For decades, society operated on a rigid understanding of the human brain, assuming there was one “normal” way to think, learn, and behave. If you fell outside those lines, you were often labeled as difficult, broken, or disordered. However, the conversation is shifting. We are moving toward a framework of neurodiversity, the idea that differences in how the brain works are natural variations of the human genome, not necessarily deficits.
If you have spent your life feeling like you are operating on a different operating system than everyone else, you might be asking yourself the question: How do I know if I am neurodivergent?
The word neurodivergent is an umbrella term: used to describe people whose brain functions differ from what is considered “typical,” or neurotypical. It is not a single medical diagnosis but a category that includes a wide array of specific diagnoses and cognitive styles. Understanding the signs is the first step toward better mental health, improved well-being, and finding your community.
Common Neurodivergent Conditions
Neurodivergence manifests in many ways. While no two neurodivergent people are exactly alike, there are specific conditions that fall under this banner. Recognizing these can help you identify patterns in your own life.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: Often referred to as ASD, this is a developmental condition that affects how people perceive the world and interact with others. It is characterized by differences in social interactions, communication, and a preference for repetitive patterns or routines.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Commonly known as ADHD, this condition impacts executive functioning, leading to challenges with regulating attention, impulsivity, and physical restlessness.
- Dyslexia: A learning difference that primarily affects reading and language processing. It is distinct from intelligence and relates to how the brain decodes symbols.
- Dyspraxia: Also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder, this affects motor skills and coordination. It can impact everything from handwriting to sports and general balance.
- Dyscalculia: Often described as “math dyslexia,” this involves specific impairments in understanding numbers, patterns, and mathematical concepts.
- Tourette Syndrome: A neurological condition involving involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations known as tics.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: While traditionally categorized as an anxiety disorder, OCD is increasingly viewed through the lens of neurodivergence due to the specific neurological loops of intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.
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Signs You Might Be Neurodivergent
There is no single “look” to neurodivergence, but there are shared experiences that many neurodivergent individuals relate to. These traits often appear across three main categories: social, sensory, and cognitive.
Social and Communication Differences
Navigating the social world can feel like playing a game where everyone else knows the rules but you. Neurotypical people often rely heavily on unspoken social contracts that neurodivergent people may find confusing or exhausting.
- Social cues: You may struggle to pick up on subtle hints, sarcasm, or implied meanings. You might prefer direct, literal communication and feel confused when others “beat around the bush.”
- Eye contact: Sustaining eye contact might feel intense, uncomfortable, or distracting. You may listen better when you are looking away, even if social situations demand otherwise.
- Body language: You might have trouble interpreting the facial expressions or body language of others, or you may be told that your own expressions do not match your emotions.
- Social battery: Socializing might require immense effort, leading to a “social hangover” where you need significant time alone to recover after social interactions.
Sensory Processing and Movement
The human brain takes in millions of bits of information every second. For the neurotypical brain, much of this is filtered out. For the neurodivergent brain, the filter may be wide open (hypersensitive) or nearly closed (hyposensitive).
- Sensory sensitivities: You may be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or specific textures of clothing and food. Environments like grocery stores or busy offices can be physically painful or draining.
- Stimming: Short for “self-stimulatory behavior,” this involves repetitive movements like rocking, pacing, hand-flapping, or clicking a pen. You might do this to soothe anxiety, focus your brain functions, or express joy.
- Process information: You might need more time to process auditory information. For example, you might say “what?” and then understand the sentence a few seconds later without it being repeated.
Cognitive and Executive Functioning
Executive functioning refers to the brain’s management system—the skills that help us plan, focus, remember instructions, and multitask. Differences here are hallmarks of ADHD and autism.
- Hyperfocus: While inattention is a common struggle, you may also experience hyperfocus, an intense state of concentration where you lose track of time while engaged in a specific topic.
- Intense interests: You may develop deep, passionate interests in niche subjects. You might find immense joy in researching, collecting, or talking about these topics for hours.
- Inconsistent energy: Your ability to complete tasks might vary wildly day to day. You might be incredibly productive one day and unable to start a simple task the next, regardless of your effort level.
The Path to Diagnosis
If these descriptions resonate with you, you might wonder if you need a formal diagnosis. The decision to seek evaluation is personal and depends on your goals.
- Self-diagnosis: In the neurodivergent community, self-diagnosis is often accepted and validated. Barriers to healthcare—such as high costs, gender bias, and lack of access to a specialized mental health professional—make professional evaluation difficult for many. Reading books by neurodivergent authors and taking reputable online questionnaires or a neurodivergent test can provide significant insight.
- Formal diagnosis: If you need legal accommodations at work or school, access to medication, or specific behavioral therapy, a formal evaluation is necessary. This typically involves consulting a neuropsychologist or psychiatrist who looks at your history and how your brain works.
- Primary care: Start by discussing your concerns with your primary care physician, who can provide a referral. However, be aware that many general practitioners may not be specialists in adult neurodivergence.
Living Well with a Unique Brain
Identifying as neurodivergent is not about labeling yourself as “broken.” It is about understanding your unique operating system. Many neurodivergent traits that are framed as impairments or learning disabilities in a rigid school system can be profound strengths in the right environment.
However, living in a world not designed for you can lead to mental health challenges. Many undiagnosed adults experience anxiety and depression stemming from years of “masking”—hiding their true selves to fit in. This is why connecting with the concept of neurodiversity is vital for well-being.
If you suspect you are neurodivergent, be gentle with yourself. You do not need to fix your brain; you need to understand it. Whether you pursue a diagnosis or simply adjust your life to honor your sensory sensitivities and unique way of thinking, you are taking a powerful step toward a more authentic life. You are not alone; there is a vast, vibrant community of neurodivergent individuals who are conquering life together.
Find Your Community at We Conquer Together
Navigating the realization that you might be neurodivergent is a significant milestone. It can explain years of feeling out of sync, but it can also bring up new questions about diagnosis, identity, and healing from years of masking. Most importantly, it highlights the need for connection with others who understand how your mind truly functions.
At We Conquer Together, we believe that understanding your neurodivergent traits is the foundation of well-being. We provide a safe, supportive space for individuals to connect, learn, and grow. Whether you are seeking resources, community support, or guidance on navigating the healthcare system, our team is here to support your journey.
Reach out today to learn more about our resources and support networks. You were made to conquer life, exactly as you are.
