A person without autism is often referred to by two common and related terms within the neurodiversity movement: allistic and neurotypical.
A neurodivergent person is someone whose brain functions, processes information, and behaves differently from what is considered "typical" or "standard," encompassing conditions like Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette's, etc., viewing these differences as natural variations rather than deficits, highlighting unique strengths and perspectives in a diverse world.
Instead, it's a way to describe people using words other than “normal” and “abnormal.” That's important because there's no single definition of “normal” for how the human brain works. The word for people who aren't neurodivergent is “neurotypical.”
What are the common signs of neurodivergence?
Non-autistic: A person who does not identify as Autistic; that non-autistic person may identify with another neurodivergence, however; also called “allistic”.
Around 90% of autism cases are attributed to genetic factors, meaning autism is highly heritable, with many different genes contributing, rather than a single cause, often interacting with environmental influences during early brain development, though specific environmental factors don't cause it but can increase risk. Twin studies show strong genetic links, with concordance rates between 60-90% in identical twins, and research points to complex interactions of many genes and prenatal/perinatal factors.
Yes, you can absolutely be neurodivergent and not autistic; neurodiversity is a broad umbrella term for natural variations in brain function that includes many conditions beyond autism, such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette's, OCD, and bipolar disorder. While autism is a type of neurodivergence, not all neurodivergent people are autistic, as neurodivergence encompasses many different ways of thinking, learning, and interacting with the world.
ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia all fall within the spectrum of “Neurodiversity” and are all neurodiverse conditions. Neuro-differences are recognised and appreciated as a social category similar to differences in ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or ability.
The "6-second rule" for autism is a communication strategy where a speaker pauses for about six seconds after asking a question or giving information, giving the autistic person extra time to process it without feeling rushed, which helps reduce anxiety and allows for a more thoughtful response, reducing frustration for both parties. Instead of repeating or rephrasing, which can be confusing, you wait, and if needed, repeat the exact same words after the pause.
Often children show symptoms of autism within the first year of life. A small number of children with the condition appear to develop as expected in the first year. Then between 18 and 24 months of age, they may lose some skills and develop autism symptoms.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
The symptoms of OCD, such as compulsive hand washing, cleaning or touching items like doorknobs, can resemble the repetitive motions of autism.
Technology and IT roles
Tech and IT roles are a fantastic fit for neurodivergent adults, thanks to their structured environments and clear, logical tasks. Many companies recognize the unique strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to these roles, making them a popular choice.
While neurotypical flirting often involves playful teasing or indirect hints, autistic individuals may be more straightforward in their compliments. They might say something like, “I really like the way you talk about history” or “You have a nice voice” without any hidden meaning.
Being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world can lead to challenges that may increase the risk of stress, anxiety or depression, and research indicates that neurodivergent people are more likely to experience mental health issues than neurotypical people.
Neurodivergent individuals often experience a range of sleep difficulties, including: Difficulty Falling Asleep: Sensory sensitivities, overactive thoughts, and difficulties with routine transitions can make it hard to wind down at night.
Authored by: Taylor Shaw, B.S. Technically, Bipolar Disorder is considered a neurodivergent condition. Neurodivergence is considered brain variation that is outside of society's norm, or neurotypical brain functions. A neurodivergent individual's brain function simply operates differently than the “normal” brain.
Children with autism may exhibit rigidity, inflexibility and certain types of repetitive behavior such as: Insistence on following a specific routine. Having difficulty accepting changes in the schedule. A strong preoccupation with a particular interest.
Chinning is a form of repetitive self-stimulatory behavior (stimming) that you may notice in children or adults with autism. It involves pressing, rubbing, or holding the chin against objects, surfaces, or even hands to gain sensory input or comfort.
In general, people who have an active lifestyle are much more emotionally resilient and focused. There also seems to be some evidence that physical exercise helps people with depression and ADHD, which are commonly co-occurring conditions with autism.
A Voice for the Neurodivergent Generation
Billie Eilish, a global superstar known for her distinctive musical style and emotional depth, has openly discussed her experiences with Tourette Syndrome, a condition that is part of the broader neurodiversity spectrum.
ADHD, a prevalent neurodivergent condition, affects millions globally. This neurodevelopmental disorder is characterized by challenges in maintaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all condition, and it can present differently in each individual.
Autism spectrum disorders and Williams syndrome are complex cognitive conditions exhibiting quite opposite features in the social domain: whereas people with autism spectrum disorders are mostly hyposocial, subjects with Williams syndrome are usually reported as hypersocial.
Pseudo-autism, a term coined by Kiyoshi Makita in 1964 (Makita, 1964), refers to conditions that are often mistaken for autism but are not genuinely autistic.
Here is a list celebrating some of the greatest neurodivergent minds of human history.
What NOT to Say to Someone with Autism