Neurodiversity

What is neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence means having a brain that works differently from what society considers typical.

It is a way of understanding human variation — a recognition that brains naturally develop in many different ways, and that these differences shape how people think, feel, learn, and interact with the world.

The idea of neurodiversity emerged in the late 1990s, developed collectively by autistic self-advocates and activists in online communities. Sociologist Judy Singer helped bring the concept into academic writing around the same time.¹

The core insight is simple but important: neurological differences are a natural part of human diversity. They are not defects to be fixed.

That does not mean life is always easy. Neurodivergent people face real challenges — many of which come not from the differences themselves, but from living in systems that were not designed for them.

How common is neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence is far more common than many people realise.

Many are undiagnosed. Some were assessed in childhood. Others find out in adulthood — sometimes not until their 30s, 40s, or later. For some, diagnosis waits are measured in years, not months.

Being neurodivergent is not rare. What is rare is getting timely understanding and support.

What neurodivergence includes

Neurodivergence covers a range of conditions. Each has its own characteristics, but they share something in common: they describe ways the brain develops and functions that differ from the majority.

The most widely recognised neurodivergent conditions include:

ADHD — affects attention regulation, impulse control, and emotional response. An estimated 2.5 million people in England alone have ADHD.

Autism — affects social communication, sensory processing, and how people experience the world. Around 1 in 100 people in the UK are autistic.

Dyslexia — affects how the brain processes written and spoken language. Around 10% of the UK population are dyslexic.

Dyspraxia (DCD) — affects coordination, movement planning, and perception. Around 6% of the population have dyspraxia.

Dyscalculia — affects the ability to understand and work with numbers. Affects around 3–6% of the population.

Tic disorders and Tourette syndrome — involve sudden, repetitive movements or sounds. Tourette's affects around 1 in 100 children.

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) — affects understanding and using spoken language. Affects 1 in 14 people — more common than autism.

Dysgraphia — affects the ability to write, both physically and organisationally. Often co-occurs with dyslexia or dyspraxia.

Many people have more than one condition. This is the rule rather than the exception, and it matters for getting the right support.

Why we use the word "neurodivergence"

neurobetter uses the neurodiversity framework because we believe it offers a more accurate, respectful, and useful way of understanding difference.

We also recognise that not everyone identifies with this language. Some people prefer clinical terms. Some are still figuring out what feels right. That is fine. What matters most is that people feel seen and supported — whatever words they use.

Neurodivergence and mental health

This is where neurobetter's work is focused.

Neurodivergent people are at significantly greater risk of mental health difficulties. Not because neurodivergence is a mental illness, but because the world often fails to understand, accommodate, or support people whose brains work differently.

The numbers are stark:

• 66% of autistic adults have thought about taking their own life.4
• People with ADHD are 5 times more likely to attempt suicide.4
• Nearly 4 in 5 autistic adults live with a co-occurring mental health condition.5
• Around one-third of autistic people have a co-occurring anxiety disorder. A similar proportion have ADHD.6

These are not inevitable outcomes. They are the result of years of being misunderstood, unsupported, and undiagnosed.

Early understanding and the right support make a real difference. That is what neurobetter exists to help with.

The "overdiagnosis" question

You may have seen claims that neurodevelopmental conditions are being "overdiagnosed." This is a narrative that has gained attention, but the evidence does not support it.

The NHS England ADHD Taskforce — the most authoritative review to date — concluded that ADHD is under-recognised and under-treated in England.⁵ The British Journal of General Practice states that the real issue is "significant unmet need and underdiagnosis."⁴

What looks like rising diagnoses is largely the result of better awareness, correcting decades of under-recognition (especially among women, adults, and people of colour), and increased referrals overwhelming underfunded services.

More people seeking diagnosis is not a sign that something has gone wrong. It is a sign that people are finally being heard.

A note on language

At neurobetter, we try to use language that is respectful, accurate, and led by community preference.

We use identity-first language for autism ("autistic people") and person-first language for ADHD ("people with ADHD"), reflecting how most people in those communities describe themselves.

We avoid words like "sufferers," "victims," or "afflicted by." We prefer to talk about challenges, differences, and support needs.

Language evolves. If we get it wrong, we want to know. Our aim is always to listen and learn.

Getting support

If you are neurodivergent — or think you might be — you are not alone, and help is available.

• Explore the Advice Hub — our articles cover individual conditions, getting a diagnosis, late diagnosis, and masking.
• Find local services — use our Local Services directory to find NHS and private support near you.
• Connect with others — our online community is a space for peer support and shared experience.
• Talk to a counsellor — our Ask a Counsellor service offers private, confidential guidance.