Exploring Neurodiversity: Understanding Unique Minds, Learning, and Communication
Neurodivergent individuals often experience differences in mental function, learning styles, sensory processing, communication styles and behaviors. They may struggle with soft skills such as emotional intelligence, social interactions or the ability to work effectively in a group. Other physical behaviors—such as standing too close to someone, speaking too loudly or self-soothing actions like rocking or irregular hand movement—may also be present.
Below are some mental health conditions that fall in the neurodivergent category, according to Pankhuree Vandana, M.D., a pediatric psychiatrist and medical director at the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
-
ADHD. Individuals may have difficulties holding their attention and managing thoughts, behaviors and emotions.
-
Autism. Also called spectrum disorder, this includes a broad range of conditions that may include challenges with socializing and social skills, cause repetitive behaviors and trigger speech difficulties, which in some cases, may lead an individual to communicate only nonverbally.
-
Dyslexia. This can include misreading, miswriting or misspeaking certain items, as well as confusion with letters or misunderstanding of word organization or pronunciation, and trouble following directions.
-
Dyscalculia. A misunderstanding of math concepts, such as confusion when reading numbers and symbols, an inability to consistently remember numbers, math facts, rules and procedures, or trouble with mental figuring.
-
Dysgraphia. A learning disability that involves writing, such as unusual pencil grip and body position, illegible handwriting and an aversion to writing or drawing.
-
Down’s Syndrome. With this condition, individuals are born with an extra chromosome that ultimately changes how their body and brain develops, and may lead to mental and physical challenges.
“Each of these conditions mentioned above lead to an individual processing and communicating information in a unique way,” says Dr. Vandana.
Resources: