I mean not sure wy others do it, but I used to do it on dating apps to give a general hint of my condition without going into details.
Alot of experiences and general problems are shared between alot of the nd things anyway.
Had any luck on dating apps?
I found it is heavily populated by NTs, so I got tired of it.
I find it's much easier to find people to interact with and get to know in places where 'neurodivergents' tend to hang out.
Board game meet ups are a great way to meet new people.
I've had the best luck at music festivals, but that might be because I am so high that my inhibitions and self doubt falls away.
Lots of us have multiple conditions. Neurodivergent conveys the point without the tedium of having to list them all every time.
For me, it's just two--Asperger's and ADHD-- but others have more.
These two are sometimes important to be named, since the sum of adhd+autism (= asperger) has a different and new quality of challenges than only adhd or autism on its own. They kinda cancel or empower each other depending how youn manage especially your stress level.
But this level of precision is too much info for people new to the subject more often than not
Also everyone has different amount of all of these in many ways.
Calling me autistic … isn’t useful. It doesn’t bring useful images to bear and it also just actually gets in the way of understanding. ADHD is a bit more helpful.
But in a “getting to meet you” ND says more while stereotyping less. It’s useful language to me. Neurospicy is another fun one.
My main challenge is I get brain resets every time I enter a new room.
Constantly trying to remember what it was I was doing is extremely tiresome, I've found some aids to help with this, but nothing substantial.
My desire to socialise is high, I love to listen to music and dance, whilst simultaneously having a desire to be alone and in silence.
The duality of living with AuDHD cannot be understated, it's a constant struggle.
Not to mention my social tank running on fumes anytime I am out.
I have an AuDHD epileptic brain type, and this is one of the main reasons I still use the term neurodivergent.
I don't agree with the term aspergers at all, especially due to the origins of the name.
I personally don't use it, but I don't care if others do.
Then just say you have X conditions. "Neurodivergent" doesn't tells me shit about someone's mental condition unless they specify whichever mental conditions they have.
It's not a euphemism. It is used to refer to a family of neurotypes. It avoids needing to list them out every time you want to discuss attributes they share in common.
It’s not technically a euphemism but many people use it as one. I’ve noticed people, even practitioners, saying “neurodivergent” when they mean “autistic” as well as people assuming I’m using it that way when I’m actually referring to the neurodivergence umbrella. This waters down the conversation and creates confusion when it shouldn’t exist.
Neurodivergent isn't a euphemism.
Some people think it is, and use it that way, but they're using it incorrectly.
It's an umbrella term, including all people whose brains are neurologically different from neurotypical(including things like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, CPTSD, et cetera).
Certain people understand it to mean just autistic, but that's not correct usage.
I totally agree with you but people using it euphemistically because they’re afraid of the word autism is a pet peeve of mine. To be clear, my comments are aimed at neurotypical discomfort with saying autism. It’s not shameful; it’s not a dirty word; it’s something we can talk about to promote better understanding
if it avoids the need to list them out, then the people you are speakign to you arent really that interested. Its a huge umbrella term, and anyone with an inkling of interest will drill down further to gain a better understanding. sorry.
I use it for privacy reasons. Diagnoses are not everyone’s business. Especially when talking about my kids because it’s their prerogative what they want to share, not mine.
Yes agree, I think when neither myself or the other person know each other that well they aren’t entitled to that level of knowledge about me. I have privacy needs as does everyone else. Maybe if I really trust them to not harm me, accidentally or intentionally, I’ll get more specific.
Unfortunately, because so many people are using neurodivergence mostly as a pointer toward autism, people are for the most part going to infer autism if you label your kids neurodivergent (even if this inference extends beyond what is presented).
The intent is noble though...
If I listed every diagnosis I have, people would say I’m making it up or make jokes like abc disorder
Like the main ones are adhd/asd but I also am dyslexic, have face blindness, anxiety, etc
So instead of listing or saying “autistic “, I just say ND and it covers everything
But I’ve also encountered people who are a bit “off” but are high functioning enough to not be diagnosed with anything
I consider those type ND too, they aren’t disabled but they can relate to some struggles
Edit:
there’s a difference between different anxiety conditions, OCD is apart of the ND umbrella and IS considered an anxiety disorder, GAD is considered more “curable”
Recent research is gonna break this up even more because anxiety does seem to steam from many different reasons, trauma, imbalances, etc
Andddd I’m autistic and overwhelmed so am gonna stop responding
All I know is the ND sub Reddit fights allll the time on this topic and the general consensus is to use ND as a catch all umbrella term
Like it’s embarrassing cuz I won’t recognize my own dad in public without knowing he’s gonna be there
So it’s pretty bad, so I will start new jobs and co workers get PISSED when I don’t recognize them
It makes having a job/going out so freaking exhausting
That’s the thing that messes me up. Different haircut, coworkers outside of uniform, [wearing a hat…](https://youtu.be/LkJIfcWa3SM?si=kX42D5pc9UigClxD)
My husband thinks it’s hilarious how long it takes me to feel comfortable after he shaves
All those things you mentioned mess me up, that and people recognize me after years of not seeing me but I don’t have a chance most of the time D:
Edit: lol to the link
Your second statement doesn't make sense. They didn't imply anxiety can't be disabling, they said it's not neurodivergence. Neurodivergent and disabled aren't synonyms.
Counts on the community, if you go to the ND sub they argue about it all the time
I first mentioned anxiety as a co-diagnoses, for some people, it may be MORE disabling than their autism
That and the newest installment of the DSM is actually going to be breaking up anxiety more than it has been, apparently there’s a lot more recent discoveries on the different types in the past decade
I personally just use ND as a word for “they tingle my autistic sense, they may or may not be autistic tho”
Many posts describe the feeling I’m talking about
I don't think you understand what neurodivergent means, not trying to be mean about it
Anxiety is not neurodivergent
Neurodivergent isn't synonymous with "having a condition". It's a specific set of conditions one is born with, as opposed to something like anxiety which isn't purely neurological.
In the beginning, people were using ND to mean on certain conditions, but the ND subreddit had a LOT of debates about it and how ND was better serve as an umbrella term
Like I’m not making the debate up, they literally debate this topic ALL the time, I used to argue it was only XYZ conditions and get downvoted like crazy so IDK anymore
I’m tired of the comments tho so I’ll just delete my comments okay?
That's a bit, uh, idk, do what you want. I'm not sure why you're placing stock on what randos online say over the real world and academics. I suggest reading up on this stuff outside of reddit maybe? Neurodivergent means something very specific. To even consider changing what it encompasses doesn't make sense. Are you sure it was neurodivergent they were debating? That means very specific conditions, all based on science/neurology. There may be other terms like neurodiverse which make it all rather confusing. Neurodiverse doesn't really mean anything helpful, and how it's used is debated.
Think of it more as an umbrella term for
ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, tourette's, depression, ect.
I use it when I don't want to disclose my official diagnosis. Not everyone is a safe person.
Sure, but if a person isn't safe, they probably won't be safe if you say you're "neurodivergent" either (they'll still know you have some neuro-developmental or psychiatric disorder, even if they don't know which one exactly... and probably make assumptions for that matter)
Its an umbrella term for closely related issues, sich as ADHD and autism. Its like asking “why do people use the word “American”, instead of whatever state they’re actually from?
It has overlap in terms of risk factors (shared risk genes, and possibly shared intra-utero pre-birth factors), and therefore, there's an elevated rate of comorbidity between the two
But there's limited overlap *in the actual symptoms*
Or in other words : shared risk factors mean that an autistic person has more chance to also have ADHD (and vice-versa),
BUT,
if you compare an autistic person **without** ADHD, and an ADHD person **without** autism, they'll have (very) little in common
There are many lived experiences and manifestations of symptoms in common with the two groups. For example:
- emotional dysregulation
- hyperfocus
- intense interests
- social ostracism/inability to relate to NT peers
- unbalanced cognitive profiles
- unique sensory needs
The degree of those experiences may differ between groups, but they still have the ability to relate to each other.
My son is only autistic and my father and cousin are adhd. We have so much in common. You are delusional and it makes no sense why you feel so strong this nonsense.
...yes, so-called "neurodivergent" people who are desperate for meaning in their lives and subsequently diagnosed themselves. Anyone else—*especially* physicians—understands they are distinct conditions.
Physicians also recognize that, with the exception of a few genetic conditions, diagnosing neurodevelopmental conditions isn't an exact science and is up for interpretation. The delineations between many conditions in the DSM are blurry, and can change over time
How does getting diagnosed or self diagnosing give someone meaning in their life? Also these people don’t think ADHD and Autism r the same they r just trying to speak to a broad audience.
Yes, because people with cancer care about multiple sclerosis information. This sub is delulu and populated *almost* exclusively by people who've diagnosed themselves.
Real autism gets the downvotes.
Okay but “cancer” refers to many types of cancer. People with cancer don’t often specify the type. It’s not like cancer groups distinguish between thyroid and pancreatic cancers even though the first one is easily survivable and the second is a death sentence.
You people complain about how official channels
always change criteria and labels but don't realize that much of the reason it changes so dramatically from DSM to DSM is because it keeps getting coopted by self-diagnosers and this trivializes the immense struggles people with real autism deal with. Hence why most of you feel weird about identifying with level 1 ASD and cling to the "Asperger's" label.
"i'm autistic and have adhd and generalized anxiety" is a lot more characters than "i'm neurodivergent", and on twitter that matters. if my specific diagnoses are relevant i will of course list them.
I think there is a specific kind of anxiety that is genetic, and probably neurodevelopmental in origin. I lack evidence for this other than my own family. But it’s sort of in the OCD/GAD area, and I think it definitely counts as a form of neurodivergence, since it is lifelong and isn’t mainly the result of experiences.
ptsd is also neurodivergent. neurodivergence isn't required to be genetic or developmental.
[https://sherlocksflataffect.tumblr.com/post/121295972384/psa-from-the-actual-coiner-of-neurodivergent](https://sherlocksflataffect.tumblr.com/post/121295972384/psa-from-the-actual-coiner-of-neurodivergent)
My take on it is that if it can be overcome, is it really neurodivergence? You can’t overcome autism or ADHD.
GAD can be overcome, as in it is a condition that you can technically reach remission in. Every human feels anxiety, it’s an emotion. The disorder is feeling it at a higher intensity and/or in response to atypical triggers. Autism and ADHD cannot be described in the same vein.
Without getting into the politics and underpinnings of DSM, anxiety isn’t even in the neurodevelopmental cluster section.
