What is Neurodivergence?
A gentle guide from a neurodivergent coach
If you've heard the word neurodivergent and thought, “Wait… is that me?” — you're not alone. Also I would be a millionaire if I had a dollar for every time people asked me, “What does neurodivergent mean? What is it?”
Let’s break it down, without the jargon or judgment. Whether you're exploring your own brain, supporting someone else, or just curious, this is a safe space to learn.
Neurodivergence 101: The Basics
Neurodivergence simply means that a person’s brain functions differently from what's considered “typical” or “neurotypical.”
It's a term that describes how people naturally think, learn, feel, and experience the world in a variety of ways.
Neurodivergence isn’t “bad” or “broken”—it’s just different.
Types of Neurodivergence Can Include:
Autism
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Dyscalculia
Tourette’s Syndrome
Sensory Processing Differences
Mental health conditions (like OCD, anxiety, or bipolar disorder—though this is sometimes debated depending on the context)
Not everyone uses the label “neurodivergent” for the same things—and that’s okay. It’s a personal, evolving identity for many people.
What Does It Feel Like to Be Neurodivergent?
There’s no one way it looks—but here are a few common threads:
Needing more time to process information or emotions
Thinking in pictures, patterns, or non-linear ways
Feeling overwhelmed by sensory input (like lights, sounds, or textures)
Having strong interests or passions that others don’t always understand
Struggling with tasks that seem “easy” to others—but excelling in areas that others find difficult
Some of us mask (hide or suppress our traits) to fit into a neurotypical world, which can lead to exhaustion and burnout.
So... Am I Neurodivergent?
If traditional ways of thinking, learning, or functioning don’t feel natural to you—and you’ve spent a lot of time wondering why—there’s a good chance you might be.
You don’t need a diagnosis to be valid.
You don’t need to prove anything to claim this space.
You’re allowed to explore what fits and what doesn’t—on your own timeline.
Neurodivergent People Thrive With:
Environments that honor differences, not punish them
Flexible approaches to learning and working
Permission to be authentic (not just “productive”)
Connection with others who “get it”
A Final Thought:
Neurodivergence isn’t a flaw in the system— It’s a sign that the system needs to evolve to include all kinds of minds. You are not too much. You are not broken. You are exactly the kind of brilliant this world needs.
Stick around—more posts are coming on specific types of neurodivergence, how to thrive as your authentic self, and ways to build a life that works for your brain, not against it.
With care,
A proud neurodivergent coach
