Every person’s brain is unique. We all think, learn and act differently. We all have different strengths and face different challenges.
Neurodiversity celebrates the fact that we are all different. You can learn more about neurodiversity, some of the terms relating to neurodiversity, and more information about autism and ADHD, in this section of our site.
The animation below explains more about the concept of neurodiversity. It was co-produced with people with lived experience and healthcare professionals, and has been kindly narrated by Francesca, a member of Dorset’s autistic community.
What is neurodiversity?
The term neurodiversity is used to explain the concept that our brains all work differently. Neurodiversity celebrates the value that our different strengths can bring to the world. It isn’t a new concept – neurodiversity has always existed in every society. It’s just been given a name now.
What does neurodivergent mean?
People with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and Tourette’s syndrome are a key part of a balanced, neurodiverse society. People living with these conditions are sometimes referred to as neurodivergent people. The term neurodivergent simply means that your brain works differently to what may be considered ‘typical’.
What does neurotypical mean?
The term neurotypical refers to someone whose brain falls within the society standards of what is considered ‘typical’. People who do not have neurodevelopmental conditions are usually referred to as neurotypical.
What is a neurodevelopmental condition?
Neurodevelopmental conditions are a group of conditions that affect how your brain develops. They are sometimes referred to as neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurodevelopmental conditions include autism, ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, specific learning disorders such as dyslexia and dyspraxia, and some speech and language disorders. Sometimes learning disabilities are also referred to as neurodevelopmental conditions.
This website focuses primarily on autism and ADHD. This is because the neurodevelopmental review carried out in Dorset identified a need for improved access to information and support on those conditions. However, the website also points people to information on a range of other conditions, to support Dorset’s wider neurodivergent community (read more about how and why we developed this website).
People who are living with one or more neurodevelopmental condition are neurodivergent.
Neurodiversity and language
The language around neurodiversity is evolving and sometimes people may use different terms to those above, or use them in a slightly different way. People can sometimes use the wrong terms without realising, but we hope this website – alongside other resources – will help people to understand more about neurodiversity and the right way to talk about it (read more about the language used on this website and why we developed this site).
