Neurodivergent New World: What is Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence: What is it and where does it come from?

Neurodivergence is a term that stems from the term “neurodiversity”, founded by Judy Singer, an Australian sociologist, to explain that everyone’s brain develops differently and in a unique way (Baumer & Freuh, 2021). The term neurodivergence covers possible disorders like medical disorders, learning disabilities, and other conditions; however it is not a medical term and instead a way of describing differences without using harmful language like “normal” or “average” (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). People without these differences in their brain structure and function are described as “neurotypical” and their strengths and challenges aren’t affected by how their brain works. Women, especially BIPOC women, tend to get a later in life diagnosis, as symptoms and behaviors often get misattributed to other aspects of their personality (Afzal, 2024). It is never too late to begin understanding yourself better, if you’d like to discuss the possibility of a late in life diagnosis please feel free to set up a free 15 minute consultation with TKCC.