Neurodiversity is a term used to describe neurological differences in the human brain. From this perspective, the diverse spectrum of neurological differences is viewed as a range of natural variations in the human brain rather than as a deficit in individuals. The concept of neurodiversity has foundations in neuroscience, with studies of neuroimaging (brain imaging) showing differences between individuals’ neural pathways – those who are neurotypical and those with neurodiversity. Put simply, this means that humans’ brains are wired differently, and those differences can have a direct impact on an individual’s thinking and learning. These differences are often diagnosed as neurological conditions. Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that includes both life-long conditions and those that can develop throughout life. This includes acquired illness or brain injury, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyscalculia, dyslexia, dyspraxia, intellectual disability, mental health, and Tourette syndrome.
