There is limited understanding of the terms neurodivergence, neurodiversity, and neurodivergent. As an autistic person I could be accused of being a pedant about detail and accuracy, but I do think it is important to understand these terms. I decided to create my own diagram which I hope gives the illustration that neurodiversity and neurodivergence means everyone in the human population. It is a simple illustration and I am sure that a more complex visualisation could be developed (with more time and/or graphic design skills!).
The diagram is available to use under the following Creative Commons License: Neurodiversity Diagram © 2023 by The AuDHD Academic is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
The text within the diagram reads:
- Neurodiversity – There are two broad neurotypes within the neurodiversity of the human population:
- Neurodivergent individuals have brain function that is different to the predominant neurotype. This includes thinking patterns and behaviours that can be a strength but which can create challenges within a society where the majority of people are neurotypical. Examples include autism, ADHD, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, and dyslexia. ~ 20%
- Neurotypical or predominant neurotype individuals have thinking patterns and behaviours that are perceived as normal by the general population. Individuals who are neurotypical can display the same traits as those who are neurodivergent but not to the same extent, frequency, or intensity as experienced by neurodivergent individuals. ~ 80%
I would be interested to hear your feedback. Does this represent your view of neurodiversity? Are the descriptions helpful? Are they accurate?