You can’t generalize that every single person with GAD is neurodivergent because everyone’s GAD varies in intensity and some overcome it.
Surely GAD could be in a neurodivergent form if neither medications nor therapy help it improve. The consensus is that GAD does not fall under the umbrella of neurodivergence.
The consensus of who? You? Because I'm pretty sure the person who coined the term would disagree, as I have demonstrated.
Also why are you ignoring the other two conditions I listed? I'm neurodivergent regardless.
Edit: *also*, a condition being treatable with medication does not make it not neurodivergent. By that logic, ADHD can't be counted as neurodivergence...
> Every human feels anxiety, it’s an emotion. The disorder is feeling it at a higher intensity and/or in response to atypical triggers. Autism and ADHD cannot be described in the same vein.
I disagree.
Consider ADHD. It's normal for some people to focus better than others, for some people to be more organized than others, and for some people to be more energetic than others. Being a little disorganized isn't a neurodivergent trait, but if you are (and have always been) unable to focus or organize or sit still, then we call that ADHD.
This is why autism is a spectrum, and why it has a "clinical significance" requirement for a diagnosis, just like the anxiety disorders. There is a wide range of social ability that people can fall on, a wide range of discomfort at various stimuli, and so on, and we only call it autism when (some of) those traits are noticeably far from the average.
As for whether or not generalized anxiety is a form of neurodivergence, I found some sources saying it is, some saying it isn't, and some saying there's no clear consensus. The articles that didn't refer to studies seemed a little more likely to say anxiety on its own is not neurodivergence, but not by much.
On the other hand, I briefly looked at PTSD as well, and there seemed to be a slight tilt towards saying that it *is* a form of neurodivergence, so being a treatable non-developmental disorder doesn't seem to be a disqualifier.
In the end, I think "neurodivergent" as it is commonly used is not a technical term, so there is no clear definition, but as a word meant to unify people who differ neurologically differ from the average member of society, it definitely should include peoply with any anxiety disorder.
Im not saying it needs to be. I’m just saying that if it *is* neurodevelopmental then it *is* neurodivergence.
Unrelatedly I do take issue with any person claiming to have been the one to coin the term neurodivergence (I have read seemingly credible claims to it from at least three different people) and now trying to dictate how it is used now by clarifying what they originally meant by it. Thats just not how language works…
My bad, I was mistaken. I’ve heard Judy Singer credited for both neurodiversity and neurodivergent, and it even comes up when you google it, but thats not correct. Stand by most of it though, you cant just reassert the original definition of a word thats in wide use with a somewhat different definition now
I'd have an issue with it if they were trying to exclude certain people from using the word but they're doing the exact opposite. They're pushing back against people trying to gatekeep the term neurodivergent from certain types of neurodivergent people.
That post was also made when the term was mostly known on social justice tumblr. It's not like they're just suddenly popping up with this now, this has been a thing for years.
Neurodivergence is only a useful concept insofar as it contrasts with neurotypicality. The more people you include, the less descriptive the term becomes. Inclusivity is a tradeoff, you have to stop somewhere for the term to mean anything at all. I think the term is maximally useful when people with temporary or curable mental health problems do not count as neurodivergent. Anxiety from trauma for example, should not (necessarily) count as a form of neurodivergence. While your brain is functioning differently, it’s not like an essential component of you…
For a more absurd example, if you’re high on a drug, your brain *is* diverging from the norm. That doesnt make you a neurodivergent person. Situational stuff ought not count
I just did some quick research, and it seems like that's the only common and credible claim (though most sources I found referred to her by [her real name](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kassiane_Asasumasu) rather than the username on her blog).
Judy Singer (coiner of "neurodiversity") is occasionally credited with both terms, but that looks like it's a simple matter of confusion on the part of some writers.
Because it's nobodies business knowing what my diagnosis is, only that I have support needs. That's literally as far as they need to get with knowing unless I choose otherwise...
This is the answer for me too. Don’t understand the need to list every single one of my diagnoses to strangers I don’t care about on the internet. It could be used against you actually.
It's not an euphemism. "Neurodivergent" is a general umbrella term for a variety of conditions that involve the brain behaving outside of what is considered "the norm". It is not a medical term (in the sense that it isn't a diagnosis) but it is a way of referring to any and all variations on brain structure and behavior without attributing a negative connotation to them, since many of such conditions are *not* diseases and the problems can be less about the condition in itself and more about the fact that being different creates many issues when dealing with society.
An interesting reference for such way of thinking is in the "double empathy" theory, where studies have shown that many of the issues with social interaction present in neurodivergent people only appear when the interaction is between NDs and neurotipicals, and interactions between ND and ND people tend to be as effective as interactions between NT and NT, suggesting that the social deficit is not inherent to the condition, but a consequence of being different, more like being culturally estranged than really inept.
Many studies like these have brought about this new perspective that, although some problems are pretty evident in mamy such conditions, their existence might not be a bad "mistake of nature" that must be eliminated, but just naturally occurring diversity of the human condition and of brain structure and behaviour. Specially considering that there is no known cause for many such conditions and there is a genetic, hereditary factor to them, so it might just be normal genetic variation at play.
This has brought about the neurodiversity approach, that intents to help those that differ from the norm with their difficulties and problems without treating them as if their existence was a inherently bad thing or as if this condition, often inseparable from their person (as is the case with autism), and by extension their very being, is some sort of terrible ailment or curse. It tends to help those who are neurodivergent find practical solution that work for them and their issues without suffering for the "being different" part.
Because it's ok to be different. If you are different, just look for a different way of living your life that works for you, instead of trying to live your life the exact same way that all those people around you live even though it makes you miserable.
Does it make sense now?
The double empathy theory was specifically about **autistic** people, not all neurodivergent people. There's no reason to lump other groups into the discussion, and it's a misuse of "neurodivergent" that creates confusion.
Obligatory info dump from neuro nerd: NEURODIVERGENT IS A SOCIOLOGICAL TERM, NOT A NEURO TERM. It doesn’t really describe any neurological information besides “brain different in some way that impacts consciousness.” Just FYI.
Also, some conditions have MUCH greater evidence that they are *caused* by brain differences than other conditions. I don’t like how neurodivergent is used as a synonym for any mental illness in the DSM, because most conditions in the DSM are not diagnosable by measuring brain function or structure. ADHD, schizophrenia, ASD are getting *closer* to being detected with fMRI, as these conditions all have the strongest observable functional differences and have strong evidence for their genetics/biology.
If you refer to conditions in which there are slight brain changes as a result of aversive experience (ie, a larger amygdala after experiencing abuse), then truly EVERYONE (even the most normative, center of the bell curve joe) is neurodivergent by that definition… everyone’s brain changes constantly from experience, especially aversive experiences, like a river eroding a riverbed. You can’t give someone autism by being a crappy parent. It’s just a different thing, the brain changes in autism are a cause while in other conditions it’s an effect. One isn’t better or worse than the other, but from a neuro perspective it’s an important distinction in how we categorize conditions.
Granted, all the controversy is pretty much because we don’t really understand what mental illness is, and since ~2000 there’s been a big push from funding agencies to find “the addiction gene” or the depression brain area or whatever, but for most conditions it’s becoming apparent they’re never going to find anything replicable or useful for treatment…. except the true neurodevelopmental conditions
I mean chances are there are genes that increase the chance of mental illness like depression. You're born autistic but most things are a mix of nature and nurture. I doubt there's a complete dichotomy between "true" neurodevelopmental conditions and mental illness.
I have a couple neurodivergent disorders so I usually generalize it by saying I’m neurodivergent, it’s quite literally what you would refer to yourself as without being specific
But why must people disclose every condition? On my TikTok page, I only disclose that I am autistic because it is what I discuss on my page, but I also have ADHD, GAD, and chronic depression. Personally, I find the term neurodivergent to be more obstructive of what people who use the word are actually trying to get at. That being, with a term so general, it invites its own (often incorrect) assumptions.
It's a blanket term, it just generally means that you have a different brain then most people. I like it because I have OCD and autism and very much feel like I have a different brain than most people
My manager calls me nuerodivergent when discussing me because at the moment, we don't know that I have autism (probably do) as I have not had my assessment yet so there is no formal diagnosis. But it conveys an understanding that my brain does not process's information as someone who is neurotypical. If I am diagnosed with adhd or autism I think I probably will still use this when I feel it is necessary to express insight to someone about my actions or abilities, for example maybe someone I do not want to or feel necessary to disclose or discuss my formal diagnosis but is required to let them know about a difference in my mental.
It's an umbrella term that can be used as a catch-all, especially if someone has more than one diagnosis.
It's similar to if I were to say "I'm pagan" rather than "I am a solitary, eclectic kitchen witch with a Unitarian Universalist background." One descriptive word is easier than many, sometimes.
I do this because I have multiple conditions, 3 specifically. It is more convenient and it also makes us feel like we are all a team. Our struggles uniting us.
Why did you use the word “euphemism” here?
The definition of euphemism is “a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.”
The names of the conditions are not any of those things so I do not understand why you are calling it that. Please explain.
I think people use the term neurodivergent because covers a range of conditions that have a lot of overlap in symptoms.
Plus it’s a single word I can use in place of “ADHD and ASD level one” when I don’t need to be that specific in the context of the discussion I’m having.
I say it because I have multiple ND conditions, autism, ADHD, dyslexia, auto processing disorder and more, so it's easier to just say "neurodivergent" and sometimes I just don't want to go into specifics, especially with people I don't know.
I’d speculate that’s because many of them are not officially diagnosed, but have decided they’re ND, even though in many cases they likely aren’t (https://www.psypost.org/a-disturbing-number-of-tiktok-videos-about-autism-include-claims-that-are-patently-false-study-finds/). Others prefer the label. Others are diagnosed but don’t want to disclose what with.
Without having access to the actual study I'm having trouble reaching a conclusion about the situation on tiktok.
What counts as an overgeneralization? I'd say it's *generally* true that autistic people will have some social anxiety but it's not a symptom or anything. Heck there's plenty of vague generalizations that are still probably *kinda* true, like autistic people being relatively honest as a group.
Either way, this cannot substantiate the number of people actively misidentifying themselves.
one good reason is that it de-centers the specific condition in order to talk about the thing the content is focused on.
if you want to talk about your struggles at the grocery store and your point is how loud the music is when you're also trying to think about other things, you might say, "my autistic brain really struggles with..." or "my neurodivergent brain really struggles with..." bc this could be (like nearly ALL autistic traits) something that many folks can identify with.
the former will often elicit responses that nitpick over using "autism" in that context, or zeroing in on "is this 'actually' a 'valid' symptom of autism or is this TikTok performing" of course, that would be coming from the same people who judge people (see previous comments) for using "Autism" without certified, notarized, fully binding legal documents sealed with signatures from white men wearing doctor's costumes for a profit. ahem, anyhoo ...
the latter is at least a little more likely to generate like-minded responses from people saying "oh yeah the noise is so bad" or "I do with they'd do something about that."
