The Spectrum of Neurodiversity

I am currently on an advanced autism and ADHD course, to improve my knowledge and understanding and equip me with tools and strategies to help the many individuals who are discovering that they are “on the spectrum”. Like many of you, I assumed we are all a little “on the spectrum” anyway, but the more I learn, the more I realise that this thinking is a disservice to those who really are on the spectrum, and I hope you don’t mind me using this space to tell you why.

“The spectrum” refers to a range of neurological differences, whereby people may experience challenges which include communication, social interaction and sensory processing. Conditions like autism and ADHD are primarily associated with the spectrum, but Tourette’s syndrome, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and a few others may also be included here.

People who are said to be neurodivergent have brains that function differently than what is considered “normal” or neurotypical. Their brains process things in another way. Which means their senses, communication, and thinking are not typical. However, diagnosing someone with a neurodivergent condition unfortunately isn’t as straightforward as a quick brain scan!

For autism, what makes it more complicated (and perhaps more stigmatised), is that there are different levels of severity, which vary from not needing much support, to needing an awful lot of support.  The diagnosis of Aspergers (high functioning autism) has been “retired” and instead the term autism spectrum disorder applies to all levels. Since 2013 it has been possible for autism and ADHD to be diagnosed together, with research suggesting that 50 – 70% of autistic people have ADHD and approx. 66% of ADHDers have autism. As you can imagine, having both autism and ADHD (commonly referred to as AuDHD) has its own unique set of challenges. Another layer to this difficult to navigate field, is that these conditions show up differently in females, which is hardly surprising when you consider that the criteria for diagnosis with these conditions is based on research conducted on white, middle-class boys! There is a growing effort in the medical world for the diagnostic criteria for autism and ADHD to be amended because of this.

Part of the reason for the misconception that we are all “on the spectrum” is that many people have one (or more) of the characteristics of being neurodivergent. For example, you might struggle with attention, or be sensitive to loud noises, perhaps you are affected by some of the social or communication challenges that many people with autism face. However, to be considered on the spectrum, you need to meet several specified criteria for a particular condition, which need to have been present since childhood. It is also important to note that these characteristics need to be persistent and to impact your life significantly.

You might think we are all on the spectrum because it feels like everyone is talking about it or seems to know someone who has it.  However:

1. Contrary to what some may think, being neurodivergent is not a trend. What is happening is that thanks to social media, there is more awareness, advocacy, and knowledge of neurodivergent conditions. With this increase in awareness comes an increase in research and consequently, understanding. People are more aware of the signs and symptoms, which is fantastic for acceptance, inclusion and early detection. Statistically, 15-20% of the UK population is estimated to be neurodivergent (this includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc).

2. Genetic factors play an important role in neurodivergent conditions. Often, after their child has been diagnosed with a condition, parents realise they are neurodivergent too.

3. Later life diagnosis. Many women discover they are neurodivergent later in life. Often women have gone undiagnosed as a result of masking and being very good at fitting in. Masking refers to the suppression of neurodivergent behaviours to fit in with neurotypical social expectations. This can be exhausting as the person must force themselves to mimic behaviours which they might find uncomfortable (or even painful) (i.e. eye contact), or suppress other behaviours, whilst at the same time trying to follow social scripts.  Hormonal fluctuations during life stages like puberty, pregnancy and menopause can also impact the severity of symptoms and be a factor in helping women realise there is “something else going on”.

I recently read a wonderful article that suggested neurodivergent differences have been about since our hunter-gatherer days and would have been valued for the advantage they gave the tribe. For example, ADHD would have benefitted the group with their curiosity and hypervigilance, autism would have excelled at detailed investigation of specific tools, and the tribe would no doubt have benefitted from the super sensitive noses, eyes, ears and taste buds which are typical of many neurodiverse people. When society “progressed” and created factories and schools which demanded people sit inside in one place for hours on end, these differences, no longer deemed helpful, were not accommodated. This “sitting inside” continues now with most of us staring at screens and having desk-based jobs. Which is contrary to what all our bodies are designed to do – in fact the brain actually releases a chemical (BDNF) when we exercise which helps our brains to think.

Neurodivergent people are NOT broken, our brains work differently, and it can be really difficult to live in a world which isn’t designed for your brain. If only the world could take a pause and reflect on how we can use what we know about how people thrive to design a better education system and a better society. Everyone might benefit from a world with more movement, more rest, more of people meaning what they say and of an acceptance of difference.

If you think you are “on the spectrum” because you notice several traits in yourself, you may well be neurodivergent. Do some research, find out more. You may realise that you have been struggling with things that others don’t find difficult, in which case you may want to get a coach to help you investigate further. Make sure though, that you find someone who is accredited and trained in neurodiversity.

Lauren Richards GMBPsS, MSc, EMCC, HGDipl, Cert Ed., BSocSc 

Positive Psychologist and Coaching Psychologist and AuDHD Advanced Coach

www.larkcoaching.co.uk

larkcoaching@gmail.com