Neurodiversity is a term that has been around for a while and is used to refer to differences in the way an individuals brain works without attaching negativity or positivity to it, simply identifying that there is a difference. When people use the term neurodiversity or neurodivergent it could be in reference to a wide range of discrete (and often overlapping) differences with labels such as Dyslexia, ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Condition to name just a few.

Neurodiversity, as a concept, presumes that such conditions are not “abnormal” but just different. This viewpoint takes into account the many benefits to individuals and society of brains which work differently and produce original thoughts.  So having a brain that works differently is not necessarily good, it’s not necessarily bad, it’s just different and sometimes being different is good. for example, Leonardo da Vinci was different, as was Mohamad Ali and Richard Branson has done things differently and it’s worked out fairly well for him; the list of noteworthy proven or supposed neurodiverse individuals is very long indeed.

Neurodiversity is not just a politically correct term or “rebranding”. It has a basis in science where numerous brain imaging studies have shown that the brains of those who have a learning difference actually work in different ways. So all of us are unique individuals and our brains are all unique, some are just a bit more different than others. So let’s celebrate our differences and all the advantages they bring!