neurodivergent people are more likely to experience mental health issues than neurotypical people.
Studies indicate that depressed people have up to 20% grey matter loss in certain areas, especially in the hippocampus, with the severity correlating to the duration and intensity of depressive symptoms, affecting learning and memory, and impacting personal growth. The amygdala, which processes emotions, becomes hyperactive, leading to heightened emotional reactivity and difficulty regulating feelings. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for higher-level thinking and planning, is also affected, leading to its reduced activity.
Neurochemical changes also occur. Beyond serotonin and dopamine deficiencies, depression also disrupts glutamate and GABA, the brain’s primary neurotransmitters, impairing the brain’s capacity to manage stress and emotional dysregulation. Elevated stress hormones, particularly cortisol, further damage neurons in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, reducing neuroplasticity.
Overlap Between Depression and Neurodivergent Conditions
Depression and neurodivergent conditions frequently occur together. Although they originate from different sources, they both involve alterations in brain chemistry and neurotransmitter function, affecting mood regulation, information processing, and emotional response. Researches show higher depression rates among neurodivergent individuals compared to neurotypical people:
- Depression occurs four times more often in people with autism spectrum disorder.
- Every third person with ADHD also faces depression.
How does Masking Contribute to Depression in Neurodivergent People?
Masking, also called camouflaging, is a coping mechanism in which neurodivergent people suppress their authentic traits to appear neurotypical in social situations. The constant suppression of one’s true self and the pretence of being someone else drain both mental and physical energy, leading to exhaustion. If left untreated, it accumulates to the point of psychological crisis, burnout or even depression.
How is Autistic Burnout Related to Depression?
Autistic burnout stems directly from the mismatch between a neurodivergent person’s needs and their environment, particularly when those needs are misunderstood or actively invalidated. Masking represents the most common cause of autistic burnout. People experiencing autistic burnout describe losing previously manageable capabilities, such as social skills, executive functioning, and the ability to complete routine tasks. As burnout continues, neurodivergent people experience heightened anxiety, chronic fatigue, emotional dysregulation, and often depression. This can lead to suicidal behaviour, particularly when individuals perceive themselves as a burden to others.
Does Social Stress Contribute to Depression in Neurodivergent People?
For a neurodiverse person, going through a neurotypical environment presents evFor a neurodiverse person, going through a neurotypical environment presents everyday social challenges, ones that can easily lead to social withdrawal and isolation. Many neurodivergent people, especially young ones, experience profound loneliness and low self-esteem. Social stressors that significantly elevate depression risk include:
- Social rejection and exclusion;
- Misunderstanding and stigma;
- Discrimination and bullying.
These are all serious risk factors for heightened depression, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts among neurodiverse people.
Why do Neurodivergent People Often Experience Depression?
Neurodivergent people spend considerable energy managing sensory overload, interpreting unwritten social rules and cues, masking autism and ADHD traits, and coping with stigma and discrimination. Over time, these stressors exhaust all the psychological resources and contribute to burnout, which directly precipitates depression. Late diagnosis or inadequate support also adds to the elevated depression risk, creating environmental vulnerability to depression, separate from the genetic background.
Unique Community Services Supports Neurodivergent People
At Unique Community Services, we support neurodivergent people by adapting environments and approaches rather than expecting them to conform to neurotypical standards. That is why our person-centred care plans focus on:
- Creating sensory-friendly environments that reduce overstimulation and stress
- Respecting each person’s unique communication preferences
- Promoting acceptance of neurodivergent traits reduces masking and burnout
- Building predictable routines that provide security and well-being
Both our offices in Manchester and Leeds provide the right support to improve the quality of life for neurodivergent people. Contact us today.
