These are the dimensions of neurodiversity

Here are the 7 main dimensions of neurodiversity:

1. Cognitive processes

Cognitive processes cover everything that has to do with thinking and learning. This ranges from memory and problem-solving to how quickly and efficiently we process information. For example:

• Attention and concentration: How well can you concentrate and keep your attention on something?
• Memory: How well can you remember things, in both the short and the long term?
• Problem-solving: How do you come up with solutions to challenges and problems?

2. Emotional processes

Emotional processes are about how we experience and express emotions. This includes:

• Emotion regulation: How well can you manage and regulate your emotions?
• Emotional reactivity: How intensely and quickly do you react to emotional stimuli?
• Empathy: How well can you put yourself in the emotions of others?

3. Behavioural processes

Behavioural processes describe how we behave, both internally (within ourselves) and externally (towards others). This can range from impulsivity to motivation:

• Impulsivity: How often do you act without thinking first?
• Motivation: What drives you to take action?
• Decision-making: How do you make decisions, especially under pressure?

4. Social processes

Social processes concern how we deal with others and how we interpret social signals. This includes:

• Empathy and sociability: How easily do you make friends and keep up social contacts?
• Self-image and self-esteem: How do you see yourself and how do you value yourself?
• Identity and conscientiousness: How do you define yourself and how responsible are you?

5. Body awareness and interoception

Interoception stands for experiencing internal stimuli. This dimension is about how we perceive and understand our own body, including internal signals such as hunger and pain:

• Body awareness: How aware are you of your own body and its signals?
• Interoception: How well can you perceive internal signals such as hunger, thirst and pain?

6. Alertness and responsiveness

This has to do with our energy level and how alert we are. This includes:

• Alertness: How vigilant and attentive are you?
• Stress sensitivity: How do you react to stressful situations?
• Energy level: How much energy do you have during the day?

7. Sensorimotor systems and exteroception

This dimension describes how we perceive external stimuli (exteroception) and how we respond to them:

• Sensory perception: How do you process sensory information such as sounds, smells and touch?
• Motor responses: How do you respond physically to your environment, for example in sport or dance?

Why are these dimensions important?

By understanding neurodiversity through these different dimensions, we can see better how unique everyone is. It helps us to offer suitable support and adjustments in education, work and daily life. It also makes clear that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and that these variations should be seen as natural and valuable differences, not as ‘deviations’.

At PsychosisNet we aim to share these insights and so contribute to a more inclusive and understanding society. Whether you are neurodivergent yourself or know someone who is, understanding these dimensions can help to create a more supportive and empathic environment.

Read more in Neurodiversity in 7 dimensions, or map your own profile with 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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