Every person\u2019s brain is unique. We all think, learn and act differently. We all have different strengths and face different challenges.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
What is neurodiversity?<\/h2>\n
The term <\/span>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\u2019t a new concept \u00ad\u2013 neurodiversity has always existed in every society. It\u2019s just been given a name now.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> People with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and Tourette\u2019s 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 \u2018typical\u2019.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> The term neurotypical refers to someone whose brain falls within the society standards of what is considered \u2018typical\u2019. People who do not have neurodevelopmental conditions are usually referred to as neurotypical.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s wider neurodivergent community (read more about how and why we developed this website<\/a>).<\/p>\n People who are living with one or more neurodevelopmental condition are neurodivergent.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>What does neurodivergent mean?<\/h2>\n
What does neurotypical mean?<\/h2>\n
What is a neurodevelopmental condition?<\/h2>\n
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