Neurodiversity is the idea that it’s acceptable and normal for people’s brains to function differently from one another. Instead of thinking there’s a problem, or that a person has something wrong with them when people don’t operate similarly to others, neurodiversity embraces the differences in behavioural traits and brain functions as natural – and demonstrates just how diverse the human race is.  

The concept of neurodiversity was first introduced by sociologist Judy Singer (who is Autistic) during the fight for Autism awareness and rights, but the term now encompasses additional ways that brains function differently, including ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia and more.  

There are two sides of neurodiversity – Neurotypical and Neurodivergent.  

Neurotypical  
These are people with standard brain processing and functioning. Neurotypical people often do not know they are neurotypical and are just seen as “normal”  

Neurodivergent  
These are people whose brain function and processing deviates from what is considered as “typical”. Neurodivergent people are usually made aware that their brain functions differently and are seen as “abnormal”  

Instead of trying to fix neurodivergent brains to make them neurotypical, neurodiversity advocacy focuses on embracing and celebrating them. There is much more understanding now, and we can see that many differences are beneficial. The qualities and traits that neurodivergence creates are widely varied, and include everything from high perception, to strong abilities with computer systems, to enhanced creativity.  

Between 30-40% of the population in the UK are thought to be neurodiverse.