What Does Neurodivergent Mean?

Neurodivergence describes brains that function differently from society’s typical standards (“neurotypical”). Coined by sociologist Judy Singer in 1998, it’s not a medical diagnosis but a social identity framework celebrating neurological differences.

Common Neurotypes Include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia
• Tourette Syndrome
• Sensory Processing Disorder

Key Insight: 15-20% of people are neurodivergent (CDC). Differences in information processing, social interaction, or sensory experiences ≠ deficits.

The Neurodiversity Paradigm: Core Principles

1.    Strength-Based Approach:

• ADHD: Hyperfocus, creativity, crisis management
• Autism: Pattern recognition, attention to detail
• Dyslexia: Spatial reasoning, big-picture thinking

2. Rejects “Cure” Narratives: Focuses on accommodation, not normalization.
3. Intersectionality: Overlaps with LGBTQ+, disability, and racial justice movements.

5 Recommended Activities by Neurotype (Evidence-Based)

1. For ADHD: Movement-Integrated Tasks

• Why: Physical activity boosts dopamine for focus.
• Activities:
  • “Walking meetings” for discussions
  • Fidget tools + audiobooks during seated work
  • High-intensity interval training (HIIT) for emotional regulation
• Science: 30 mins exercise improves focus for 2+ hours (Journal of Attention Disorders).

2. For Autism: Structured Sensory Engagement

• Why: Predictability reduces anxiety; sensory input aids self-regulation.
• Activities:
  • Weighted blanket sessions (20 mins)
  • Repetitive crafts: Knitting, LEGO building
  • Nature “solitude walks” in low-stimulus environments
• Pro Tip: Use visual schedules via apps like Choiceworks.

3. For Dyslexia: Multi-Sensory Learning

• Why: Engages visual, auditory, and tactile pathways.
• Activities:
  • Audiobook + physical book pairing
  • Color-coded mind mapping (try MindNode)
  • Clay/play-dough letter shaping for spelling
• Expert Tool: OpenDyslexic font reduces reading errors by 35% (British Dyslexia Association).

4. For Sensory Processing Differences: Calibration Spaces

• Why: Prevents overload in overstimulating environments.
• Activities:
  • Noise-canceling headphones + micro-breaks
  • “Sensory bins” with rice/beans for tactile grounding
  • Dim-light rooms with lava lamps for visual regulation

5. Universal Neurodivergent-Friendly Practices

• Stim Freedom: Allow rocking, pacing, or vocal stims without judgment.
• Interest-Based Projects: Deep dive into special interests (e.g., coding, dinosaur research).
• Co-Regulation: Partner activities like parallel drawing.

Activity Comparison Table

What Not to Do: Harmful Myths Debunked

• Forced “Normalization: ABA therapy to suppress stimming is linked to PTSD (Developmental Psychology).
• One-Size-Fits-All: Not all autistic people enjoy puzzles; not all ADHDers love sports.
• Ignoring Sensory Needs: Fluorescent lights or loud spaces cause physical pain for many.

Professional Support Pathways

• Occupational Therapy: Sensory integration strategies
• Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapists: Find via Psychology Todayfilters
• Community: Groups like Autism Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN)
• Workplace Accommodations: Flexible hours, noise control (ADA protected)

The Bottom Line

Neurodivergent brains process the world uniquely—this is natural variation, not brokenness. Focus on accommodations (not “fixes”), leverage strengths, and let interests guide activities.

“The question isn’t how to make neurodivergent people ‘fit in,’ but how to reshape environments to fit them.” — Dr. Nick Walker, Autistic Academic