What’s the difference between neurotypical and neurodivergent?

Key Takeaways

The term “neurodivergent” describes the experience of someone whose brain works differently than the majority. It does not mean that the person is abnormal or that they have a cognitive deficit.

The term “neurotypical” is used to describe the experience of someone whose brain works similarly to most people. Most environments, like schools and workplaces, were built to meet the needs of neurotypical people.

By increasing our understanding of neurodiversity, we can advocate for ourselves and each other in ways that celebrate our differences.

If you’ve heard the terms “neurodivergent” and “neurotypical” and wondered what they really mean, you’re not alone. These words have become more common in casual conversations in recent years. At a high level, they are used to acknowledge that no two human brains work in the exact same way.

Just as we all have different physical characteristics, the same is true for our brains. For example, people are born with different eye colors, and some eye colors are more common than others across populations. Just as we wouldn’t view a person with green eyes as any less capable than a person with brown eyes, the same is true for brain differences.

But regardless of eye color, some people need glasses or contact lenses to see better. Similarly, some neurodivergent people benefit from various accommodations to help them navigate challenges and maximize their talents.

What does neurodivergent mean?

Neurodivergent is an umbrella term for people whose minds may work a bit differently than the majority of the population. It specifically describes the experience of people living with conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and dyslexia.

Symptoms of these conditions can create certain challenges as well as strengths. They may also impact the way a person sees themselves and the world around them. But by increasing our understanding of these differences, we can create a more welcoming, affirming world for people of all abilities.

What does neurotypical mean?

The term “neurotypical” refers to people whose brains work in what we consider “typical” or common ways. While neurotypical people can experience mental health challenges, they don’t usually need special accommodations to reach their potential at work or school. This is because these environments were often designed with them in mind.

Some neurotypical people assume that everyone experiences the world as they do. But fortunately, this is changing thanks to increased awareness around neurodiversity.

What causes a person to present as neurotypical versus neurodivergent?

The terms “neurotypical” and “neurodivergent” are not medical or mental health diagnoses. So we have limited information on what causes someone to fall into one of these categories. However, we know that some genetic, environmental, and developmental factors can influence brain function. For example, certain health concerns often accompany neurodivergence. These are called co-occurring conditions or comorbidities and may include:

Dyspraxia
Sleep problems like insomnia
Depression
Anxiety
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Learning differences
Epilepsy
Difficulty with flexibility and joint stiffness
Skin that easily stretches or bruises
Recurring digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation

Also, if you have one form of neurodivergence, you’re more likely to have other co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions. For example, if you have autism, you have a higher chance of having ADHD as well.

Each person living with one of these conditions will have a different experience. And when they accompany symptoms of neurodivergence, different people will need different types of support.

Effective neurotypical versus neurodivergent therapies

Research shows that both neurotypical and neurodivergent people can benefit from therapy. For example, some evidence suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) may be effective in supporting neurodiverse individuals.

But remember, being either neurotypical or neurodivergent does not mean you have a deficit. Neurodivergence is not a condition that requires treatment. Rather, what’s most important is finding a mental health professional who can tailor the therapeutic experience to your unique needs. If you have a co-occurring mental health condition and require support, you deserve treatment that honors the ways neurodiversity may shape your experience.

That said, we know that some neurodivergent people have trouble organizing their thoughts, relating to others, and expressing their feelings verbally. This can make it more difficult for them to process abstract concepts and describe their experience in traditional ways. So providers who work with neurodivergent people will adapt their approach based on each client’s strengths and challenges.

Remember, whether you identify as neurotypical or neurodivergent, you deserve a therapeutic experience that reflects your preferences and abilities. A neurodiversity-affirming therapist will want to collaborate on creating a treatment plan that works for you.

You can play an active role in the process with the following tips:

Seek someone with experience working with neurodivergent people. Ask prospective therapists about their experience working with neurodivergent people. They should be able to describe how they customize the experience with neurodiversity in mind.
Speak up about your comfort. Request a change if something in the physical environment of your therapist’s office or virtual presence makes you uncomfortable (some people with sensory sensitivities may prefer lower light or a quieter space).
Express your communication style. Let your therapist know your preferred communication style. Many neurodivergent people benefit from clear, consistent communication along with visual aids to demonstrate more abstract concepts.
Ask for appointment and time reminders. See if your therapist offers digital reminders (via email or text) about upcoming appointments if you tend to lose track of time. You can also ask them to give you a heads-up when you’re nearing the end of a session.
Remember that you set the pace. Know that you get to set the pace of treatment. If things feel like they’re moving either too fast or too slow, let your therapist know.
Bring your interests into your sessions. Don’t shy away from talking about your interests. Talking about your passions can help your therapist look for ways to incorporate them into your sessions.
Give your therapist feedback. Let them know what’s working and what’s not. Therapy is a collaborative experience, and you’re the true expert on yourself. A good therapist will want to know if there are changes they can make to make the experience better for you.

Find care with Rula

Whether you consider yourself a neurodivergent or neurotypical person, you deserve care that reflects the way you view yourself and engage with the world around you.

At Rula, we know how important it is to find the right therapist for your needs. So we built our therapist-matching program to streamline the search and help you find a provider who takes your insurance in just a few clicks. And if you need medication management services, we can also help you find psychiatric care in your network. With Rula, you can get access to personalized, collaborative care as soon as tomorrow.