What counts as neurodivergent?
What exactly counts as neurodivergent?
Kassiane Asasumasu coined it as an umbrella term for anyone whose brain and nervous system processes information in a way that’s different from the socially constructed standard or norm.
Neurodivergences can be innate or acquired, or both. Innate neurodivergence includes things like autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, synaesthesia, and Down Syndrome. Acquired neurodivergence includes PTSD and cPTSD, traumatic brain injuries and dementia.
Someone whose brain and nervous system are different from what’s considered standard in several ways is multiply neurodivergent, for example they could be autistic, epileptic and have PTSD like Kassiane.
‘Neurodivergent’ is not a medical term or diagnosis and was explicitly designed to be an inclusive identity, not something to be gatekept.
These images from Lived Experience Educator show just some of the ways in which people can be neurodivergent. They are not exhaustive lists. Their Neurodiversity Smorgasbord shows many of the different ways people experience the world without attaching medicalised or diagnostic terms. Neurodiversity is a natural biological fact.
‘Neurodivergent’ is sometimes erroneously used to refer only to a small selection of innate neurodivergences such as autism, ADHD and dyspraxia. This misunderstanding of Kassiane’s word is probably where the statistics come from that estimate just 15% of people are neurodivergent.
Given that Kassiane’s coining of the term covered so much more, it’s highly likely that the majority (ie more than 50%) of people are neurodivergent in one way or another as this umbrella term covers dozens of different neurotypes.
People’s brains and nervous systems diverge in vastly different ways. Neurodivergent isn’t mean to imply that everyone who comes under the umbrella is the same. It’s a way of understanding that neurotypical is simply one way of being, and isn’t a standard to aspire to.
A person is not less worthy or less valuable because they are neurodivergent, however disabling their neurodivergence may or may not be.
Read more about neurodiversity terms and definitions from Dr Nick Walker.
Work with me
My inbox is always open to hear from people who’d like to work with me as a counsellor or rewind trauma therapist; collaborate professionally; seek consultation; or suggest ideas for potential projects.
What I offer:
Counselling for adults and young people (16+) online and in Launceston. Sessions are 60 minutes. These usually take place weekly or fortnightly but other arrangements may be possible. It’s important you feel safe and comfortable with whichever counsellor you choose. I offer a free, 15-minute online video call for anyone who is interested in working with me but would like to find out more first.
Rewind trauma therapy for PTSD symptoms can be carried out as part of counselling work or as a stand-alone therapy.
One-to-one neurodiversity discussion for anyone wanting to understand more, and ad hoc clinical consultation around neurodiversity for counsellors, therapists, mental health practitioners, education professionals and others.
One-to-one video calls for those who are considering becoming counsellors and would like support navigating the range of qualification pathways. See How to Become a Counsellor in the UK.
Please get in touch via jade.farrington@gmail.com. You can subscribe to my monthly neurodiversity newsletter on Substack to receive neurodiversity content straight to your inbox, and join my email list to get updates on my counselling practice, courses and resources. Find me elsewhere via Linktree.
