What does it mean to be Neurodivergent?
Neurodivergent, neurodiverse, neurospicy – you’ve probably heard one or more of these terms, but what do they mean? Well, they all originate from the term “neurodiversity” which was first used in 1998 by an Australian Sociologist, Judy Singer, to describe the diversity in which our brains grow and develop.
Now we use the term to reflect the idea that individuals who are neurodiverse, have a brain that processes, learns and/or behaves differently from what is considered “typical”. You may have also heard of the term “neurotypical”, this would reflect an individual whose brain works similarly to most of their peers.
A neurodiverse person may struggle with certain tasks, or find that they work better when adaptations are implemented for them. While neurodiversity is considered a difference, there are many unique strengths and abilities that result from being neurodiverse as well.
Since neurodiversity and other similar terms are not medical definitions, many individuals prefer to identify as their official diagnosis instead. Here are some of the diagnoses that are associated with the terminology neurodiversity:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia (Also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder or DCD)
- Dyscalculia
- Dysgraphia
- Epilepsy
- OCD
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Tourette’s Syndrome
How Does Brilliantly Neurodiverse Help?
Brilliantly Neurodiverse is a community by neurodivergent women, for neurodivergent women. You can find our full story and mission here, but to summarise – we are a community created with the purpose of empowering neurodivergent women and supporting their career journeys.
Within the member only access areas you will find blogs on relevant topics, forums for you to meet other neurodivergent women, and many other resources. By joining, you’ll be empowered to thrive both personally and professionally, with a wealth of tools and a supportive community behind you.
To find out more about Membership and create your account, visit our Membership page.