Help What is neurodiversity
Neurodiversity refers to all the different brain types that we, as humans, can have. ‘Neuro’ means brain and ‘diversity’ means variety. Neurodivergent (ND) describes individuals with brains that are structured differently due to a natural variation in brain development and function. Neurodivergence includes autistic people and those with ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, developmental language disorder (DLD) and Tourette syndrome. The list of neurodivergent brain types is ever changing as we learn more.
The term ‘neurodivergence’ can include those with and without formal diagnoses. You do not have to have a formal diagnosis to consider yourself/your child neurodivergent. This website is designed to support everyone who relates to any of the strengths and challenges described, with or without any diagnosis or ‘label’.
Being neurodivergent can have its strengths as well as its challenges. These differences are unique and personal to every individual and no two neurodivergent people are the same. Neurodivergent individuals can have a range of skills, learning abilities and needs.
The important thing is for each individual to understand their own brain and be empowered to work with their brain, rather than against it.
Being neurodivergent is often a big part of a person’s self-identity. It often shapes how they see themselves and their value in the world. The differences are not things that need to be ‘fixed’ or ‘cured’, just differences in the way someone’s brain works.
I am a mum to three beautifully neurodiverse children. Two of whom are autistic. They are incredible and inspire me to be the best person I can be and challenge the world in ways I never thought possible… read more
Emily, parent
Neurodivergent children/young people may be told that they “don’t talk properly” or that they “talk too much”, or “too slow/fast”. These messages, especially when heard many times, can be really damaging to self-esteem and can lead to masking and anxiety. For example, some become quieter in social situations and don’t feel comfortable being themselves as they’re worried they may say the wrong thing.
Therefore, it is important that we celebrate and promote true acceptance of neurodivergent communication styles and learn that everyone will communicate and interact differently. These differences bring about new and positive ways of thinking and interacting – diversity is a positive thing for everyone!
Find out more
What is neurodivergent affirming
Neurodivergent-affirming means accepting all different neuro-types as just that – different.
Read more about neurodivergent affirming
Characteristics
There are a wide range of characteristics that neurodivergent individuals may experience differences, strengths and challenges in.
Read more about ND characteristicsNeurotypes/formal diagnoses
A number of neurotypes and formal diagnoses are included under the ‘neurodivergence’ umbrella term. Find out more about each one below.
Autism
Find out more about autism, the differences an autistic individual may experience and helpful information links.
Information about Autism
ADHD
Find out more about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the differences an individual with ADHD may experience and helpful information links.
Information about ADHD
Developmental language disorder (DLD)
Find out more about developmental language disorder (DLD), the differences an individual with DLD may experience and helpful information links.
Information about DLD
Dyslexia
Find out more about dyslexia, the differences a dyslexic person may experience and helpful information links.
Information about dyslexia
Learning disability
Find out more about learning disability, the differences a person with a learning disability may experience and helpful information links.
Information about learning disabilityHelp & support
There is a wide range of support groups and services available for neurodivergent children, young people and their families. Browse the sections below to find out more.
Support for children, young people and their families
Online and face to face, local and national support groups and organisations for neurodivergent children, young people and their families.
Support for children, young people and their families
Support in schools/education
Find out more about the different types of support neurodivergent children, young people and their families can access in school. This includes a range of support from the school themselves as well as support from external agencies and healthcare services.
Support in schools/education
Support with daily living
Find a range of information and support for activities of daily living, e.g. eating, travel, sleep, for neurodivergent children and their families in Leeds.
Daily living and keeping safeUseful resources
See below for a selection of links and resources you might find useful.
