Am I neurodivergent?

If you've been wondering if you might be neurodivergent, you're not alone. In fact, it's estimated that about 15–20 per cent of the world's population is neurodivergent. While it may feel scary or overwhelming even to ask this question about yourself, it can be helpful to have an understanding of what neurodivergence is.

What does ‘neurodivergent’ mean?

‘Neurodivergent’ is a non-medical term used to describe people whose brains function differently from what's considered ‘typical’ in the mainstream. Neurodivergence itself isn’t a condition that can be diagnosed. It’s more a term used to describe the natural variations in how our brains work. In the same way that we all look different on the outside, our brains can be wired differently, too. 

What does ‘neurotypical’ mean?

On the flip side, the term ‘neurotypical’ refers to people whose cognitive and social behaviours fall within what society considers usual or typical. But remember: being neurotypical doesn't mean being ‘normal’ – it just means being part of the majority in terms of how your brain functions.

What are the signs of neurodivergence in young adults?

Neurodivergence isn't a diagnosable condition; rather, it’s an umbrella term that covers many different conditions and identities. There aren't necessarily 'symptoms' or 'signs' of neurodivergence, but many conditions under the neurodiverse umbrella do share common signs, symptoms and traits. 

It’s important to understand that if you relate to some of the common signs of neurodivergent identities, it doesn't automatically mean you're neurodivergent. Many neurodivergent conditions are considered to have spectrums, as a lot of the common symptoms can be part of the usual growing-up experience. 

Here are some common signs and symptoms of neurodivergent identities:

Thinking and processing

• Focus is hit or miss. You either can't concentrate on boring stuff (difficulty focusing) or you get super obsessed with things you love (hyperfocus).

• Getting stuff done is a struggle. Planning, organising and managing time all feel like next-level challenges.

• Information processing is difficult. This could mean you process information more slowly, find verbal instructions confusing, or struggle with visual or auditory comprehension.

• You repeat certain behaviours or movements, or you say certain phrases, over and over (aka ‘stimming’).

Sensory sensitivities

• Your senses are on overdrive. Certain sounds, lights, textures or smells can be way too intense.

Communication and interactions

• Social stuff is confusing. You may struggle to ‘read’ the room or to make friends, or you may feel that people just don't ‘get’ you.

• You communicate differently. Maybe you prefer texting to talking, or you take things literally, or you have trouble understanding sarcasm and idioms. 

• You notice that you often ‘mask’ or hide your true self in order to fit in, which can sometimes feel like you’re pretending to be someone you’re not.

Situational stressors

• Changes in your routine really stress you out. When things don't go as planned, it can seriously mess with your mindset.

• Emotions feel like a rollercoaster. You might have big feelings that are hard to handle or you get stressed out easily.

How can I find out if I'm neurodivergent?

Understanding if you’re neurodivergent starts with knowing what condition best describes your behaviours, traits and experiences. That doesn’t always mean getting an official diagnosis, but it does mean talking to a health professional like a GP or psychologist. 

Using resources (e.g. online quizzes or videos from content creators) to put a name to your symptoms can be really helpful at the start of your journey. However, self-diagnosing and self-medicating can be dangerous if your own research leads you to make choices that differ from what a professional would recommend.

If you think you might be neurodivergent, then, in addition to doing your own research, it's best to talk to a doctor or counsellor. They can help you figure out what's going on, suggest some next steps and help you find ways to make things easier.

What is the process for getting a neurodiverse condition diagnosed?

The process for getting diagnosed for a type, or types, of neurodivergent condition differs slightly, depending on your age and the condition for which you’re seeking a diagnosis. It can be expensive, and there are often long wait times to see specialists, so it’s a good idea to seek help from other support systems while you’re waiting. The process usually follow these steps: 

1. Chat with your GP

The first step is usually to chat with your GP. Your general practitioner can help to point you in the right direction, depending on what’s going on for you. Don't get discouraged if it takes a while to find the right GP. Keep looking until you find a professional who truly understands and supports you. Remember, your GP is there to help you.

