What Does Neurodiversity Mean?

Neurodiversity describes variation in human brains and neurological development across the population.

People naturally differ in how they think, learn, communicate, process information, experience sensory information and regulate attention and emotions.

Neurodiversity therefore describes variation across people as a whole. It is not a diagnosis.

There is no single official definition of neurodiversity, and the terminology continues to develop. (National Autistic Society)

What Does Neurodivergence Mean?

Neurodivergence is a non-diagnostic term used to describe neurological development or functioning that differs from what is considered typical or predominant.

It is important to distinguish this from clinical diagnosis.

Neurodivergence is not itself a diagnosis, and there is no single nationally or internationally agreed definition of the term. NHS England recognises that its meaning and use continue to evolve. (NHS England)

The term is commonly used when discussing neurodevelopmental differences including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and Tourette syndrome.

What Does Neurodivergent Mean?

Neurodivergent is used to describe an individual whose neurological development or functioning differs from what is considered typical.

People have different preferences for how they describe themselves. Some people identify as neurodivergent, while others prefer to use their diagnosis or another term.

Respecting an individual's preferred language is an important part of person-centred practice. RCOT recognises the importance of respecting people's individual preferences around language. (Royal College of Occupational Therapists)

What Does Neurotypical Mean?

Neurotypical is generally used to describe a person whose neurological development and functioning broadly align with what is considered typical or predominant.

It does not mean that someone has no difficulties, disability or mental health needs.

The term relates specifically to neurological development and functioning; it does not describe intelligence, personality or character.

What Does Neurodiverse Mean?

Neurodiverse is generally used to describe a group of people with different neurotypes.

For example, a group containing neurotypical and neurodivergent people may be described as neurodiverse.

When describing an individual, neurodivergent is generally the more appropriate term. Current UK Government guidance recommends this usage. (GOV.UK)

The Terms at a Glance

Is Neurodiversity the Same as Neurodivergence?

No.

Neurodiversity describes variation across the population.

Neurodivergence describes neurological difference from what is considered typical or predominant.

In simple terms:

Neurodiversity describes the variation.
Neurodivergence describes an individual's neurological difference.

Is Neurodivergence a Diagnosis?

Neurodivergence is not a clinical diagnosis.

Conditions such as autism and ADHD have established diagnostic criteria and require appropriate clinical assessment when diagnosis is being considered.

Neurodivergence is a broader term that may be used alongside, rather than instead of, clinical diagnosis. (NHS England)

Can Someone Be Neurodivergent Without a Diagnosis?

Some people identify as neurodivergent without having received a formal diagnosis.

This may be relevant for someone who is exploring their neurodevelopment, is awaiting assessment, or has decided not to pursue formal diagnosis.

Self-identification and clinical diagnosis are not the same thing. However, a person's occupational needs can exist regardless of whether they have a formal diagnosis.

RCOT states that occupational therapy support should be available according to occupational need and should not depend on diagnosis. (Royal College of Occupational Therapists)

Does Neurodivergence Mean Disability?

Neurodivergence and disability are not the same thing.Some neurodivergent people experience significant disability and require substantial support. Others may experience fewer barriers in particular environments.

The impact of neurodivergence can also vary according to circumstances.

Sensory environments, communication, workload, social expectations, time pressures and access to appropriate adjustments can all influence a person's ability to participate.

This is why it is important to understand the individual within the context of their everyday life.

Why Does the Terminology Matter?

Language influences how people are understood.A description focused only on difficulties can overlook strengths, identity, preferences and lived experience.

At the same time, an exclusively positive description can fail to acknowledge disability, distress or significant support needs.

A neuro-affirming approach recognises the whole picture.

Difference can be respected while difficulties are addressed.

Strengths can be recognised while support needs are taken seriously.

A diagnosis can be clinically important without defining the whole person.

Neurodiversity and Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on participation in the activities and roles that are important to a person's life.

For neurodivergent adults, this may include:

• planning and organisation
• initiating and completing tasks
• establishing routines
• managing transitions
• sensory processing
• attention and regulation
• managing energy and fatigue
• self-care
• domestic activities
• work and education
• relationships and social participation
• leisure and meaningful activity
• independence

An Occupational therapist considers the relationship between the person, their occupation, and the environment.

This may identify opportunities to adapt an environment, modify an activity, develop practical strategies, establish supportive routines or consider reasonable adjustments.

RCOT identifies occupational performance, participation, sensory needs, executive functioning, routines and environmental adaptations as relevant areas within occupational therapy for neurodivergent adults. (Royal College of Occupational Therapists)

At Empower Neurodiversity

At Empower Neurodiversity, I use a person-centred, neuro-affirming and occupation-focused approach.

I take time to understand how an individual's neurotype interacts with their everyday occupations, environment, relationships, responsibilities and priorities.

This may include exploring executive functioning, sensory processing, routines, energy management, self-care, work, education, relationships or independence.

The starting point is understanding what is happening in everyday life and what matters to the individual.

From there, we can identify barriers, build on existing strengths and consider practical changes that support participation, wellbeing and quality of life.

In Summary

Neurodiversity describes variation in human brains and neurological development.

Neurodivergence is a non-diagnostic term describing neurological development or functioning that differs from what is considered typical or predominant.

Neurodivergent describes an individual.

Neurotypical describes an individual whose neurological development broadly aligns with what is considered typical.

Neurodiverse generally describes a group containing people with different neurotypes.

The terminology provides a useful framework, but understanding the individual remains central.

Their experience, occupations, environment, strengths, difficulties and priorities all matter.

Evidence and Further Reading

This information has been informed by current professional and UK guidance relating to neurodiversity and occupational therapy.

Royal College of Occupational Therapists - Adult Neurodiversity (Royal College of Occupational Therapists)

NHS England - guidance relating to neurodiversity and neurodivergence (NHS England)

GOV.UK - Inclusive language: words to use and avoid when writing about disability (GOV.UK)