Every person’s brain is unique. We all think, learn and act differently. We all have different strengths and face different challenges. The term ‘neurodiversity’ is used to explain the concept that our brains all work differently.
People with conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia, anxiety and Tourette’s syndrome are sometimes referred to as neurodivergent people, whether diagnosed or as yet undiagnosed. The term neurodivergent simply means that your brain works differently to what may be considered ‘typical’.
The term ‘neurotypical’ refers to someone whose brain – the way their brain works – falls within the society standards of what is considered ‘typical’.
It’s thought that around 15 per cent of children and young people in Devon have a neuro diverse diagnosis, or neuro diverse needs as yet undiagnosed, equating to at least 30,000 children and young people across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.
The language around neurodiversity is evolving and sometimes people may use different terms to those we’ve outlined here or use them in a slightly different way.