Neurodiversity

Originally used by the autistic community who were keen to move away from the medical model of autism, neurodiversity has become a term to describe a wider range of neurodiverse conditions and groups. The term has become more widely used by neurodivergent individuals as a means of empowerment, as well as to help promote the positive qualities neurodivergent people possess.

Neurodiversity highlights that neurodivergent individuals' brains work in a different way. That doesn’t mean that how they think or process things are ‘wrong’ - it’s just different.
An estimated one in seven people in the UK are thought to have neurodevelopmental differences. This means the way that their brains learn, function and process information is different from neurotypical people.

Autistic spectrum

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that affects how people communicate, process information and experience the world. Autistic people may have unique strengths in areas such as focus, creativity, problem‑solving, pattern recognition and deep interest‑based learning.

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ADHD

Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental difference affecting attention, motivation, impulse regulation and energy levels. ADHD is not caused by laziness or lack of discipline.

Dyslexia

Nearly 10% of the UK are dyslexic. Considered to be a learning difficulty, those with dyslexia primarily experience challenges with reading, spelling, and writing. They may also have trouble with spoken language, sequencing, motor skills, organisation, or memory.

Dyspraxia

It is thought that around 10% of the UK is affected by dyspraxia. Affecting movement and coordination, someone with dyspraxia may have difficulty maintaining balance, playing sports, or learning to drive a car.

Dyscalculia

Affecting one's ability to understand and carry out basic maths processes, around one in 20 people in the UK have dyscalculia.

Tics & Tourette's syndrome

Tics are sudden, involuntary movements or sounds. Tourette Syndrome involves multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic over time.

Common experiences may include:

Motor tics (blinking, shoulder movements, facial expressions)
Vocal tics (sounds, words, throat clearing)
Fluctuations in tic frequency due to stress, excitement or fatigue
Pre‑monitory urges — physical sensations before a tic

Tics are not intentional. Support focuses on reducing stress, understanding triggers, building regulation strategies and creating environments where people feel safe and accepted.

OCD

(Obsessive‑Compulsive Disorder)

OCD is a mental health condition involving intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental actions (compulsions) used to reduce anxiety. OCD is not a personality trait or preference for neatness.

Common experiences may include:

Distressing intrusive thoughts
Repetitive behaviours or rituals
Fear of harm, contamination or uncertainty
A strong need for reassurance or control

Support involves understanding the underlying anxiety, reducing shame and offering evidence‑informed therapeutic approaches.

Acquired Brain Injury

An acquired brain injury is a damage to the brain that happens after birth. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): caused by an external physical force to the head.

Non-Traumatic Brain Injury: caused by an internal medical event or a disruption inside the body.

FASD (Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)

FASD is a neurodevelopment condition with lifelong cognitive, emotional and behavioural challenges. FASD is caused by exposure to alcohol in utero. In addition to effects on the brain, FASD is a full body diagnosis that can include more than 400 known conditions.

FASD is a spectrum, each person is affected differently.

PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that's caused by an extremely stressful or terrifying event- either being a part of it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

CPTSD

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can develop if you experience chronic (long-term) trauma such as prolonged child abuse or domestic violence. It is a lot like PTSD but there are extra symptoms that make it different. You might find it harder to manage your emotions, feel very worthless or guilty and have difficulty with relationships, you might avoid people entirely or feel like you can't trust anyone.

Therapeutic support

Working with a therapist/practitioner who has experience or additional, specific training in working with neurodivergence can be beneficial. Our therapists and practitioners have experience working with those with neurodiverse traits. Together, you can ensure that your therapy sessions are tailored to best meet your needs if any accommodations are required (such as dimming lights, using fidget objects, or reducing background noise, length of sessions where possible).

Your therapist is there to support you with other challenges faced, such as depression, anxiety, or managing stress levels. They may be able to offer help introducing you to coping strategies, or with identifying areas that you may not realise are causing you distress. However, neurodivergent conditions are differences in how our brains work. We can’t ‘cure’ or ‘fix’ them. The aim of therapy/support is to provide you with a safe space where you can open up and talk without fear of judgement.

Neurodivergent-affirming therapy/support focuses on individual strengths and unique abilities, this therapeutic approach helps individuals to tap into and recognise their positive attributes and work towards meeting personal goals. Supporting individuals in learning self-advocacy skills to allow them to create opportunities to thrive, your therapist can help you to discover alternatives to masking and trying to fit neurotypical norms that may be negatively impacting your self-worth, overall sense of well-being, or mental health.

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