Neurodiversity and Neurodivergence are terms that refer to different aspects of human brain development and functioning, particularly concerning neurological differences.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is a concept that views the diversity of human brains and their functioning as natural and valuable. It recognizes that people have different cognitive styles, ways of thinking, and neurological developments, all of which are part of a broad spectrum of normal human variation.
The neurodiversity movement advocates for seeing neurological differences not (only) as deficits but as different ways of experiencing and interacting with the world. It calls for inclusion, acceptance, and the adaptation of society and institutions to support these differences.
What is Neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence refers to the state or quality of deviating neurologically from typical development. A person who is neurodivergent has a brain that functions in a way that differs from the so-called “neurotypical” standards.
The term is often used to describe the differences and challenges neurodivergent individuals face in a society that is frequently geared toward neurotypical needs and expectations.
What is the difference between Neurodiversity and Neurodivergence?
Both terms play an important role in discussions of inclusion, acceptance, and understanding of different cognitive styles and neurological conditions. However, there are differences:
- Neurodiversity (noun) and neurodiverse (adjective) celebrate the variety of neurological developments as part of the human spectrum.
- Neurodivergence (noun) and neurodivergent (adjective) describe neurological deviations from the norm.
What types of Neurodivergence exist?
There are probably countless ways in which a person can be neurodivergent. The following list is therefore not exhaustive but includes some of the most common categories, diagnoses, and concepts considered neurodivergent.
- Autism or ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
- ADHD or ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyscalculia
- Tourette syndrome
- HSP (Highly Sensitive Person)
- Bipolar disorder
- BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder)
- Schizophrenia
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
- Giftedness
- Synesthesia
- Alexithymia
Why do we need communities for neurodivergent people?
Neurodivergent people often experience a lack of understanding from neurotypical individuals. This can negatively impact self-esteem and mental health. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can help strengthen self-worth and foster a sense of connection and security.
Who is the Neurodivergent Zurich community for?
The Neurodivergent Zurich community is for people who identify as neurodivergent – whether they have an official diagnosis, are self-diagnosed, or are still unsure about it.
Most members are adults who have been diagnosed later in life and who live in the Canton of Zurich.