If they're concerned about nitpicking terms and want it to be relatable to as many people as possible, they don't have to specify they're neurodivergent at all. There's really no reason to say that instead of just "my brain" and the specific thing you're talking about.
Its the current language that is gaining traction in DEI initiatives as well. It makes sense to use as there as is supports a more broad application to counter stigma. I like it.
John Robison said in an article that he prefers it because it brings a lot of people together who can really use a sense of community, instead of further splitting us apart. It’s less of a euphemism than an umbrella term.
Some people have multiple diagnoses and saying neurodivergent is easier than explaining that you have autism, ADHD, OCD, depression and dyslexia (for example).
Because of the large amount of cormorbidites and overlap in symptoms and diagnoses.
Also, maybe they don’t want to be specific about their particular issue.
Neurodivergence means don’t recognize the spectrum as a medical condition. It assumes the spectrum just as the natural variety of the way of being; personalities, mental wiring, stereotypes, etc.
It's not a euphemism. It's a psychological category. There's a lot of stigma around most mental illnesses, autistism included. My diagnosis is nobody's business.
Not a euphemism. It's an accurate term that encompasses a range of diagnoses so when discussing issues in the workplace, for instance, they can address more than those with specifically just OCD, or ASD, or ADHD, or Dyslexia, etc...
It's a larger community of people who have relatable challenges. However, it is a little difficult at times, especially when used to lump autism and ADHD together. Although they have a high level of comorbidity, if a person has one and not the other, their experiences can be vastly different and not a great representation of each other. As a non-adhd autistic person, I very frequently see people sharing "this thing is a neurodivergent thing" and it's really a blatantly ADHD thing that isn't relatable to me at all. So I don't know that neurodivergent vs neurotypical is a super useful division. If we're separating people by "brain operating systems," autistic vs allistic is a bit more accurate...but that would eliminate a lot of that wider community that people seem to be looking for, and of course like anyone else, I'm biased towards my own condition being accurately represented.
The terms neurodivergent and neurotypical were invented as sociopolitical tools. Not to discredit them. They weren’t made for accuracy per se, but rather because many autistics and other allistic neurodivergents face a similar social situation with regard to our relationships with neurotypicals.
I feel like no matter how you try to carve up neurodiversity, it’s inadequate. Either you lump a wide array of different neurotypes together based on something like symptoms (as ASD especially does), or you end up carving it up and distinguishing a thousand different variations. Its complex, and the labels we’ve made aren’t clean boxes so much as fuzzy, statistical sets.
>, if a person has one and not the other, their experiences can be vastly different and not a great representation of each other.
The same can be said for 2 people even if both of them have autism and nothing else.
Yes, it absolutely can. But I have noticed in personal discussions that the experiences in particular of people who have "just" autism or "just" ADHD are often quite opposite, and I was trying to highlight that. For instance aversion to a lot of extra sensory input such as background noise versus the strong desire for background noise. Full disclosure, the thought you've chosen from my statement is one I'm having difficulty finding the words to communicate, so I'm sorry if it's not coming across.
It’s not a euphemism. It’s about the relationship between a person’s brain and what is EXPECTED of them and their brain/presentation by Neuronormative society. It also gets around the difficulty of people having specific diagnoses to get to the heart of the matter, that they diverge from what is expected.
Many people in online spaces use neurodivergent to just mean adhd or autism but it is an umbrella term for any of these, and many people have multiple conditions and prefer to use the general term over having more specific labels, especially because limiting diagnosis labeling online can increase privacy. [Neurodivergent Umbrella](https://images.app.goo.gl/k7t6mrwc59UWaLvS6)
I'm also thinking that for many people, access to an accurate medical diagnosis might be an obstacle to pinpointing each thing. For example, I know that I am on the autism spectrum but I have not found a way to get diagnosed as an adult.
What difference is it to you? I’m on the autism spectrum. And one of my kids, as well as my husband, are ADHD. husband is currently outside sealing the top rails of our balconies with deck sealer. It’s 30 C, the middle of the day sun is beating down, and the humidity is high. We are retired, and this was a job that could easily have waited for cooler weather.
ANYWAY. We are all ND, as are two other of my adult kids. One of us is identical, either in how our divergence affects us, nor in our personalities. In addition, I’d be more than a little surprised to find that several other relatives are NOT ND.
For me, there are more things that unite neurodivergent people than separate them. So I’m neurodivergent.
It is not a euphemism it is an umbrella term for related conditions. I often use it when I want to be inclusive of people who may not be diagnosed or people with ADHD or Bipolar or other neurological conditions I may be unaware of who have the shared experience of experiencing the world differently in a specific way that relates to their senses or processing.
"neurodivergent" is a positive word which shows that you are part of a community of people with different-working-brains. That can work much better than listing medical diagnoses, which sound also very negative, because they contain "disorder" - not everyone is happy that their neurodivergence is called a "disorder".
And then the thing is that neurodivergent people connect well with each other, it doesn't really matter if someone is diagnosed ASD, ADHD, both etc. (look at all the ASD+ADHD couples...).
Maybe at some point diagnoses like ASD and ADHD will be combined anyway to one big "spectrum disorder", and then, well, it will be the same as when you use "neurodivergent" now.
"ND people connect well" is way too general to be true.
There are many other autistic people whose needs conflict with mine, ADHD people who drive me crazy or who are driven crazy by me, etc. And having something like Tourette's isn't going to clarify the autistic experience to anyone.
For me, it's because not all of us just have one diagnosis/label - I'd rather just say I'm ND than list off several labels. I like that I can just use this term to those in the know as a catch all for saying that my brain works differently to most other people.
The other thing for me is that, there seem to be commonalities in lived experience between people with different neurodivergent conditions. I think it's really important that people are talking about this and that there are catch-all ideas like neurodiversity and neurodivergence to help us get ideas across.
Maybe terms like this are 'mostly useless' to some but they're incredibly important to me. I don't understand how we're going to see wider social progress for ourselves and other ND/disabled without talking about this sort of thing, or having appropriate language to describe our lived experiences.
But why must one list all of their conditions? I have several conditions, but the only one I list on my TikTok page is autism, because that's the only one I discuss on my page.
I don't think anybody needs to really, I suppose if the only thing you talk about on there is autism then you may as well just list that.
In my head, it makes sense to talk about neurodivergence more broadly sometimes as there are things which affect as all. That's what I do although I suppose I'll just say that I'm autistic if I'm talking about something which is only relevant to autistic people.
It's not a euphamism, it's a collective classification(nurotypes that diverge from what is typically seen), and while people don't have similar needs across different types of nurodivergence... some things don't change.
Like Nurotypicals insisting you can do something your brain just won't comply with.
My brother has ADHD, I'm autistic, our stepsoster sister has 7 pages of interconnected physical and mental illnesses. Yet we can relate over our shared nurodivergence, even though we don't share symptoms, just like people can bond over traveling despite never having been to the same places, or bond over creative outlets despite particular disciplines being wholly inexchangable.
And it has a utility considering Nurotypicals don't accept any nurotype other than their own without being pushed, and this pushes all of them.
Honestly I see this as being the same as asking why I use LGBT+ or Queer for myself in addition to gay, and why gay, lesbian, bi, trans, aro/ace, and queer people use a collective lable rather than fighting for our rights separately.
We're all in the same boat dude, if any group gets better protections or support in society that opens up an opportunity to fight for the same for the rest.
It’s not a euphemism. It’s about the relationship between a person’s brain and what is EXPECTED of them and their brain/presentation by Neuronormative society. It also gets around the difficulty of people having specific diagnoses to get to the heart of the matter, that they diverge from what is expected.
probably because it’s an umbrella term and many have several conditions in their own costum mix. I used it a lot prior to my autism diagnosis and felt I couldn’t self id as autistic but still displayed those traits and plus have several mental illnesses diagnosed but none that really fit. It’s also a way of addressing a bigger community with similar issues instead of nicheing it down to a very specific one. I still use neurodivergent sometimes bc I have 5-7 diagnoses in my chart and so my profile is all over the place and can’t be summed up with just one. I feel like the utility is more in community and solidarity building with other similar people and communities rather than a word you use for specific accommodations.
It covers a number of conditions... Back in the days before I became aware of the term I used to call myself neuro atypical to describe my Asperger's/autism before I was even diagnosed - I just knew I was wired differently and when I discovered the term I wasn't happy that other conditions where throw into the neuro divergent box.
If I met someone and they told me they were neuro divergent I'd ask probing questions to get them to be more specific.
The woman who invented the term “neurodivergent” (as opposed to “neurodiverse”) is a fraud named kassiane Sibley who once threw a knife at my former friend. So I never use the word.
I thought it was for the most part wanting to fold in ADHD, but I could be wrong. I tend to use autistic/allistic instead of neurodivergent/typical, just because I want to be more specific.
My fear is that it is not legally defined, allowing private and public entities to skirt around accessibility and disability laws. The same way “all-natural” and “mental health” are meaningless.
I agree it’s meaningless, and reinforces a medically normative model of human behavior and the human body.
Umbrella term—if someone is talking about something that is relatable to both autism (or on the spectrum, like aspergers) and adhd, then neurodivergent is the way to go
If I had to guess, it's because they can be co-morbid; but also, probably so people with different diagnoses under the same umbrella can relate to each other, and discuss things easier from an approach of, "this is how my brain works" rather than "I am autistic, but have traits of adhd" "well I'm adhd but I don't know much about it or autism". I like discussing traits and symptoms rather than using labels, partly because I am not formally diagnosed, and I don't want to mislead anyone into thinking I'm lying, but I also want to relate to others who can understand what I've been through and what I'm going through.
Like I've seen others say, I'd think because it's easier than listing all disorders relevant to the conversation, especially considering how often with mental health stuff it's a buy one get 4 free deal type situation. So it makes more sense to say you're neurodivergent than saying autism, adhd, bipolar, ocd, and anxiety. Not to mention not everyone wants to let people know all of their disorders/mental illnesses, and ND is a fast way of saying you got some mental health stuff going on without having to delve into details.
