Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is a term that emphasises the natural variation in neurological and psychological development and functioning. It covers a wide range of developmental differences that influence how people think, learn and interact with their environment. The term makes clear that there is no single ‘normal’ way of experiencing the world, and that these variations are just as natural as other forms of human diversity, such as ethnic and cultural differences. Neurodiversity is a property of a group. So a person cannot be neurodiverse, just as nobody is biodiverse on their own.

The term was introduced in the 1990s by the Australian sociologist Judy Singer, who is herself on the autism spectrum.

Neurodivergence

Neurodivergent is the word for the individual. Someone is neurodivergent when their development, in the interplay between psyche and nervous system, clearly differs from what counts as neurotypical in a particular environment. The term was coined around 2000 by the autism rights activist Kassiane Asasumasu. Neurodivergent is relative and situational. What deviates in one context, culture or situation can fall within the norm in another context, with the right adjustments. It is not a diagnosis and not a fixed label. Anyone who recognises themselves in, for example, the autism spectrum, the ADHD spectrum or dyslexia can call themselves neurodivergent. A DSM classification is not needed for that.

The difference between neurodiversity and neurodivergence

Neurodiversity:

• Meaning: The concept that neurological and psychological differences in development are natural and valuable.
• Breadth: Covers all forms of neurological and psychological diversity, including both neurotypical and neurodivergent people.
• Focus: Is about recognising and valuing all variations in neurological and mental development.

Neurodivergence:

• Meaning: An individual whose development clearly differs from what counts as neurotypical in a particular context. That is relative and situational.
• Specific: Is about the individual, not the group. It is not a diagnosis: recognising yourself in, for example, the autism or ADHD spectrum is enough, a DSM classification is not needed.
• Focus: Emphasises the differences and unique needs of these individuals without labelling them as pathological.

The importance of neurodiversity

The concept of neurodiversity has led to a movement that argues for more understanding and acceptance of mental diversity. This movement has been successful in changing how neurodivergent people are perceived, with the emphasis on their strengths and unique perspectives instead of their limitations.

Neurodiversity offers an alternative to the traditional medical approach, which focuses on diagnosing and treating deviations. Instead, it recognises the value of diversity and encourages adjustments that make the inclusion and participation of neurodivergent people in society possible.

The neurodiversity spectrum

Neurodiversity is best seen as a spectrum, with different expressions and intensities of neurological and psychological characteristics that can vary over time and by context. This approach avoids the trap of rigid categories and recognises the dynamic and contextual nature of human development.

Conclusion

Neurodiversity is a powerful concept that helps us to value the rich variation in human psychological and neurological development. By putting the emphasis on inclusion and on valuing this diversity, we can create a society that is better able to recognise and use the unique contributions of all individuals. Neurodivergence offers an important lens for understanding how specific developmental differences show themselves, and how we can support and celebrate them instead of pathologising them.

In this chapter

• How do you recognise neurodivergence?
• Mental distress belongs to all of us
• The 7 dimensions of neurodiversity
• Neurodiversity in 7 dimensions
• Forms of neurodiversity: the ADHD spectrum, the autism spectrum, high sensitivity and giftedness
• Care needs and neurodiversity
• Autism calls for recognition, not a cure
• High sensitivity is not a disorder
• The disease model in mental health care can make you ill
• Support and neurodiversity: work, care and life
• Vulnerability in young people
• Young people and mental health
• Check your neurodiversity profile

Prof. dr. Jim van Os, Chair Division Neuroscience, Utrecht University Medical Centre. Jim works at the interface of ‘hard’ brain science, health services research, art and subjective experiences of people with ‘lived experience’ in mental healthcare. 

Jim has been appearing on the Thomson-Reuter Web of Science list of ‘most influential scientific minds of our time’ since 2014. In 2014 he published his book ‘Beyond DSM-5‘, and in 2016 the book ‘Good Mental Health Care’. In 2026 he published 'Wat psychisch lijden is'.

Want to read more?

Blogs by Jim van Os can be read here

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