Many kids and teens are becoming familiar with the idea of neurodiversity and neurodivergence through media and conversations with peers. Whether they are identifying with it themselves, or if they are curious about what they have heard others say, knowing how to talk about it can be really useful.
Speaking about this topic openly and simply can help provide your child with a clear definition to base your discussions around.
Neurodiversity is a term used to describe all the possible natural variations in the human brain and supports that there is not one “correct” way for a brain to be or develop.
A neurotypical person is someone whose abilities to think, behave, and learn fit what is considered “typical” in society. Standards at school are often based on neurotypical patterns.
A neurodivergent person is someone who has natural brain differences that change the way they think, behave, or learn in a way that no longer fits what is expected in society. Often, a neurodivergent person has a neurodevelopmental disability, which means that there are lifelong differences in how the brain grows and functions.
Some children and teens may identify with the neurodivergent label, even if they do not have diagnosed neurodevelopmental disabilities, because it encourages them to accept that their brain may function differently from their peers and can help explain problems they have with school, behavior, or social situations. Being able to understand life’s challenges because of a brain difference can feel relieving for many individuals who are struggling. If your child is questioning whether they are neurodivergent, getting a comprehensive mental health or neuropsychological assessment is a great place to start. Through an assessment process, your child can speak with a professional about their concerns and receive a diagnosis, if appropriate, to further their understanding of themself and the steps to helpful interventions. Even if your child does not have a neurodevelopmental disorder, understanding neurodiversity, and the fact that all brains are different and impact the way we interact with the world, can help to validate the difficulties they face.
If your child is neurodivergent, or has a neurodevelopmental disorder, it can be helpful to focus on their strengths when discussing their brain differences or diagnosis. Many kids with neurodevelopmental disorders feel different from their peers, and require accommodation in school, or behavioral interventions to function well in the world we have created as a society. And while these interventions are useful, we want to avoid sending the message that there is something wrong with them. Instead, their differences may introduce challenges in some areas of life but are incredible strengths in others. For example, a kid with ADHD may struggle to sit still in school, but at class parties, they are the kid that everyone wants to hang out with because of their enthusiasm and energy! Approaching neurodiversity in this way is important, because it helps kids and teens feel like they have something useful to contribute to the world, and the brain they were born with can serve them well if they are in the right environment.
Even if your child is not neurodivergent, discussing this concept can help them be understanding and accepting of other kids at school who may face challenges that they don’t. The majority of the time, neurodivergent kids are not visibly different from their peers. Often, brain differences result in differing internal processing or behaviors, which can be hard to witness as an outsider. But, if you are informed about neurodivergence, it may be easier to understand why a child at school or camp is struggling in ways that others don’t. Having this information builds empathy and compassion for others. For example, your child may be able to better understand why their friend gets extra time on a test while they do not. And they can celebrate the strengths that their neurodivergent friends bring to their lives.
Want to learn more?
- Book an appointment for treatment
- Contact us
- Watch our neurodiversity webinar
- Read An Introduction to Neurodiversity and Neurodivergence