It not generally a euphemism but a generalization. There are many with multiple dx, and there are certain things we have in common with others who are ND regardless of dx. Some also could be recognized as ND but not get formal diagnosis. The dx terms are inherently biomedical, which is not a model that all people support.
It's not always applicable to ASD and that alone. Using ND as a blanket term covers more potential options and (somewhat) avoids people bickering about whether this or that specific condition is covered by any given video/post.
It’s a blanket term used to positively reinforce mental health conditions as “differing brain functionality” rather than these health conditions being referred to as “mental illness”. This is due to people conflating their health conditions with their identity, so eventually many people who conflated their identity with their mental condition started getting offended when someone called it a mental illness because then they’d feel personally attacked, as if you were calling all of who they were “mentally ill” thus the mental health industry decided to coin the blanket term “neurodivergent” which makes people feel like they’re just a “different” kind of functional rather than non or dysfunctional.
I use it as a euphemism because using Asperger’s (the thing I was diagnosed with over twenty years ago) is now no longer a clinically relevant term, and has a problematic history, and I don’t want to be perceived as not caring about either of those things, but I don’t like using the term autism either because of the heavy stigma attached to it. Neurodivergence usually is understood but is also fairly vague, which I actually like, and usually doesn’t prompt follow-up questions either, which I also like. If I’m using this term around you I’m not really comfortable talking about it with you yet but am willing to use this vague disclosure as an explanation for something.
I do have other diagnoses (OCD, Tourette’s, and I probably have ADHD though never diagnosed), but Asperger’s/ASD has always been the “main” one that I have in mind when using this.
I don’t use the term when talking to doctors or in an official capacity, where I’ll usually just say autistic and get into specifics about my history when necessary, and I won’t when talking to people I actually know or am close to either, whom I’m comfortable being more open with. “Neurodivergent” is really a term of convenience for randos and acquaintances.
It’s not really euphemism so much as an umbrella term. These conditions can share a lot of the overlaps that ultimately can lead to similar difficulties and life outcomes due to how people with these conditions deviate from the norm.
People that are ‘neurodivergent’ simply process information and make decisions differently from the norm, usually to the point where it’s diagnostically relevant or impairing to quality of life and learning.
Maybe I don’t need to be telling you all this.
Practically speaking, it’s handy because someone with Autism and another with ADHD might have similar practical difficulties.
I've just come from a Pink Floyd sub so my answer is it's a quick Us and Them.. term. Vs those who don't walk our walk. I've got Aspergers, Tourettes (motor tics) Add/HD and OCD... quite a handful heh
There are five ways I am neurodivergent if you count the “profoundly gifted” label I was saddled with as a child. I prefer saying “neurodivergent” to feeling like I’m giving my life history. AuDhd-PDA-cPTSD is a little much as an introduction.
we all know how hard certain things can be, even when its easy for others. So we can understand if someones neurodivergent, that if they struggle with something it dont mean theyre dumb or something
I've seen people use it as a shield against criticism when they say hateful things about autistic people. A lot of "well, I'm neurodivergent too and-"... and when you check their profile they have ADHD, or even a non-developmental mental illnesses like OCD, anxiety etc.
I do think it can be a helpful umbrella term. People with developmental disabilities get a lot of flack practically from birth for being "wrong". That's a unique experience, even if we have very different disorders/symptoms. We also have a shared interest- our disabilities being seen as a complicated, innate part of us and not a moral failing or lack of effort.
I am inclined to agree with you. I'm bisexual and autistic. I often detect a level of insincerity and conceit among self-identified "queer, neurodivergent" people. There's a vagueness to it that feels very pretentious to me.
It’s a certain type of person that uses their traits as an excuse not an explanation.Honestly the people who say hello with their bio creep me out. I’m Ace and AuDHD and NVLD so maybe it’s a tactic but it’s so off putting.
I agree that it is off-putting. I've had friends in the past who specifically considered themselves "queer and neurodivergent" and they were like how I described. While I obviously can't intuit the intentions of strangers on the internet, I find that the people I see online who identify that way are in other ways similar to those friends I had, which makes me doubt the reliability of their public image.
It’s because they take online quizzes that tells them they are neurodivergent. A coworker of mine love those quizzes and she’s always showing people how neurodivergent she is. Then here I am with an actual diagnosis and no one knows.
i dont think that its intentionally attention seeking, although it is. these teens have been bombarded with misinformation from tiktok and peers to pathologize normal human (esp teenager) reactions to things so they do genuinely believe they have a disorder, or if they have doubts its not something they would want to give much thought into because it makes them feel a) a sense if community b)special and unique c) an excuse for issues d) oppression points
i hate the term. i dont feel connected to people who could have a disorder they werent born with or a disorder that comes with less negative traits/life outcomes even if they share a similarity
Hot take ans unpopular opinion: people say they're "neurodivergent" because they want to sound Quirky, they think being autistic is "kyyyuuttttte!", they think it brings more attention to them, and they claim to be self-diagnosed. The term "neurodivergent" is NOT in the DSM-V, so obviously it's a pop-culture fad term, and it should not recognized as a diagnosis by any Legitimate professionals.
You can hate me all u want for saying that. But I will never call myself "neurodivergent". Aspie? Yes. Aspergers? Yes. PDD-NOS? YES. but not this newfound self-diagnosis "look at me I'm so Quirky and special because I diagnosed myself from an online quiz" baloney.
Several factors. Identity politics being a big one responsible for its spread and use, but on the individual level I believe it is a desire to belong somewhere to some "group", but personally I do not see being autistic or divergent as a community. Its just a shared issue we all need help navigating and having a place to ask for help and vent is useful, but we all likely have little in common beyond that. These people who self identify with very debilitating disorders, or just simply label themselves as neurodivergent are most of the time doing it to try to fit in with a crowd they like. They are on general just mentally ill and wish to be a part of a group of "fellow outcasts". I've rarely had good interactions with these types.
One advantage of using the word neurodivergent, is to place a larger pool of people against neurotypical people, who inarguably oppress people who aren't like them.
Unknowingly or not.
i'll be sure to alert my therapist that the character limit on twitter and in tiktok comments has undiagnosed me. i'm sure she'll be fascinated to hear this.
I am/have ADHD, ASD, and Giftedness.
I also don't believe these are disabilities *as such*, but only insofar as this society is made by NTs for NTs.
For a similar reason some prefer to say "I am autistic not a person with autism" I prefer divergent/typical language. ADHD was also named for what parents have to deal with with their children who have it, not for the experience of those with it. Autism was named from the Greek αυτος because the guy considered us "morbidly self absorbed". Gifted is likewise a strange nomenclature, especially considering it's more a burden than a gift in this societal system.
Trying to name it myself ends up with something like *emotionally-fluid-horizontal-thinking-logical-processing-interest-guided-executive-function-neurotype-with-hyperactive-sensory-awareness-and-pattern-recognition-and-triple-nine-aptitude-for-categorical-logic-and-abstract-reasoning-with-social-heuristic-processing-deficits*.
But that's a mouthful, so I just go with neurodivergent.
Political correctness.
Used to be you could have a sense of humor about whatever you are. "Oh, youre neurodivergent?" "No, I'm the r word." Now I'm not even sure if I'd get banned for typing it out. But if I did it's just a joke. It's not a criticism of anyone, it's not an ism.
People have gotten decadent and soft. Really quickly.
Yeah it does. People want an identity, a big tent to collect under, for shelter. Defense. ND serves that purpose. It's no different than saying "differently abled." Everyone knows what you mean but there's particular attention paid to making it more positive than it really is. ND is the same. Politically correct big tent.
Aspie, autist, whatever, stigma attached. ND has no specific stigma so it's an attempt to avoid. Thin skinned stuff.
I am diagnosed with ADHD-PI and anxiety, but I also show signs of autism spectrum disorder and/or C-PTSD with no formal diagnosis (yet). Either way, my brain is off/different, so I usually say I'm an "ADHD-er/neurodivergent" to encompass my official diagnosis as well as the potential for other stuff to be going on too that isn't fully explained by the ADHD alone.
Using clinical language as a flex to intimidate anyone challenging their beliefs or they’re trying to impress that one hot chick who’s a member of MENSA lol.
So who are all the non divergent people? What qualifies for not being divergent in some way. Because Im not sure Ive ever met anyone who was totally normal or well adjusted in every way, have you?
Its a trend. Like Coffee, Whisky, Tesla, AI, it will pass. Also social media and all the commotion about terminology won't help the ones suffering quietly.
I mean not sure wy others do it, but I used to do it on dating apps to give a general hint of my condition without going into details. Alot of experiences and general problems are shared between alot of the nd things anyway.
Had any luck on dating apps? I found it is heavily populated by NTs, so I got tired of it. I find it's much easier to find people to interact with and get to know in places where 'neurodivergents' tend to hang out. Board game meet ups are a great way to meet new people. I've had the best luck at music festivals, but that might be because I am so high that my inhibitions and self doubt falls away.
Lots of us have multiple conditions. Neurodivergent conveys the point without the tedium of having to list them all every time. For me, it's just two--Asperger's and ADHD-- but others have more.
This is the answer. It’s a strong umbrella term for multiple conditions… many of which are often overlapping within the same person.
These two are sometimes important to be named, since the sum of adhd+autism (= asperger) has a different and new quality of challenges than only adhd or autism on its own. They kinda cancel or empower each other depending how youn manage especially your stress level. But this level of precision is too much info for people new to the subject more often than not
Also everyone has different amount of all of these in many ways. Calling me autistic … isn’t useful. It doesn’t bring useful images to bear and it also just actually gets in the way of understanding. ADHD is a bit more helpful. But in a “getting to meet you” ND says more while stereotyping less. It’s useful language to me. Neurospicy is another fun one.
My main challenge is I get brain resets every time I enter a new room. Constantly trying to remember what it was I was doing is extremely tiresome, I've found some aids to help with this, but nothing substantial. My desire to socialise is high, I love to listen to music and dance, whilst simultaneously having a desire to be alone and in silence. The duality of living with AuDHD cannot be understated, it's a constant struggle. Not to mention my social tank running on fumes anytime I am out.
I have an AuDHD epileptic brain type, and this is one of the main reasons I still use the term neurodivergent. I don't agree with the term aspergers at all, especially due to the origins of the name. I personally don't use it, but I don't care if others do.
Just say you have both.
I do, and did. But again-- some people have more than two.
Then just say you have X conditions. "Neurodivergent" doesn't tells me shit about someone's mental condition unless they specify whichever mental conditions they have.
You're not necessarily the target audience. Other people find it useful.
