Neurodiversity
Neurodivergence refers to variations in neurological functioning that diverge from what is considered typical or "neurotypical." While there is no single, universally agreed-upon list, neurodivergent disorders generally include conditions that affect cognition, behavior, perception, or social functioning.
1. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) (controversial as a separate diagnosis)
Asperger’s Syndrome (outdated term, now part of ASD)
2. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD (Predominantly Inattentive Type)
ADHD (Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type)
ADHD (Combined Type)
3. Learning Disabilities & Processing Disorders
Dyslexia (difficulty with reading and language processing)
Dyscalculia (difficulty with math and numerical processing)
Dysgraphia (difficulty with writing and fine motor skills)
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Visual Processing Disorder (VPD)
Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD)
4. Intellectual Disabilities
Global Developmental Delay
Down Syndrome
Fragile X Syndrome
Williams Syndrome
Prader-Willi Syndrome
5. Communication Disorders
Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
Speech Sound Disorder
Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Selective Mutism
6. Tic Disorders
Tourette Syndrome
Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder
Provisional Tic Disorder
7. Mental Health Conditions Often Considered Neurodivergent
Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders
Schizophrenia
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Delusional Disorder
Mood Disorders with Neurological Features
Bipolar Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder (long-term cases cause atrophy in brain regions like the hippocampus)
Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder)
Anxiety & Related Conditions
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) (sometimes considered)
Panic Disorder (sometimes considered)
Trauma-Related Disorders (sometimes included)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (when it significantly alters cognition and sensory processing)
Complex PTSD (CPTSD)
Dissociative Disorders
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder
Personality Disorders (Not all PDs)
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
Schizotypal Personality Disorder (StPD)
8. Sensory Processing Differences
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) (not formally recognized in DSM-5 but widely acknowledged in neurodivergent communities)
9. Epilepsy & Neurological Conditions (sometimes considered)
Epilepsy
Migraines with Aura
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
10. Other Conditions Sometimes Considered Neurodivergent
Hyperlexia (advanced reading ability with comprehension difficulties)
Synesthesia (cross-wiring of sensory experiences)
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) (due to high comorbidity with neurodivergence)
Autoimmune Encephalitis (when it affects cognitive function)
Neurodivergence is a broad and evolving concept, with some conditions more widely accepted as neurodivergent than others. The core idea is that neurodivergent individuals experience the world in ways that differ from neurotypical standards, often due to innate neurological differences.



















