The 5 forms of neurodiversity
Explore several forms of neurodivergence presented on the site.
Explore →Neurodivergence · Understanding your functioning
Am I neurotypical or neurodivergent?
Persistently feeling out of step, constantly having to adapt, or noticing that you do not think, feel or learn like most people can lead you to wonder whether you are neurodivergent.
Video in French. The article below is available in English.
One word, many different ways of functioning
“Neurodivergent” can be used broadly within a neurodiversity perspective: the aim is to understand the nature of a person’s difference and how it can become more of a strength and less of a source of distress, without reducing them to a label.
Neurotypical or neurodivergent?
The term neurodivergent was developed within the autistic community to describe people with a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome or another Autism Spectrum Disorder. Over the years, neurodivergent has acquired a broader meaning (with 5 main forms), encompassing people with a specific learning or developmental disorder (dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, etc.), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, High Potential or another neurological difference. Neurotypical (NT) refers to everyone else.
Neurodivergence: when difference becomes a strength!
People whose neurological functioning differs from the norm are often stigmatised. Their differences are seen as abnormalities, deficits or disabilities. The more these differences (such as the 20 differences of people with Asperger syndrome) distinguish a person from neurotypical functioning, the more they are viewed as flaws. Talking about neurodiversity helps these differences gain recognition and acceptance. The neurological variability of the human species is an extraordinary asset that should be allowed to express itself as freely as possible. How many neurodivergent people still have to adapt excessively and bend over backwards to meet expectations that simply do not suit them?
A case for neurodiversity
Yes, many differences, such as branching way of thinking or emotional hypersensitivity in gifted people, creativity in people with attention difficulties, or sensory hypersensitivity and the specific interests of some autistic people, are real talents and assets. Yes, a world that accepts and values neurodivergence, where everyone can be exceptional in their own way, is much more creative, innovative and far less conformist.
A neuropsychological assessment to identify your neurodivergence
The neuropsychological assessment makes it possible to identify neurodivergent functioning. Diagnosis is a necessary first step, but it is not sufficient on its own. The next step is to embrace your difference so that it becomes as much a source of fulfilment as possible and as little a source of psychological distress as possible. Sometimes psychotherapy is needed.
High Emotional Potential: a neurodivergent form of functioning
Although there is no real consensus on which types of neurological functioning are neurodivergent (are people with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anorexia or bulimia neurodivergent? Do all mental health conditions express neurodivergent functioning?), High Emotional Potential is undoubtedly a neurodivergent characteristic. The profound sense of difference associated with very high emotional intelligence clearly represents a form of neurodiversity.
Frequently asked questions
Why do we talk about neurodiversity?
A neurological difference can also come with talents and resources; it deserves to be understood rather than simply brought into line with the norm.
How can I explore possible neurodivergence?
An assessment can help identify the relevant form of functioning and then help you embrace that difference.
Are you finally seeking to understand why you feel out of step?
Giftedness, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD or another form of functioning: the first step is to explore the possibilities that actually fit your experience.