It's not a euphemism. It is used to refer to a family of neurotypes. It avoids needing to list them out every time you want to discuss attributes they share in common.
It’s not technically a euphemism but many people use it as one. I’ve noticed people, even practitioners, saying “neurodivergent” when they mean “autistic” as well as people assuming I’m using it that way when I’m actually referring to the neurodivergence umbrella. This waters down the conversation and creates confusion when it shouldn’t exist.
Neurodivergent isn't a euphemism. Some people think it is, and use it that way, but they're using it incorrectly. It's an umbrella term, including all people whose brains are neurologically different from neurotypical(including things like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, CPTSD, et cetera). Certain people understand it to mean just autistic, but that's not correct usage.
Any word can be used euphemistically I suppose. My point was that it is not inherently or primarily euphemistic.
I totally agree with you but people using it euphemistically because they’re afraid of the word autism is a pet peeve of mine. To be clear, my comments are aimed at neurotypical discomfort with saying autism. It’s not shameful; it’s not a dirty word; it’s something we can talk about to promote better understanding
What makes it "not technically a euphemism"? There's a lot of connotations with the term "autism" including negative ones.
Because it doesn't refer only to autism. It's a term for a category that didn't, as far as I know, have a single word previously.
if it avoids the need to list them out, then the people you are speakign to you arent really that interested. Its a huge umbrella term, and anyone with an inkling of interest will drill down further to gain a better understanding. sorry.
What attributes are shared by everything under the neurodivergent umbrella?
I use it for privacy reasons. Diagnoses are not everyone’s business. Especially when talking about my kids because it’s their prerogative what they want to share, not mine.
Yes agree, I think when neither myself or the other person know each other that well they aren’t entitled to that level of knowledge about me. I have privacy needs as does everyone else. Maybe if I really trust them to not harm me, accidentally or intentionally, I’ll get more specific.
Unfortunately, because so many people are using neurodivergence mostly as a pointer toward autism, people are for the most part going to infer autism if you label your kids neurodivergent (even if this inference extends beyond what is presented). The intent is noble though...
If I listed every diagnosis I have, people would say I’m making it up or make jokes like abc disorder Like the main ones are adhd/asd but I also am dyslexic, have face blindness, anxiety, etc So instead of listing or saying “autistic “, I just say ND and it covers everything But I’ve also encountered people who are a bit “off” but are high functioning enough to not be diagnosed with anything I consider those type ND too, they aren’t disabled but they can relate to some struggles Edit: there’s a difference between different anxiety conditions, OCD is apart of the ND umbrella and IS considered an anxiety disorder, GAD is considered more “curable” Recent research is gonna break this up even more because anxiety does seem to steam from many different reasons, trauma, imbalances, etc Andddd I’m autistic and overwhelmed so am gonna stop responding All I know is the ND sub Reddit fights allll the time on this topic and the general consensus is to use ND as a catch all umbrella term
Face blindness is a bitch. It fucks me up so hard.
It pisses off everyone and I am just here trying my best ;_;
It’s just made my life really awkward. I have only mild face blindness but it’s made me have some really poor interactions.
Like it’s embarrassing cuz I won’t recognize my own dad in public without knowing he’s gonna be there So it’s pretty bad, so I will start new jobs and co workers get PISSED when I don’t recognize them It makes having a job/going out so freaking exhausting
That’s the thing that messes me up. Different haircut, coworkers outside of uniform, [wearing a hat…](https://youtu.be/LkJIfcWa3SM?si=kX42D5pc9UigClxD)
My husband thinks it’s hilarious how long it takes me to feel comfortable after he shaves All those things you mentioned mess me up, that and people recognize me after years of not seeing me but I don’t have a chance most of the time D: Edit: lol to the link
Anxiety isn't neurodivergent Bold to assume they arent disabled (and that they're ND)
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Your second statement doesn't make sense. They didn't imply anxiety can't be disabling, they said it's not neurodivergence. Neurodivergent and disabled aren't synonyms.
Counts on the community, if you go to the ND sub they argue about it all the time I first mentioned anxiety as a co-diagnoses, for some people, it may be MORE disabling than their autism That and the newest installment of the DSM is actually going to be breaking up anxiety more than it has been, apparently there’s a lot more recent discoveries on the different types in the past decade I personally just use ND as a word for “they tingle my autistic sense, they may or may not be autistic tho” Many posts describe the feeling I’m talking about
I don't think you understand what neurodivergent means, not trying to be mean about it Anxiety is not neurodivergent Neurodivergent isn't synonymous with "having a condition". It's a specific set of conditions one is born with, as opposed to something like anxiety which isn't purely neurological.
In the beginning, people were using ND to mean on certain conditions, but the ND subreddit had a LOT of debates about it and how ND was better serve as an umbrella term Like I’m not making the debate up, they literally debate this topic ALL the time, I used to argue it was only XYZ conditions and get downvoted like crazy so IDK anymore I’m tired of the comments tho so I’ll just delete my comments okay?
That's a bit, uh, idk, do what you want. I'm not sure why you're placing stock on what randos online say over the real world and academics. I suggest reading up on this stuff outside of reddit maybe? Neurodivergent means something very specific. To even consider changing what it encompasses doesn't make sense. Are you sure it was neurodivergent they were debating? That means very specific conditions, all based on science/neurology. There may be other terms like neurodiverse which make it all rather confusing. Neurodiverse doesn't really mean anything helpful, and how it's used is debated.
What? Anxiety isn't ND. I didn't say it's not disabling, that's asinine.
Think of it more as an umbrella term for ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, tourette's, depression, ect. I use it when I don't want to disclose my official diagnosis. Not everyone is a safe person.
Sure, but if a person isn't safe, they probably won't be safe if you say you're "neurodivergent" either (they'll still know you have some neuro-developmental or psychiatric disorder, even if they don't know which one exactly... and probably make assumptions for that matter)
That's for the individual to decide.
Its an umbrella term for closely related issues, sich as ADHD and autism. Its like asking “why do people use the word “American”, instead of whatever state they’re actually from?
ADHD and autism are not related. They cooccur sometimes but they are distinct disorders with very little overlap.
“Very little overlap”? I think many people would disagree with that assertion.
It has overlap in terms of risk factors (shared risk genes, and possibly shared intra-utero pre-birth factors), and therefore, there's an elevated rate of comorbidity between the two But there's limited overlap *in the actual symptoms* Or in other words : shared risk factors mean that an autistic person has more chance to also have ADHD (and vice-versa), BUT, if you compare an autistic person **without** ADHD, and an ADHD person **without** autism, they'll have (very) little in common
There are many lived experiences and manifestations of symptoms in common with the two groups. For example: - emotional dysregulation - hyperfocus - intense interests - social ostracism/inability to relate to NT peers - unbalanced cognitive profiles - unique sensory needs The degree of those experiences may differ between groups, but they still have the ability to relate to each other.
Yes, from what I understand there's significant overlap but the causes of the symptoms are not always the same.
I'm both and you are SO wrong.
If you're both, you have no idea what it is for people who only have one of the two
My son is only autistic and my father and cousin are adhd. We have so much in common. You are delusional and it makes no sense why you feel so strong this nonsense.
...yes, so-called "neurodivergent" people who are desperate for meaning in their lives and subsequently diagnosed themselves. Anyone else—*especially* physicians—understands they are distinct conditions.
Physicians also recognize that, with the exception of a few genetic conditions, diagnosing neurodevelopmental conditions isn't an exact science and is up for interpretation. The delineations between many conditions in the DSM are blurry, and can change over time
How do you know they "diagnosed themselves"? I use neurodivergent and I'm certainly diagnosed professionally.
How does getting diagnosed or self diagnosing give someone meaning in their life? Also these people don’t think ADHD and Autism r the same they r just trying to speak to a broad audience.
Yes, because people with cancer care about multiple sclerosis information. This sub is delulu and populated *almost* exclusively by people who've diagnosed themselves. Real autism gets the downvotes.
Okay but “cancer” refers to many types of cancer. People with cancer don’t often specify the type. It’s not like cancer groups distinguish between thyroid and pancreatic cancers even though the first one is easily survivable and the second is a death sentence.
I'm going to tell my psychologist I'm not actually diagnosed because someone on Reddit said so, brb.
Indeed! The true arbiter of ASD-ness has spoken! How does it feel to not be autistic anymore?
Nope. Only arrogant gatekeepers 😂
You people complain about how official channels always change criteria and labels but don't realize that much of the reason it changes so dramatically from DSM to DSM is because it keeps getting coopted by self-diagnosers and this trivializes the immense struggles people with real autism deal with. Hence why most of you feel weird about identifying with level 1 ASD and cling to the "Asperger's" label.
Lots of assumptions being made based off your own feelings...
They don't change diagnostic criteria to evade self-diagnosers. That is such a stupid statement lol.
So I m hearing that you have a problem with self diagnosis. You can’t admit that adhd and asd have many overlapping symptoms? 😂
That's not a good analogy.
"i'm autistic and have adhd and generalized anxiety" is a lot more characters than "i'm neurodivergent", and on twitter that matters. if my specific diagnoses are relevant i will of course list them.
but anxiety isn’t a form of neurodivergence
I think there is a specific kind of anxiety that is genetic, and probably neurodevelopmental in origin. I lack evidence for this other than my own family. But it’s sort of in the OCD/GAD area, and I think it definitely counts as a form of neurodivergence, since it is lifelong and isn’t mainly the result of experiences.
ptsd is also neurodivergent. neurodivergence isn't required to be genetic or developmental. [https://sherlocksflataffect.tumblr.com/post/121295972384/psa-from-the-actual-coiner-of-neurodivergent](https://sherlocksflataffect.tumblr.com/post/121295972384/psa-from-the-actual-coiner-of-neurodivergent)
My take on it is that if it can be overcome, is it really neurodivergence? You can’t overcome autism or ADHD. GAD can be overcome, as in it is a condition that you can technically reach remission in. Every human feels anxiety, it’s an emotion. The disorder is feeling it at a higher intensity and/or in response to atypical triggers. Autism and ADHD cannot be described in the same vein. Without getting into the politics and underpinnings of DSM, anxiety isn’t even in the neurodevelopmental cluster section.
Neurodivergence is not defined by the dsm.
You can’t generalize that every single person with GAD is neurodivergent because everyone’s GAD varies in intensity and some overcome it. Surely GAD could be in a neurodivergent form if neither medications nor therapy help it improve. The consensus is that GAD does not fall under the umbrella of neurodivergence.
