What is Neurodiversity?
By David Shoup | Uncategorized
Neurodiversity is a concept introduced in the 1990s by Australian sociologist Judy Singer. The term highlights the different ways people think, behave, and communicate.
Traditionally, conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, or autism were viewed only as deficits. The neurodiversity perspective shifts this, recognizing these as natural variations in the human genome. Rather than “faults,” they represent unique expressions of how minds can work.
Neurodiversity and Mental Health
Research shows higher rates of depression and anxiety among individuals diagnosed with autism, ADHD, or dyspraxia. Autism, for example, has been linked to increased risks of anxiety, mood disorders, OCD, and more—often connected to differences in dopamine regulation.
But depression and anxiety are not limited to neurodivergent individuals. They can affect anyone, regardless of diagnosis, which highlights the need for a broader understanding of brain–body–life interactions.
Beyond Labels
Narrow diagnostic categories don't fully capture the diverse ways cognitive differences show up in people's lives. Neurodiversity embraces this complexity, helping clinicians look beyond labels and focus instead on personalized approaches to treatment and care.
By acknowledging interconnectedness and avoiding one-size-fits-all diagnoses, we can create interventions that honor individuality and improve patient outcomes.