Neurodiversity and mental health

This article is part of a series on neurodiversity and mental health. In this piece, we talk about what neurodiversity and neurodivergence mean. 

Neurodiversity is the idea that people’s brains work in different ways. It challenges the belief that everyone’s brain should work the same way. If someone’s brain works differently, it doesn’t mean that this is a problem which needs to be fixed.

Neurodivergence is the term used to describe the way a person’s brain works and how they experience the world. Examples of neurodivergence are autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD for short, dyslexia, dyscalculia and Tourette’s syndrome. Some people also see dementia and Alzheimer’s, and epilepsy, as kinds of neurodivergence.

What’s normal?

There may be no such a thing as a typical brain or way to experience the world. But people with neurodivergence may experience challenges which are different from other people’s.

Instead of seeing a person as having a disability, or in need of change, neurodiversity helps us to see that we can change the environment, and that neurodivergence can give a person unique resources, strengths and advantages.

At the same time, some people with neurodivergence may need extra support. For example, many people with autism live independent lives and do well in jobs that use their strengths. But others may struggle with basic tasks and need help to take care of themselves.

What this means for mental health

People with neurodivergence may face challenges with their mental health. One review of 96 studies found that adults with autism are more likely to experience difficulties with sleep, anxiety and depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and other mental health difficulties. Another review of 13 studies found that this is also the case for children and teenagers with autism. Fewer studies have been done for ADHD, but research has found that people with traits or a diagnosis of ADHD are also more at risk of experiencing mental ill health. Nonetheless, when the environment is supportive of the ways in which people with neurodivergence experience the world, they are less likely to face barriers to meeting their needs, and more likely to be able to secure good mental health.

The mental health continuum

At Suffolk Mind, we see mental health as existing along a continuum or a spectrum. Where we are on the Mental Health Continuum depends upon how well we are meeting emotional needs to feel safe; in control of our lives; to share attention, connect to others and the wider community; to have privacy and time out; and to feel that our lives have meaning & purpose.

This means that we need to live, work, play and study in environments which allow us to meet these emotional needs. So, it can be helpful to think about ways we can change the environment to support people with neurodivergence. We also need to know how to use our resources to meet those needs.

Articles in this series will also look at ways in which neurodivergence can shape people’s resources, including attention and empathy, and how there are different ways to find social connection, purpose and belonging.