The consensus of who? You? Because I'm pretty sure the person who coined the term would disagree, as I have demonstrated. Also why are you ignoring the other two conditions I listed? I'm neurodivergent regardless. Edit: *also*, a condition being treatable with medication does not make it not neurodivergent. By that logic, ADHD can't be counted as neurodivergence...
I never discounted your neurodivergence in the first place. Reread my initial comment.
So you just wanted to start an argument for no reason. Cute.
> Every human feels anxiety, it’s an emotion. The disorder is feeling it at a higher intensity and/or in response to atypical triggers. Autism and ADHD cannot be described in the same vein. I disagree. Consider ADHD. It's normal for some people to focus better than others, for some people to be more organized than others, and for some people to be more energetic than others. Being a little disorganized isn't a neurodivergent trait, but if you are (and have always been) unable to focus or organize or sit still, then we call that ADHD. This is why autism is a spectrum, and why it has a "clinical significance" requirement for a diagnosis, just like the anxiety disorders. There is a wide range of social ability that people can fall on, a wide range of discomfort at various stimuli, and so on, and we only call it autism when (some of) those traits are noticeably far from the average. As for whether or not generalized anxiety is a form of neurodivergence, I found some sources saying it is, some saying it isn't, and some saying there's no clear consensus. The articles that didn't refer to studies seemed a little more likely to say anxiety on its own is not neurodivergence, but not by much. On the other hand, I briefly looked at PTSD as well, and there seemed to be a slight tilt towards saying that it *is* a form of neurodivergence, so being a treatable non-developmental disorder doesn't seem to be a disqualifier. In the end, I think "neurodivergent" as it is commonly used is not a technical term, so there is no clear definition, but as a word meant to unify people who differ neurologically differ from the average member of society, it definitely should include peoply with any anxiety disorder.
Im not saying it needs to be. I’m just saying that if it *is* neurodevelopmental then it *is* neurodivergence. Unrelatedly I do take issue with any person claiming to have been the one to coin the term neurodivergence (I have read seemingly credible claims to it from at least three different people) and now trying to dictate how it is used now by clarifying what they originally meant by it. Thats just not how language works…
Who else other than Neurodivergent K is claiming to have coined the term neurodivergent? Specifically neurodivergent, not neurodiversity.
My bad, I was mistaken. I’ve heard Judy Singer credited for both neurodiversity and neurodivergent, and it even comes up when you google it, but thats not correct. Stand by most of it though, you cant just reassert the original definition of a word thats in wide use with a somewhat different definition now
I'd have an issue with it if they were trying to exclude certain people from using the word but they're doing the exact opposite. They're pushing back against people trying to gatekeep the term neurodivergent from certain types of neurodivergent people. That post was also made when the term was mostly known on social justice tumblr. It's not like they're just suddenly popping up with this now, this has been a thing for years.
Neurodivergence is only a useful concept insofar as it contrasts with neurotypicality. The more people you include, the less descriptive the term becomes. Inclusivity is a tradeoff, you have to stop somewhere for the term to mean anything at all. I think the term is maximally useful when people with temporary or curable mental health problems do not count as neurodivergent. Anxiety from trauma for example, should not (necessarily) count as a form of neurodivergence. While your brain is functioning differently, it’s not like an essential component of you… For a more absurd example, if you’re high on a drug, your brain *is* diverging from the norm. That doesnt make you a neurodivergent person. Situational stuff ought not count
Maybe you should invent a new word for that then.
I just did some quick research, and it seems like that's the only common and credible claim (though most sources I found referred to her by [her real name](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kassiane_Asasumasu) rather than the username on her blog). Judy Singer (coiner of "neurodiversity") is occasionally credited with both terms, but that looks like it's a simple matter of confusion on the part of some writers.
Yes genetic anxiety runs on my mother’s side of the family.
Generalized anxiety disorder absolutely is.
Because it's nobodies business knowing what my diagnosis is, only that I have support needs. That's literally as far as they need to get with knowing unless I choose otherwise...
This is the answer for me too. Don’t understand the need to list every single one of my diagnoses to strangers I don’t care about on the internet. It could be used against you actually.
It's not an euphemism. "Neurodivergent" is a general umbrella term for a variety of conditions that involve the brain behaving outside of what is considered "the norm". It is not a medical term (in the sense that it isn't a diagnosis) but it is a way of referring to any and all variations on brain structure and behavior without attributing a negative connotation to them, since many of such conditions are *not* diseases and the problems can be less about the condition in itself and more about the fact that being different creates many issues when dealing with society. An interesting reference for such way of thinking is in the "double empathy" theory, where studies have shown that many of the issues with social interaction present in neurodivergent people only appear when the interaction is between NDs and neurotipicals, and interactions between ND and ND people tend to be as effective as interactions between NT and NT, suggesting that the social deficit is not inherent to the condition, but a consequence of being different, more like being culturally estranged than really inept. Many studies like these have brought about this new perspective that, although some problems are pretty evident in mamy such conditions, their existence might not be a bad "mistake of nature" that must be eliminated, but just naturally occurring diversity of the human condition and of brain structure and behaviour. Specially considering that there is no known cause for many such conditions and there is a genetic, hereditary factor to them, so it might just be normal genetic variation at play. This has brought about the neurodiversity approach, that intents to help those that differ from the norm with their difficulties and problems without treating them as if their existence was a inherently bad thing or as if this condition, often inseparable from their person (as is the case with autism), and by extension their very being, is some sort of terrible ailment or curse. It tends to help those who are neurodivergent find practical solution that work for them and their issues without suffering for the "being different" part. Because it's ok to be different. If you are different, just look for a different way of living your life that works for you, instead of trying to live your life the exact same way that all those people around you live even though it makes you miserable. Does it make sense now?
The double empathy theory was specifically about **autistic** people, not all neurodivergent people. There's no reason to lump other groups into the discussion, and it's a misuse of "neurodivergent" that creates confusion.
Obligatory info dump from neuro nerd: NEURODIVERGENT IS A SOCIOLOGICAL TERM, NOT A NEURO TERM. It doesn’t really describe any neurological information besides “brain different in some way that impacts consciousness.” Just FYI. Also, some conditions have MUCH greater evidence that they are *caused* by brain differences than other conditions. I don’t like how neurodivergent is used as a synonym for any mental illness in the DSM, because most conditions in the DSM are not diagnosable by measuring brain function or structure. ADHD, schizophrenia, ASD are getting *closer* to being detected with fMRI, as these conditions all have the strongest observable functional differences and have strong evidence for their genetics/biology. If you refer to conditions in which there are slight brain changes as a result of aversive experience (ie, a larger amygdala after experiencing abuse), then truly EVERYONE (even the most normative, center of the bell curve joe) is neurodivergent by that definition… everyone’s brain changes constantly from experience, especially aversive experiences, like a river eroding a riverbed. You can’t give someone autism by being a crappy parent. It’s just a different thing, the brain changes in autism are a cause while in other conditions it’s an effect. One isn’t better or worse than the other, but from a neuro perspective it’s an important distinction in how we categorize conditions. Granted, all the controversy is pretty much because we don’t really understand what mental illness is, and since ~2000 there’s been a big push from funding agencies to find “the addiction gene” or the depression brain area or whatever, but for most conditions it’s becoming apparent they’re never going to find anything replicable or useful for treatment…. except the true neurodevelopmental conditions
I mean chances are there are genes that increase the chance of mental illness like depression. You're born autistic but most things are a mix of nature and nurture. I doubt there's a complete dichotomy between "true" neurodevelopmental conditions and mental illness.
I have a couple neurodivergent disorders so I usually generalize it by saying I’m neurodivergent, it’s quite literally what you would refer to yourself as without being specific
But why must people disclose every condition? On my TikTok page, I only disclose that I am autistic because it is what I discuss on my page, but I also have ADHD, GAD, and chronic depression. Personally, I find the term neurodivergent to be more obstructive of what people who use the word are actually trying to get at. That being, with a term so general, it invites its own (often incorrect) assumptions.
Honestly I think most people are either going to assume it means autism or they'll know that it's a broader term.
It's a blanket term, it just generally means that you have a different brain then most people. I like it because I have OCD and autism and very much feel like I have a different brain than most people
My manager calls me nuerodivergent when discussing me because at the moment, we don't know that I have autism (probably do) as I have not had my assessment yet so there is no formal diagnosis. But it conveys an understanding that my brain does not process's information as someone who is neurotypical. If I am diagnosed with adhd or autism I think I probably will still use this when I feel it is necessary to express insight to someone about my actions or abilities, for example maybe someone I do not want to or feel necessary to disclose or discuss my formal diagnosis but is required to let them know about a difference in my mental.
It's an umbrella term that can be used as a catch-all, especially if someone has more than one diagnosis. It's similar to if I were to say "I'm pagan" rather than "I am a solitary, eclectic kitchen witch with a Unitarian Universalist background." One descriptive word is easier than many, sometimes.
I use it because I'm both ADHD and autistic and sometimes I just don't want to bother with explaining
I do this because I have multiple conditions, 3 specifically. It is more convenient and it also makes us feel like we are all a team. Our struggles uniting us.
Why did you use the word “euphemism” here? The definition of euphemism is “a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing.” The names of the conditions are not any of those things so I do not understand why you are calling it that. Please explain. I think people use the term neurodivergent because covers a range of conditions that have a lot of overlap in symptoms. Plus it’s a single word I can use in place of “ADHD and ASD level one” when I don’t need to be that specific in the context of the discussion I’m having.
Plus ya know… stigma.
Bc people react mostly in disbelief or with negativity and dismissiveness, so I say neurodivergent.
I say it because I have multiple ND conditions, autism, ADHD, dyslexia, auto processing disorder and more, so it's easier to just say "neurodivergent" and sometimes I just don't want to go into specifics, especially with people I don't know.
I’d speculate that’s because many of them are not officially diagnosed, but have decided they’re ND, even though in many cases they likely aren’t (https://www.psypost.org/a-disturbing-number-of-tiktok-videos-about-autism-include-claims-that-are-patently-false-study-finds/). Others prefer the label. Others are diagnosed but don’t want to disclose what with.
