We’re all different—and the neurodivergent label acknowledges the unique ways that human brains develop, sometimes diverging from expectations. The term neurodivergence was coined to describe the wide array of differences in human thinking patterns and behavior.
When these differences become clinically significant—sometimes including diagnosis through medical evaluation and cognitive testing—they can pose challenges to social relationships, everyday life, and overall well-being. By understanding neurodivergence, you can better understand accommodations, coping mechanisms, and treatment that can lead to happier, healthier lives.
Explore this list of neurodivergent disorders and other conditions to learn more about them.
Neurodivergent Conditions
Neurodivergence itself is not a medical diagnosis, and there is no universally standard classification of neurodivergent conditions. However, clinicians commonly agree that the disorders that follow fall under the umbrella of neurodivergence.
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Dyslexia
Some definitions of neurodivergence also include neurological disorders and mental health diagnoses such as:
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Anxiety
- Social anxiety
- OCD
- Depression
- Bipolar
- Borderline personality disorder
- PTDS
- Schizophrenia
Not everyone who has one of these disorders identifies as neurodivergent, but these classifications provide a helpful framework for navigating resources and support. It is important to note that Muir Wood, at our level of care and specialty, does not treat every neurodivergent condition.
Is ADHD Neurodivergent?
Yes, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly labeled neurodivergent. ADHD affects an estimated 8.4% of children, according to the American Psychiatric Association. People with ADHD have unique brain structure and neurochemistry that typically affects memory, focus, and activity. ADHD may present with inattentive or hyperactive symptoms—or a combination of both.
In the cultural conversation about neurodivergence, ADHD is one of the most commonly cited related diagnoses. While ADHD has historically been primarily diagnosed in children, a growing number of teens and adults are receiving diagnoses as well.
Is ADD Neurodivergent?
Like ADHD, attention deficit disorder (ADD) can be considered a type of neurodivergence as it identifies differences in human cognitive ability and behaviors.
While ADD was once the prevailing label, it is no longer a medical diagnosis. ADHD is the formal diagnosis given by professionals, and ADD is sometimes used colloquially by caregivers to describe a specific presentation of symptoms, including distractibility and poor executive functioning.
Is Autism Neurodivergent?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the other diagnosis most commonly labeled as neurodivergent—and because it so often co-occurs with ADHD, some researchers think the conditions might be related.
Autism represents a spectrum of cognitive and behavioral presentations. The diagnostic criteria is built around developmental delays and divergent behavior. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, teens with autism may have different social and communication tendencies and exhibit restrictive or repetitive behaviors.
Is Dyslexia Neurodivergent?
Because differing brain functions cause learning disorders like dyslexia, they are typically considered neurodivergent conditions.
Dyslexia is characterized by reading difficulties. People with dyslexia may read more slowly, struggle to recognize words, or confuse letters. Many have a difficult time spelling or pronouncing words. It is thought to be caused by differences in the brain’s language processing center, which may be passed down genetically.
Is Tourette’s Neurodivergent?
Touretete’s syndrome (TS) is another neurological disorder sometimes classified as neurodivergent. With this disorder, the body makes involuntary sounds or movements, also known as tics. While TS may be considered a neurodivergent condition on its own, many people with the condition have co-occurring neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD, OCD, or autism.
Is Anxiety Neurodivergent?
Anxiety, like other mental health disorders, is considered neurodivergent under some definitions. Other neurodivergent conditions—such as autism or ADHD—may be misdiagnosed as anxiety as well.
Anxiety is a common reaction to new or stressful situations. Most people experience feelings of anxiety from time to time in response to discomfort or distress. A person may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder when anxiety is outsized, prolonged, or leads to maladaptive behaviors as coping mechanisms.
Is Social Anxiety Neurodivergent?
Like other anxiety disorders, social anxiety may be considered neurodivergent. While many people feel shy or nervous in social situations, an actual diagnosis requires more severity. When social anxiety lasts for six months or longer and intrudes on everyday life, it may be diagnosed as a disorder.
Is OCD Neurodivergent?
A broad view of neurodivergence that includes mental health conditions could categorize obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as neurodivergent. While it was long classified as a type of anxiety disorder, clinicians now consider obsessive-compulsive and related disorders to be a distinct category.
OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts (known as obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (known as compulsions) as an attempt to get rid of unwanted thoughts. These thought patterns and behaviors are often distressing, even to those experiencing them.
Is Depression Neurodivergent?
Depression can be a neurodivergent disorder. Stigmatization and oppression from other neurodivergent disorders may also lead to depression as a secondary condition.
Most people feel sad or depressed in reaction to triggers. We all have bad days or difficult times in our lives. However, clinical depression occurs when these feelings persist over time and interfere with regular routines. Several types of depression disorders exist, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.
Are Bipolar Disorder I & II Neurodivergent?
Under some definitions, bipolar disorder is considered neurodivergent. Current research suggests that bipolar disorder and autism may share some underlying causes.
Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric mood disorder. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of mania followed by periods of depression in an ongoing cycle. It is thought to have genetic links, though it can also be influenced by environmental factors.
Is BPD Neurodivergent?
Some research indicates that people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) experience different brain structures, making it a neurodivergent condition. It’s also commonly diagnosed in people with ADHD, with many overlapping symptoms such as behavioral impulsivity.
Is PTSD/Trauma Neurodivergent?
Like other mental health conditions, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be considered neurodivergent. PTSD or trauma may develop after someone has been through a traumatic event. While fear is a normal response to unexpected, scary, or dangerous events, PTSD is diagnosed when the traumatic response persists over a month or more.
People with other neurodivergent conditions are more likely to report symptoms of PTSD. This may be because their brains are more susceptible to stressors—but it may also be for other reasons, like more frequent exposure to traumatic events.
Is Schizophrenia Neurodivergent?
Like the other mental health conditions on this list, schizophrenia may be considered a type of neurodivergence. Schizophrenia is a mental health condition characterized by psychosis, delusions, and disorganized thinking or behavior. According to the American Psychiatric Association, it affects less than 1% of the US population.
Is HSP Neurodivergent?
Being a highly sensitive person (HSP) is not a medical diagnosis and does not necessarily fall under the neurodivergent umbrella, though some people classify it that way. Some people believe sensitivity may also be a unique form of neurodivergence. However, there is currently no standard way to diagnose someone as highly sensitive. The designation originated from psychologist Elaine Aron, who now calls the condition sensory processing sensitivity.
As the descriptions suggest, these terms identify people who are more sensitive to emotions and stimuli like light and noise. Sensitivity may come from underlying disorders or conditions that are neurodivergent.
Is Being “Weird” Neurodivergent?
Neurodivergence doesn’t have clear designations for classification. It’s a term designed to help destigmatize disorders and differences. Weirdness is an even more subjective term. Some people embrace the label as positive, but others find it hurtful.
Being weird may stem from specific conditions that benefit from diagnosis, treatment, and destigmatization—or it might not. Each individual, along with their care providers and support system, gets to decide for themselves if they want to embrace the term neurodivergent for their experiences.
Neurodivergence & Treatment
Neurodivergence covers a wide range of human experiences, which can include disorders like the ones discussed in this article. When undiagnosed and untreated, disorders can lead to poor coping mechanisms and risky behaviors. Explore our blog to learn more about teen behaviors and treatment interventions.
While Muir Wood does not treat many kinds of neurodivergent disorders, we treat a wide range of adolescent mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Learn more about our integrated treatment services.