What Can Neurodivergence Look Like?

Neurodivergence can look like medical disorders such as Tourette’s Syndrome, learning disabilities like dyslexia and dyscalcula, and mental health diagnoses like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Defecit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (Tsukenjo, 2024). There are more brain differences that fall under the umbrella of neurodivergence and if anything resonates with you while reading this, please feel empowered to seek a professional for further evaluation and understanding of yourself. 

Some common traits of neurodivergence can show up as difficulty with social interactions, difficulty with eye contact, and uncontrollable emotions as just a few (Tsukenjo, 2024). In addition, neurodivergent traits affect individuals differently based on many factors, including their gender. Women are more likely to experience heightened sensitivities, which can be expressed through hyper-empathy and sensory processing sensitivity (Halim, 2023). The extra sensitivity can create a heightened awareness of both emotional and sensory inputs, which in turn can cause compassion fatigue, emotional exhaustion, and sensory overload if not managed properly (Halim, 2023). Halim, Tariq. “Strategies for Neurodivergent Women with Heightened Sensitivity.” Core Revitalizing Center, 7 June 2023, corerevitalizingcenter.com/navigating-heightened-sensitivity-neurodivergent-women/.

Tsukenjo, Suzanne. “What Is Neurodiversity? Understanding Neurodiversity | USAHS.” University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, 9 Dec. 2024, www.usa.edu/blog/what-is-neurodiversity-understanding-neurodiversity/