2. Get a referral

If your GP thinks it's a good idea to explore further, they'll give you a referral to see a specialist who can help with a diagnosis. Depending on your symptoms, they might refer you to a:

• psychiatrist

• psychologist

• paediatrician 

• multidisciplinary team (a group of different specialists who work together).

3. Wait for your appointment

There can be a bit of a wait to see a specialist. Wait times can vary depending on where you live and what kind of specialist you're seeing. It could be a few weeks, or it might be several months. If the wait feels too long, you can always check back with your GP or visit a counsellor. It’s important that you feel supported along your diagnosis journey. 

4. The assessment process

When you get to see the specialist, they'll do a thorough assessment. This usually involves:

• interviews with you (and maybe your parents/guardians or friends if you’re over 18)

• questionnaires about your experiences and behaviours

• observations of how you interact and communicate

• cognitive or educational assessments – don't worry, these aren't like school tests.

The whole process might take a few sessions spread out over several weeks or even months. It's not a quick in-and-out thing, but that's because the specialist wants to get a really good understanding of how your brain works.

5. Getting your results

After all the assessments are done, there should be another appointment to discuss your results. This appointment should help to explain:

• whether you meet the criteria for a neurodivergent condition

• what this means for you

• what kinds of support or strategies may be helpful.

If you do get diagnosed, your specialist will probably suggest some next steps. These might include:

• therapy or counselling

• strategies to help at school or work

• support groups

• medication (if necessary, depending on the diagnosis).

Self-identification

If you think you might be neurodivergent but don't have an official diagnosis, that's okay! Your experiences are valid whether or not you’ve received a diagnosis. Many people identify as neurodivergent before they get a formal diagnosis. This is called self-identification. 

Getting diagnosed can be expensive and time-consuming, so self-identifying might be the only valid option for some people. It can help you to understand yourself better and to find useful strategies. 

There is a difference, however, between self-identifying and self-diagnosing.

Self-identifying is usually done with the help of a doctor or counsellor, who then provides strategies to manage the impacts of the neurodiverse condition. There is no confirmed diagnosis of a condition; it’s more an acknowledgement of your symptoms and experiences. 

Self-diagnosing is deciding that you have a medical condition without confirming it with an official diagnosis. This may lead to making health decisions based on an assumption, which can be dangerous.

Remember, you know yourself best. If you feel strongly that you're neurodivergent, it's okay to identify that way. However, it’s best not to self-diagnose your condition. If you're really struggling with daily life, school or relationships, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor or counsellor. They can help you to find support, whether you end up with a formal diagnosis or not.

Self-help strategies

Self-help strategies for neurodivergent identities can be help you manage daily challenges. These might include creating a structured routine to help with organisation, using sensory tools to manage overstimulation, practising mindfulness techniques for stress relief, ensuring you eat nutritious meals (and remembering to eat!), or engaging in hobbies that align with your interests and strengths. 

Building a toolbox of personalised coping mechanisms can help you to navigate your unique experiences more effectively and boost your confidence in handling various situations. 

What are some different types of neurodivergent conditions and identities?

There’s a wide range of neurodivergent conditions and identities. They include:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that includes challenges in social communication, repetitive behaviours and sensory processing. Autism is considered a spectrum because the traits and level of support needed can vary widely from person to person.

• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and involves a range of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. ADHD affects executive functions, which means things like managing thoughts, behaviours and emotions, and may also include struggling with being organised, staying focused and controlling impulses. 

• Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects a person’s reading and language processing. People with dyslexia may have trouble with reading fluently, recognising words and with spelling.

• Dyscalculia is a learning difficulty related to understanding and doing mathematical tasks. People with dyscalculia may struggle with number recognition, arithmetic operations and recalling mathematical facts.

• Dyspraxia affects motor coordination and planning. People with dyspraxia may struggle with tasks such as writing or playing sports.

• Tourette’s Syndrome is a tic disorder that usually begins in childhood and is characterised by involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalisations. 

Don't be afraid to learn more about neurodiversity and to seek support if you need it. Your brain is uniquely yours, and understanding how it works can be a really empowering journey!