What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity describes the different ways the brain can work and interpret information.
Most people are seen as neurotypical. This means their brain functions, ways of processing information and behaviours are what society expects as standard.
However, around 15% to 20% of people in the UK are neurodivergent. Their brains function, learn and process information in different ways to most other people. They think differently, have different interests and motivations, and are naturally better at some things and poorer at others.
People with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and autism are all considered neurodivergent. These are among the most common types of neurodiversity, while others include dyscalculia and Tourette’s syndrome. Many people can be neurodivergent in ways that overlap. e.g. they can display ADHD traits as well as autistic ones, or be both dyspraxic and dyslexic.
Some people who see themselves as neurodivergent may not have an official medical diagnosis, nor may they want one. Many neurodivergent people accept and promote the concept that brain differences are natural variations, not deficits, disorders or impairments. As a result, they do not feel they need a medical label.
People who are neurodivergent often face additional challenges and difficulties in education and society, including in the workplace. They can struggle to cope in a world that is built for neurotypical standards of behaviour.
15-20% of people are neurodivergent
The UK neurodivergent population includes: 10% with dyslexia, 8% with dyspraxia, 8% with ADHD, 6% with dyscalculia and 1% with autism
45% of neurodivergent people have lost or left their job because of challenges due to being misunderstood.
80% of young people on the autistic spectrum remain unidentified by the time they leave school.
What causes neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity covers a wide range of differences and there is rarely a single identifiable cause. Neurodiversity is usually a natural difference people are born with, so has probably always existed in populations. Some researchers think the genes for these developmental disorders have stuck around precisely because they came with evolutionary advantages.
For example, behaviours like hyperactivity and impulsivity might have helped our ancestors find food or be more aware of danger. The ability to think differently from the majority would have fostered creativity and invention.
Prenatal trauma or infection could influence the developing brain, as well as alcohol and other drugs before birth.
The neurodivergent population of the UK is a large but diverse group. Neurodiversity tends to be evenly represented across genders and social and cultural backgrounds. Slightly more males can be diagnosed with neurodivergent brains. However, this can be because of differences in presentation, diagnostic bias, or how society expects neurotypical males and females to behave.
The impact of living with neurodiversity
The world is built to operate best for people with a neurotypical brain. People who are neurodivergent may struggle in situations or environments that a neurotypical person finds easy. They may be unable to perform the subtle responses to social norms that their culture expects.
This can lead to anxiety or an inability to cope with sensory input. Neurodiverse people may have difficulties making or maintaining friendships or relationships. You might experience frequent misunderstandings in the workplace or at school or college.
Neurodiversity is not linked to a lower IQ or reduced ability. However, making the most of your skills and talents may feel more difficult if you cannot access the curriculum, or cope with instructions or work environments. You might find it harder than neurotypical people to perform at your best.
You may use a lot of mental energy trying to act like everyone else. This is known as ‘masking’, where a neurodivergent person emulates the behaviours of a neurotypical person. It may take a great deal of effort to feel like you fit in better at school, work or socially.
Masking may increase your chances of getting work or academic achievements. But it can come at a cost to your mental health and long-term capacity to cope. So-called ‘autistic burnout’ is an intense physical, mental or emotional exhaustion, often accompanied by a loss of skills. Some adults with autism experience this and it is a well known repercussion of long-term masking, particularly in women.
Neurodivergent people may have different emotional needs in relationships than those with neurotypical brains. This may lead to friction or a clash of expectations. In education or the workplace, these differences may cause issues with teamwork. In typical close office environments, the differences can sometimes lead to bullying and ostracism.
How can it be managed?
It is not possible or necessary to cure or treat neurodivergence, and this is now widely accepted. The very concept of ‘neurodiversity’ was introduced to show how society is richer for its variety and diversity. Neurodiversity is not always a life-enhancing ‘superpower’ but it doesn’t have to be detrimental to your life.
Workplace accommodations
There is a growing understanding of the advantages for workplaces that can adapt for the needs of neurodivergent people. Supporting people to be authentically themselves is likely to yield a happier and more productive workforce.
This might mean asking for flexible hours, a quieter working environment or noise-cancelling headphones. You can ask for someone to explain or present a task in an alternative way.
Technology
Various tools can help you with neurodiversity challenges. You could use software that converts speech to text or visual tools to organise thoughts and ideas.
Social support
Peer support groups, either online or in-person, can help you feel less alone, offering shared support and advice. It can also be beneficial to involve family or friends in your support strategies. You will have the reassurance that someone else is looking out for you.
Sensory-friendly spaces
If you struggle with sensory overload, it is good to always have somewhere that minimises this. Whether at home, the workplace or elsewhere, areas with controllable lighting, minimal noise and comfortable seating will help you relax. If you’re going somewhere that might overload your senses, have an exit plan and share it with whoever is with you.
Clear routines & structure
Predictable routines can reduce anxiety for some neurodivergent people. Timers and checklists are invaluable if you find time management difficult or struggle to remember things. Ensure schedules and checklists are visible so you can easily see them – this could mean by the front door or stuck to your desk.
How can hypnotherapy help?
Solution focused hypnotherapy has a long history of supporting neurodivergent people. Hypnotherapy can help you develop self-confidence and cope better in a neurotypical world, without the need to mask.
Whether you’re seeking hypnotherapy for autism, hypnotherapy for dyslexia or other neurodivergency, all brains are adaptable. Hypnotherapy uses this characteristic to help you build lasting skills. As with any changes to lifestyle and mindset, they take effort and repetition to embed fully, so the number of sessions needed will vary.
Your hypnotherapist will explain how your brain functions, both when it’s at its best and when it’s working to protect you from perceived harm or threat. A key part of your sessions will be understanding how you can influence how your brain impacts your behaviour.
This will enable you to develop confidence in different situations and your hypnotherapist will also develop strategies with you. These can support you to function at your best more of the time, all without masking.
What to expect in a hypnotherapy session
A typical hypnotherapy session starts with acknowledging, appreciating and discussing the things that have gone well during your week. This allows you to recognise where you are happy and coping well, and how your brain supports you to succeed in these moments.
Your hypnotherapist will use simple neuroscience knowledge to explain how your brain functions in these situations. This will give you an understanding of how your nervous system and state of mind can help you to manage challenging situations. You will be encouraged to choose a small change, goal or target to focus on in the coming week to further develop your confidence.
The session ends with a guided deep relaxation – trance. This enables you to relax and recalibrate your nervous system, training it to be less reactive. It also provides a calming time to consider how you can make progress toward your chosen goal.
Our Neurodiversity Specialists
Benn Baker-Pollard
Sittingbourne
Carmen Harrington
Market Harborough
Caroline Prout
Thrapston
Chris Johannes
Spalding
Claire Noyelle
Maidstone East
Dawn Ibbetson
Chelmsford
Gary Johannes
Peterborough
Jill Whitehouse
Newcastle upon Tyne
Keeley Smith
Southend-on-Sea
Kerry Seymour
Weston-super-Mare
Victoria Anderson
Sunderland
Why Choose Inspired To Change
Our solution focused hypnotherapists empower you to better understand your brain, helping to guide you towards solutions and achieve the outcomes you want. We have a team of fully trained hypnotherapists, giving you the choice of who to work with and how you want to work with them. Solution focused hypnotherapy is just as effective in-person or online in the comfort of your own home, so you can find the ideal therapist to help you reach your goals.
Every one of our hypnotherapists is recognised by governing bodies like the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association. They have all trained with Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training, one of the leading hypnotherapy schools in the UK.
