Neurodivergence

Table of Contents

  • What is Neurodivergence?

  • Common Types of Neurodivergence

  • Recognizing Signs and Symptoms

  • Diagnosis and Assessment

  • Treatment and Support

  • Telehealth for Neurodivergent Individuals

  • Living Well with Neurodivergence

  • References

What is Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence is a nonmedical, inclusive term describing people whose brains develop or function differently than what is considered typical or “neurotypical.” These differences can impact social, emotional, and cognitive abilities, leading to unique challenges and strengths. Neurodivergence celebrates brain diversity and encourages acceptance, understanding, and support for individuals who think and experience the world in creative and atypical ways.

Common Types of Neurodivergence

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) [~1–2%]
 Characterized by differences in communication, social skills, and behaviors.

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) [~5–8%]
     Marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

  • Dyslexia [~5–10%]
     Affects reading, writing, and processing language.

  • Dyspraxia (~5–6%)
     Impacts coordination, motor skills, and organization.

  • Tourette Syndrome [~0.5–1%]
     Involves repetitive movements or vocalizations known as tics.

  • Other Recognized Differences
     Includes dyscalculia, synesthesia, intellectual disabilities, and more.
     Estimates vary for each condition and may overlap.

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms

Neurodivergence presents in many ways, but common signs include:

  • Difficulty with social interactions and communication

  • Sensory sensitivities (light, sound, touch, etc.)

  • Challenges with attention, organization, and focus

  • Intense interests or repetitive routines

  • Struggles with reading, writing, or calculation despite intelligence

  • Unique ways of thinking, learning, or problem-solving.

Symptoms and strengths can look different for everyone, and they may change with age and environment.

Diagnosis and Assessment

Diagnosis involves observation, self-report, and professional evaluation. Specialists—such as psychologists, neuropsychologists, or educators—use interviews, questionnaires, and standardized tests to assess cognitive, sensory, and behavioral traits. A diagnosis helps identify the need for support, accommodations, and treatment, though some individuals may choose self-identification instead of formal assessment.

Treatment and Support

Support for neurodivergent individuals often includes:

  • Education about strengths and challenges

  • Accommodations or modifications at work and school

  • Skills training, occupational therapy, or speech therapy

  • Sensory supports, coping strategies, and peer mentoring

  • Advocacy for acceptance and accessibility

Support plans should be personalized, focusing on enabling each person to thrive in their environment.

Telehealth for Neurodivergent Individuals

Telehealth offers accessible care for neurodivergent individuals by providing virtual evaluations, therapy, skills training, and medication management. Remote care reduces barriers, increases privacy, and offers flexibility for those with sensory sensitivities or who may struggle with travel and scheduling. Telehealth platforms provide a supportive, personalized way to address symptoms, develop routines, and connect individuals and families with professional expertise.

If you or a loved one suffer with neurodivergence and would like to explore treatment options, you may schedule in with our clinicans below:

Schedule Now

If you find the person you were looking to schedule with is no longer accepting patients, feel free to contact us at 734-707-1052, Monday-Friday from 9am-6pm, and we will see if we can find any openings for you with another similar provider.

References

Cleveland Clinic. (2025, May 12). Neurodivergent: What It Is, Symptoms & Types. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23154-neurodivergentclevelandclinic

Verywell Mind. (2021, August 18). What Does It Mean to Be Neurodivergent? https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-neurodivergence-and-what-does-it-mean-to-be-neurodivergent-5196627verywellmind

Choosing Therapy. (2025, May 25). Neurodivergent: Definition, Types, Support & More. https://www.choosingtherapy.com/neurodiversity/choosingtherapy

TopDoctors UK. (2024, May 21). Neurodivergence: what it is, symptoms and treatment. https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-dictionary/neurodivergence/topdoctors

Paradigm Treatment. (2025, May 15). Neurodivergent Symptoms and Signs. https://paradigmtreatment.com/signs-of-neurodivergence/paradigmtreatment

DocVita. (2023, July 23). What are the Different Types of Neurodivergence?https://docvita.com/blog/what-are-the-different-types-of-neurodivergence/docvita