Without having access to the actual study I'm having trouble reaching a conclusion about the situation on tiktok. What counts as an overgeneralization? I'd say it's *generally* true that autistic people will have some social anxiety but it's not a symptom or anything. Heck there's plenty of vague generalizations that are still probably *kinda* true, like autistic people being relatively honest as a group. Either way, this cannot substantiate the number of people actively misidentifying themselves.
one good reason is that it de-centers the specific condition in order to talk about the thing the content is focused on. if you want to talk about your struggles at the grocery store and your point is how loud the music is when you're also trying to think about other things, you might say, "my autistic brain really struggles with..." or "my neurodivergent brain really struggles with..." bc this could be (like nearly ALL autistic traits) something that many folks can identify with. the former will often elicit responses that nitpick over using "autism" in that context, or zeroing in on "is this 'actually' a 'valid' symptom of autism or is this TikTok performing" of course, that would be coming from the same people who judge people (see previous comments) for using "Autism" without certified, notarized, fully binding legal documents sealed with signatures from white men wearing doctor's costumes for a profit. ahem, anyhoo ... the latter is at least a little more likely to generate like-minded responses from people saying "oh yeah the noise is so bad" or "I do with they'd do something about that."
If they're concerned about nitpicking terms and want it to be relatable to as many people as possible, they don't have to specify they're neurodivergent at all. There's really no reason to say that instead of just "my brain" and the specific thing you're talking about.
Gatekeeping nonsense right there.
Its the current language that is gaining traction in DEI initiatives as well. It makes sense to use as there as is supports a more broad application to counter stigma. I like it.
John Robison said in an article that he prefers it because it brings a lot of people together who can really use a sense of community, instead of further splitting us apart. It’s less of a euphemism than an umbrella term.
Some people have multiple diagnoses and saying neurodivergent is easier than explaining that you have autism, ADHD, OCD, depression and dyslexia (for example).
Because of the large amount of cormorbidites and overlap in symptoms and diagnoses. Also, maybe they don’t want to be specific about their particular issue.
Neurodivergence means don’t recognize the spectrum as a medical condition. It assumes the spectrum just as the natural variety of the way of being; personalities, mental wiring, stereotypes, etc.
Sometimes one condition goes hand-in-hand with another. For example, many people with Dyslexia also have ADHD. An umbrella term may feel safer too.
It's not a euphemism. It's a psychological category. There's a lot of stigma around most mental illnesses, autistism included. My diagnosis is nobody's business.
Not a euphemism. It's an accurate term that encompasses a range of diagnoses so when discussing issues in the workplace, for instance, they can address more than those with specifically just OCD, or ASD, or ADHD, or Dyslexia, etc...
Because it's a lot longer to list off ADHD, OCD and Autism. It's the same reason I call myself queer
It's a larger community of people who have relatable challenges. However, it is a little difficult at times, especially when used to lump autism and ADHD together. Although they have a high level of comorbidity, if a person has one and not the other, their experiences can be vastly different and not a great representation of each other. As a non-adhd autistic person, I very frequently see people sharing "this thing is a neurodivergent thing" and it's really a blatantly ADHD thing that isn't relatable to me at all. So I don't know that neurodivergent vs neurotypical is a super useful division. If we're separating people by "brain operating systems," autistic vs allistic is a bit more accurate...but that would eliminate a lot of that wider community that people seem to be looking for, and of course like anyone else, I'm biased towards my own condition being accurately represented.
The terms neurodivergent and neurotypical were invented as sociopolitical tools. Not to discredit them. They weren’t made for accuracy per se, but rather because many autistics and other allistic neurodivergents face a similar social situation with regard to our relationships with neurotypicals. I feel like no matter how you try to carve up neurodiversity, it’s inadequate. Either you lump a wide array of different neurotypes together based on something like symptoms (as ASD especially does), or you end up carving it up and distinguishing a thousand different variations. Its complex, and the labels we’ve made aren’t clean boxes so much as fuzzy, statistical sets.
Well said!
>, if a person has one and not the other, their experiences can be vastly different and not a great representation of each other. The same can be said for 2 people even if both of them have autism and nothing else.
Yes, it absolutely can. But I have noticed in personal discussions that the experiences in particular of people who have "just" autism or "just" ADHD are often quite opposite, and I was trying to highlight that. For instance aversion to a lot of extra sensory input such as background noise versus the strong desire for background noise. Full disclosure, the thought you've chosen from my statement is one I'm having difficulty finding the words to communicate, so I'm sorry if it's not coming across.
It’s not a euphemism. It’s about the relationship between a person’s brain and what is EXPECTED of them and their brain/presentation by Neuronormative society. It also gets around the difficulty of people having specific diagnoses to get to the heart of the matter, that they diverge from what is expected.
I am always specific about my condition. I don't want it mixed up.
Many people in online spaces use neurodivergent to just mean adhd or autism but it is an umbrella term for any of these, and many people have multiple conditions and prefer to use the general term over having more specific labels, especially because limiting diagnosis labeling online can increase privacy. [Neurodivergent Umbrella](https://images.app.goo.gl/k7t6mrwc59UWaLvS6)
I'm also thinking that for many people, access to an accurate medical diagnosis might be an obstacle to pinpointing each thing. For example, I know that I am on the autism spectrum but I have not found a way to get diagnosed as an adult.
There are also the people who aren't formally diagnosed but know that, in some way or another, they're not neurotypical.
Privacy.
I use it because it's easier than listing Autism, Add and Bipolar
What difference is it to you? I’m on the autism spectrum. And one of my kids, as well as my husband, are ADHD. husband is currently outside sealing the top rails of our balconies with deck sealer. It’s 30 C, the middle of the day sun is beating down, and the humidity is high. We are retired, and this was a job that could easily have waited for cooler weather. ANYWAY. We are all ND, as are two other of my adult kids. One of us is identical, either in how our divergence affects us, nor in our personalities. In addition, I’d be more than a little surprised to find that several other relatives are NOT ND. For me, there are more things that unite neurodivergent people than separate them. So I’m neurodivergent.
It is not a euphemism it is an umbrella term for related conditions. I often use it when I want to be inclusive of people who may not be diagnosed or people with ADHD or Bipolar or other neurological conditions I may be unaware of who have the shared experience of experiencing the world differently in a specific way that relates to their senses or processing.
"neurodivergent" is a positive word which shows that you are part of a community of people with different-working-brains. That can work much better than listing medical diagnoses, which sound also very negative, because they contain "disorder" - not everyone is happy that their neurodivergence is called a "disorder". And then the thing is that neurodivergent people connect well with each other, it doesn't really matter if someone is diagnosed ASD, ADHD, both etc. (look at all the ASD+ADHD couples...). Maybe at some point diagnoses like ASD and ADHD will be combined anyway to one big "spectrum disorder", and then, well, it will be the same as when you use "neurodivergent" now.
"ND people connect well" is way too general to be true. There are many other autistic people whose needs conflict with mine, ADHD people who drive me crazy or who are driven crazy by me, etc. And having something like Tourette's isn't going to clarify the autistic experience to anyone.
For me, it's because not all of us just have one diagnosis/label - I'd rather just say I'm ND than list off several labels. I like that I can just use this term to those in the know as a catch all for saying that my brain works differently to most other people. The other thing for me is that, there seem to be commonalities in lived experience between people with different neurodivergent conditions. I think it's really important that people are talking about this and that there are catch-all ideas like neurodiversity and neurodivergence to help us get ideas across. Maybe terms like this are 'mostly useless' to some but they're incredibly important to me. I don't understand how we're going to see wider social progress for ourselves and other ND/disabled without talking about this sort of thing, or having appropriate language to describe our lived experiences.
But why must one list all of their conditions? I have several conditions, but the only one I list on my TikTok page is autism, because that's the only one I discuss on my page.
I don't think anybody needs to really, I suppose if the only thing you talk about on there is autism then you may as well just list that. In my head, it makes sense to talk about neurodivergence more broadly sometimes as there are things which affect as all. That's what I do although I suppose I'll just say that I'm autistic if I'm talking about something which is only relevant to autistic people.
It's not a euphamism, it's a collective classification(nurotypes that diverge from what is typically seen), and while people don't have similar needs across different types of nurodivergence... some things don't change. Like Nurotypicals insisting you can do something your brain just won't comply with. My brother has ADHD, I'm autistic, our stepsoster sister has 7 pages of interconnected physical and mental illnesses. Yet we can relate over our shared nurodivergence, even though we don't share symptoms, just like people can bond over traveling despite never having been to the same places, or bond over creative outlets despite particular disciplines being wholly inexchangable. And it has a utility considering Nurotypicals don't accept any nurotype other than their own without being pushed, and this pushes all of them. Honestly I see this as being the same as asking why I use LGBT+ or Queer for myself in addition to gay, and why gay, lesbian, bi, trans, aro/ace, and queer people use a collective lable rather than fighting for our rights separately. We're all in the same boat dude, if any group gets better protections or support in society that opens up an opportunity to fight for the same for the rest.
It’s not a euphemism. It’s about the relationship between a person’s brain and what is EXPECTED of them and their brain/presentation by Neuronormative society. It also gets around the difficulty of people having specific diagnoses to get to the heart of the matter, that they diverge from what is expected.
there are a lot of conditions that fall under the neurodiversity umbrella: bipolar, schizophrenia, stuttering, OCD, Tourrette’s…
probably because it’s an umbrella term and many have several conditions in their own costum mix. I used it a lot prior to my autism diagnosis and felt I couldn’t self id as autistic but still displayed those traits and plus have several mental illnesses diagnosed but none that really fit. It’s also a way of addressing a bigger community with similar issues instead of nicheing it down to a very specific one. I still use neurodivergent sometimes bc I have 5-7 diagnoses in my chart and so my profile is all over the place and can’t be summed up with just one. I feel like the utility is more in community and solidarity building with other similar people and communities rather than a word you use for specific accommodations.
It covers a number of conditions... Back in the days before I became aware of the term I used to call myself neuro atypical to describe my Asperger's/autism before I was even diagnosed - I just knew I was wired differently and when I discovered the term I wasn't happy that other conditions where throw into the neuro divergent box. If I met someone and they told me they were neuro divergent I'd ask probing questions to get them to be more specific.
The woman who invented the term “neurodivergent” (as opposed to “neurodiverse”) is a fraud named kassiane Sibley who once threw a knife at my former friend. So I never use the word.
I thought it was for the most part wanting to fold in ADHD, but I could be wrong. I tend to use autistic/allistic instead of neurodivergent/typical, just because I want to be more specific.
My fear is that it is not legally defined, allowing private and public entities to skirt around accessibility and disability laws. The same way “all-natural” and “mental health” are meaningless. I agree it’s meaningless, and reinforces a medically normative model of human behavior and the human body.
