What Does “Neurodivergent” Mean?
Neurodivergent refers to a person whose brain functions differently from what is traditionally considered ‘typical’. This includes autistic people, as well as those with ADHD or dyslexia. These neurological differences may influence how someone learns, thinks, processes information, or communicates and engages with the world around them.
Neurodivergence is recognised under the Equality Act 2010*, which mandates reasonable adjustments in workplaces and educational settings for neurodivergent people. Moreover, there is a growing movement to shift perspectives from viewing neurodivergency as disorders to understanding them as natural variations.
*You can now download our short overview of the Equality Act and other key pieces of legislation.
Neurodivergent vs. Neurotypical
Under the umbrella of neurodiversity, people fall into two categories: neurodivergent and neurotypical.
🧠 A neurodivergent person has a brain that functions differently from what is considered typical. This includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette syndrome, and dyscalculia. These differences can affect how individuals think, learn, and interact with the world.
A neurotypical person has neurological development and functioning that aligns with societal norms. They typically develop social, organisational, and cognitive skills at expected rates and can adapt to changes and distractions without significant difficulty.
Core Neurological Differences Included in the Neurodivergent Spectrum
As a natural part of human diversity, neurological differences bring unique perspectives in learning, communicating, moving or behaving.
In the UK, approximately 1 in 7 people are estimated to be neurodivergent, highlighting the prevalence and significance of neurodiversity in society. There are many types of neurodiversity which fall under the umbrella term, including:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
As a lifelong neurological and developmental difference, autism affects how people experience the world, communicate and relate to others. The word ”spectrum” is important because it reflects the wide range of strengths, challenges, and support needs that autistic people may have. In the past, terms like “Asperger’s Syndrome” or “high-functioning autism” were used, but now they all fall under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum.
Learn more about autism here.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Among the many neurological differences included in the neurodivergent umbrella is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. It’s a difference in how a person’s brain works, especially regarding focus, attention, activity levels, and emotional regulation. Every person with ADHD is different. Some are very active and talkative. Others may be more daydreamy and quiet. Many people experience a mix of both. And often, ADHD can exist alongside other differences like autism, dyslexia, or anxiety.
Learn more about ADHD here.
Dyslexia and Other Learning Difficulties
Dyslexia is one of the many unique ways our brains can work. People with dyslexia may find it harder to read, spell, or write. Letters might seem jumbled, words might be hard to sound out, and writing sentences may take extra time and effort. Dyslexia is a real and recognised difference in how the brain processes language, and it’s nobody’s fault. Dyslexia is just one example of the broader category of learning difficulties. There are other conditions, such as dyscalculia, dyspraxia or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and dysgraphia, that also fall under the neurodivergent umbrella.
Read more about dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and dysgraphia.
Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders
Tourette Syndrome (TS) and other tic disorders are often misunderstood, but they are essential parts of the neurodivergent spectrum. Tourette Syndrome is a neurological condition that causes individuals to make involuntary movements or sounds, called tics. Tic disorders, which include both Tourette Syndrome and other less severe forms of tics, can affect people of all ages, though symptoms typically appear in childhood.
The world can sometimes be a challenging place for people with tic disorders, particularly when others don’t understand what tics are or why they happen. The good news is that awareness of Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders is growing.
Mental Health and Neurodivergence
The world around us is not always designed with neurodivergent people in mind, which can lead to unique challenges in mental health. Living in a world that frequently expects everyone to fit into a “neurotypical” mould can create pressure and make neurodivergent people feel misunderstood or undervalued. It’s essential to remember that mental health struggles are not caused by neurodivergence itself but often by the external pressures and lack of understanding that people with neurological differences face.
Anxiety and Depression as Part of Neurodivergence
Anxiety and depression are often seen as mental health conditions that many face at some point in their lives. But for neurodivergent people, they may cause even more intense experiences. They can sometimes be a response to the world around them and part of the neurological differences they experience.
Imagine being someone who has difficulty processing sensory information, or someone who finds it hard to focus, communicate, or navigate social situations. These experiences, which are part of being neurodivergent, can bring about feelings of isolation and confusion. Over time, this may lead to anxiety, as the world feels overwhelming or difficult to understand. Can you imagine the constant pressure of trying to fit in when everything about how you see the world and how you interact with it is different?
Similarly, depression can stem from the ongoing challenges of neurodivergence. Constantly being told you’re “too different” or that your way of thinking isn’t right can take a toll on self-esteem. This can leave someone feeling hopeless, questioning whether things will ever improve. It’s no wonder that depression often follows in the wake of these emotional burdens.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is characterised by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause intense anxiety, leading to repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing the anxiety. But how can we truly understand what it means to live with OCD? And how can we be more compassionate towards people affected?
Living with OCS means being in a constant state of mental conflict. The cycle of obsession and compulsion disrupts daily life and shapes every interaction, every moment of a person’s existence. The stigma surrounding OCS often focuses on the outward behaviours, such as excessive cleanliness or need for order, leading many people to believe that these actions are purely a matter of personal preference or control. It’s not about being ”neat” or ”perfectionistic, it’s about managing overwhelming thoughts that seem beyond a person’s control.
Learn more about OCD here.
The Importance of Neurodiversity in Society
Every person’s mind works in a unique way. Some of us are great with words, others with numbers, while some see patterns in art or nature that others might miss. This beautiful variety in how we think, learn, and feel is known as neurodiversity. Imagine a world where everyone had to fit into the same box – expected to learn the same way, speak the same way, and solve problems the same way. How many incredible ideas, solutions, and stories would we miss out on? When we make space for different ways of thinking, we open doors to creativity, innovation, and empathy.
Inclusion is not about making people fit into society. It’s about reshaping society so everyone feels they belong. Let us choose to see neurodiversity as a strength, not a weakness. Let’s create a world where every mind matters – where being different isn’t just accepted, but valued. We build a more compassionate, creative, and complete society when we embrace all ways of thinking.
Supporting Neurodivergent People with Unique Community Services
Neurodivergent people deserve more than a one-size-fits-all approach to support. The world can feel overwhelming, misunderstood, or simply not built with their needs in mind. Yet we believe in something better: a community where difference is recognised, respected, and truly supported. At Unique Community Services, we provide specialist, person-centred and proactive support that embraces neurodivergence, not as a challenge to “fix,” but as a strength to build upon. Our therapy team provides support at home to create meaningful daily routines, sensory-safe environments, and communication methods tailored to each person. Our flexible support offers stability without taking away choice or independence.
We know that transitions into adulthood, after a school placement ends, or following a crisis, can be especially tough. That’s why we offer consistent, skilled nurse-led care that supports people through life’s changes while empowering them to grow and express who they are. We work closely with families, commissioners, and therapists to shape support around the person, not the system.
See how we support William to live his best life on his own terms:
And when time is critical, our Rapid Response Service is there to meet urgent needs, with a 2-hour turnaround guarantee. Our short-term intervention focuses on stabilising crises by creating a calm, secure environment, while a longer-term support plan is being developed. We offer immediate assistance to ease distress and help people safely transition from hospital care back into the community. It’s about preventing unnecessary hospital admissions and allowing people to stay rooted in their community, with the right support at the right moment.
Support is more than a service, it’s a connection. And with the right support, every person can take their next step forward.
Contact us today, or visit our offices in Manchester and Leeds.
