Understanding Neurodivergence

Understanding

3 July

Written By Alyssa Nikolakopoulos - Guest author

Neurodivergence is a word used to describe brains that work in different ways. It includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia (DCD), Tourette syndrome, and other neurodevelopmental differences. If you're neurodivergent, your brain isn't broken or "wrong" - it's simply wired differently.

Neurodivergence is common. Estimates suggest around 15-20% of people in Australia may be neurodivergent, depending on how neurodivergence is defined. Neurodivergent brains come with genuine strengths as well as genuine challenges, and understanding how your own brain works is one of the most valuable things you can do as a teenager.

What Does Neurodivergence Include?

Neurodivergence is an umbrella term used to describe brains that differ from the dominant “neurotypical” pattern. It is not a medical diagnosis. Many people have more than one form of neurodivergence. Some of the most recognised include:

Autism - differences in social communication, sensory processing, and the way information is experienced and understood.
ADHD - differences in attention regulation, impulse control, motivation, and executive functioning.
Dyslexia - differences that affect reading and spelling.
Dysgraphia - differences that affect handwriting and expressing ideas in writing.
Dyscalculia - differences affecting number sense and mathematics.
Dyspraxia (DCD) - differences affecting motor coordination and planning movements.
Tourette syndrome and tic disorders - involving involuntary movements and/or vocal tics.

Why the Word Matters

The word neurodivergent shifts the conversation away from "What's wrong with me?" towards "My brain works differently."

For many people, having language that reflects their experiences can reduce shame, increase self-understanding, and make it easier to ask for the support they need.

There Isn't One "Neurodivergent Look"

No two neurodivergent people are the same.

Some are outgoing, others are quiet. Some do well academically while finding friendships difficult. Others struggle at school but thrive creatively or practically. Some need significant support, while others need very little.

Your experience doesn't have to look like someone else's to be valid.

Common Neurodivergent Experiences

Many neurodivergent young people describe experiences such as:

Feeling like they're working twice as hard for the same outcome.
Having strong interests or passions that bring energy and enjoyment.
Sensory sensitivities that other people don't seem to notice.
Difficulties with executive functioning, such as getting started, staying organised, estimating time, or finishing tasks.
Experiencing emotions very intensely.
Masking (changing or hiding parts of yourself to fit in), which can often leave them feeling exhausted.
Being identified later than expected, particularly girls, gender-diverse young people, and those who learned to mask from an early age.

Living Well as a Neurodivergent Teen

You don't need to become more neurotypical to have a good life. Understanding how your brain works is usually far more helpful than trying to hide it.

Some strategies that many neurodivergent young people find helpful include:

Learning what helps you thrive, and what drains your energy.
Finding people who understand you, whether that's friends, family, support groups, or other neurodivergent young people.
Using supports that work for you, such as headphones, fidgets, timers, calendars, visual reminders, movement breaks, or sensory tools.
Building genuine rest into your week - not just scrolling on your phone, but giving your nervous system time to recover.
Practising asking for what you need at school, at home, or with friends.
Remembering that your strengths and challenges can exist at the same time.

Thinking About an Assessment?

Some people find a formal assessment helpful because it provides clarity, access to supports, or a better understanding of themselves. Others relate strongly to neurodivergent experiences without seeking a diagnosis. Everyone's journey is different, and there's no single "right" path.

A diagnosis isn't about proving your experiences are real - it can simply be another tool for understanding yourself and accessing support.

If You'd Like Support

If you'd like support, a GP can refer you to a psychologist experienced in working with neurodivergent young people.

At Newport Counselling & Psychology Service, we use a neurodiversity-affirming approach. That means we focus on understanding how your brain works, building on your strengths, developing practical strategies, and supporting you to thrive - not trying to make you seem more neurotypical.

Remember

There isn't one "right" way to be neurodivergent. You don't have to earn your place by struggling enough or fitting a particular stereotype. Understanding your brain is about discovering what helps you thrive - not becoming someone else.