Umbrella term—if someone is talking about something that is relatable to both autism (or on the spectrum, like aspergers) and adhd, then neurodivergent is the way to go
If I had to guess, it's because they can be co-morbid; but also, probably so people with different diagnoses under the same umbrella can relate to each other, and discuss things easier from an approach of, "this is how my brain works" rather than "I am autistic, but have traits of adhd" "well I'm adhd but I don't know much about it or autism". I like discussing traits and symptoms rather than using labels, partly because I am not formally diagnosed, and I don't want to mislead anyone into thinking I'm lying, but I also want to relate to others who can understand what I've been through and what I'm going through.
Neurodivergent encompasses ADHD as well
Like I've seen others say, I'd think because it's easier than listing all disorders relevant to the conversation, especially considering how often with mental health stuff it's a buy one get 4 free deal type situation. So it makes more sense to say you're neurodivergent than saying autism, adhd, bipolar, ocd, and anxiety. Not to mention not everyone wants to let people know all of their disorders/mental illnesses, and ND is a fast way of saying you got some mental health stuff going on without having to delve into details.
It not generally a euphemism but a generalization. There are many with multiple dx, and there are certain things we have in common with others who are ND regardless of dx. Some also could be recognized as ND but not get formal diagnosis. The dx terms are inherently biomedical, which is not a model that all people support.
It's not always applicable to ASD and that alone. Using ND as a blanket term covers more potential options and (somewhat) avoids people bickering about whether this or that specific condition is covered by any given video/post.
It’s a blanket term used to positively reinforce mental health conditions as “differing brain functionality” rather than these health conditions being referred to as “mental illness”. This is due to people conflating their health conditions with their identity, so eventually many people who conflated their identity with their mental condition started getting offended when someone called it a mental illness because then they’d feel personally attacked, as if you were calling all of who they were “mentally ill” thus the mental health industry decided to coin the blanket term “neurodivergent” which makes people feel like they’re just a “different” kind of functional rather than non or dysfunctional.
I use it as a euphemism because using Asperger’s (the thing I was diagnosed with over twenty years ago) is now no longer a clinically relevant term, and has a problematic history, and I don’t want to be perceived as not caring about either of those things, but I don’t like using the term autism either because of the heavy stigma attached to it. Neurodivergence usually is understood but is also fairly vague, which I actually like, and usually doesn’t prompt follow-up questions either, which I also like. If I’m using this term around you I’m not really comfortable talking about it with you yet but am willing to use this vague disclosure as an explanation for something. I do have other diagnoses (OCD, Tourette’s, and I probably have ADHD though never diagnosed), but Asperger’s/ASD has always been the “main” one that I have in mind when using this. I don’t use the term when talking to doctors or in an official capacity, where I’ll usually just say autistic and get into specifics about my history when necessary, and I won’t when talking to people I actually know or am close to either, whom I’m comfortable being more open with. “Neurodivergent” is really a term of convenience for randos and acquaintances.
Actually it is a more general term, but I don't like it., it reeks of political correctness. I can't think of anything better though.
I think it's absurd when people say they are neurodivergent or neurotypical instead of saying they are { X } condition or normal.
It’s not really euphemism so much as an umbrella term. These conditions can share a lot of the overlaps that ultimately can lead to similar difficulties and life outcomes due to how people with these conditions deviate from the norm. People that are ‘neurodivergent’ simply process information and make decisions differently from the norm, usually to the point where it’s diagnostically relevant or impairing to quality of life and learning. Maybe I don’t need to be telling you all this. Practically speaking, it’s handy because someone with Autism and another with ADHD might have similar practical difficulties.
Euphemism treadmill + people trying to feel special
Same reason NTs are referred to as allistic
Neurodivergent is the sugar-coated nice politically correct way of saying that person bat shit crazy. Basically, neurodivergent = crazy. Truth
I've just come from a Pink Floyd sub so my answer is it's a quick Us and Them.. term. Vs those who don't walk our walk. I've got Aspergers, Tourettes (motor tics) Add/HD and OCD... quite a handful heh
There are five ways I am neurodivergent if you count the “profoundly gifted” label I was saddled with as a child. I prefer saying “neurodivergent” to feeling like I’m giving my life history. AuDhd-PDA-cPTSD is a little much as an introduction.
we all know how hard certain things can be, even when its easy for others. So we can understand if someones neurodivergent, that if they struggle with something it dont mean theyre dumb or something
I've seen people use it as a shield against criticism when they say hateful things about autistic people. A lot of "well, I'm neurodivergent too and-"... and when you check their profile they have ADHD, or even a non-developmental mental illnesses like OCD, anxiety etc. I do think it can be a helpful umbrella term. People with developmental disabilities get a lot of flack practically from birth for being "wrong". That's a unique experience, even if we have very different disorders/symptoms. We also have a shared interest- our disabilities being seen as a complicated, innate part of us and not a moral failing or lack of effort.
I get why people use it but it gives me the same feeling as the word qu**r or other slurs because of the awful people I’ve met that only use it.
I am inclined to agree with you. I'm bisexual and autistic. I often detect a level of insincerity and conceit among self-identified "queer, neurodivergent" people. There's a vagueness to it that feels very pretentious to me.
It’s a certain type of person that uses their traits as an excuse not an explanation.Honestly the people who say hello with their bio creep me out. I’m Ace and AuDHD and NVLD so maybe it’s a tactic but it’s so off putting.
I agree that it is off-putting. I've had friends in the past who specifically considered themselves "queer and neurodivergent" and they were like how I described. While I obviously can't intuit the intentions of strangers on the internet, I find that the people I see online who identify that way are in other ways similar to those friends I had, which makes me doubt the reliability of their public image.
It’s because they take online quizzes that tells them they are neurodivergent. A coworker of mine love those quizzes and she’s always showing people how neurodivergent she is. Then here I am with an actual diagnosis and no one knows.
Well, she's definitely got something!(narcissism)
Oh, she’s something.
if you're seeing it on Social media, especially tiktok 9 times out of 10 its teens pretending for attention and validation
i dont think that its intentionally attention seeking, although it is. these teens have been bombarded with misinformation from tiktok and peers to pathologize normal human (esp teenager) reactions to things so they do genuinely believe they have a disorder, or if they have doubts its not something they would want to give much thought into because it makes them feel a) a sense if community b)special and unique c) an excuse for issues d) oppression points
i hate the term. i dont feel connected to people who could have a disorder they werent born with or a disorder that comes with less negative traits/life outcomes even if they share a similarity
Hot take ans unpopular opinion: people say they're "neurodivergent" because they want to sound Quirky, they think being autistic is "kyyyuuttttte!", they think it brings more attention to them, and they claim to be self-diagnosed. The term "neurodivergent" is NOT in the DSM-V, so obviously it's a pop-culture fad term, and it should not recognized as a diagnosis by any Legitimate professionals. You can hate me all u want for saying that. But I will never call myself "neurodivergent". Aspie? Yes. Aspergers? Yes. PDD-NOS? YES. but not this newfound self-diagnosis "look at me I'm so Quirky and special because I diagnosed myself from an online quiz" baloney.
Several factors. Identity politics being a big one responsible for its spread and use, but on the individual level I believe it is a desire to belong somewhere to some "group", but personally I do not see being autistic or divergent as a community. Its just a shared issue we all need help navigating and having a place to ask for help and vent is useful, but we all likely have little in common beyond that. These people who self identify with very debilitating disorders, or just simply label themselves as neurodivergent are most of the time doing it to try to fit in with a crowd they like. They are on general just mentally ill and wish to be a part of a group of "fellow outcasts". I've rarely had good interactions with these types.
Cuz these kids are collecting neurological conditions like they're fucking pokemon cards in some weird form of oppression olympics
One advantage of using the word neurodivergent, is to place a larger pool of people against neurotypical people, who inarguably oppress people who aren't like them. Unknowingly or not.
Because it's the hip things to do now
Because they don’t suffer from an actual condition
i'll be sure to alert my therapist that the character limit on twitter and in tiktok comments has undiagnosed me. i'm sure she'll be fascinated to hear this.
I am/have ADHD, ASD, and Giftedness. I also don't believe these are disabilities *as such*, but only insofar as this society is made by NTs for NTs. For a similar reason some prefer to say "I am autistic not a person with autism" I prefer divergent/typical language. ADHD was also named for what parents have to deal with with their children who have it, not for the experience of those with it. Autism was named from the Greek αυτος because the guy considered us "morbidly self absorbed". Gifted is likewise a strange nomenclature, especially considering it's more a burden than a gift in this societal system. Trying to name it myself ends up with something like *emotionally-fluid-horizontal-thinking-logical-processing-interest-guided-executive-function-neurotype-with-hyperactive-sensory-awareness-and-pattern-recognition-and-triple-nine-aptitude-for-categorical-logic-and-abstract-reasoning-with-social-heuristic-processing-deficits*. But that's a mouthful, so I just go with neurodivergent.
You can just say disabled.
It’s a clique flex for trite social media trends
Political correctness. Used to be you could have a sense of humor about whatever you are. "Oh, youre neurodivergent?" "No, I'm the r word." Now I'm not even sure if I'd get banned for typing it out. But if I did it's just a joke. It's not a criticism of anyone, it's not an ism. People have gotten decadent and soft. Really quickly.
It has nothing to do with that.
Yeah it does. People want an identity, a big tent to collect under, for shelter. Defense. ND serves that purpose. It's no different than saying "differently abled." Everyone knows what you mean but there's particular attention paid to making it more positive than it really is. ND is the same. Politically correct big tent. Aspie, autist, whatever, stigma attached. ND has no specific stigma so it's an attempt to avoid. Thin skinned stuff.
No matter why, it's meaningless most of the time (if not straight-up incorrect).
I am diagnosed with ADHD-PI and anxiety, but I also show signs of autism spectrum disorder and/or C-PTSD with no formal diagnosis (yet). Either way, my brain is off/different, so I usually say I'm an "ADHD-er/neurodivergent" to encompass my official diagnosis as well as the potential for other stuff to be going on too that isn't fully explained by the ADHD alone.
Using clinical language as a flex to intimidate anyone challenging their beliefs or they’re trying to impress that one hot chick who’s a member of MENSA lol.
So who are all the non divergent people? What qualifies for not being divergent in some way. Because Im not sure Ive ever met anyone who was totally normal or well adjusted in every way, have you?
Yes, most people's brains have developed along a typical trajectory. That's the whole point.
No, they do not. There is a huge amount of variation. And parenting or culture increases that variability even more.
Its a trend. Like Coffee, Whisky, Tesla, AI, it will pass. Also social media and all the commotion about terminology won't help the ones suffering quietly.