Everyone’s mind works a little differently, a unique tapestry of thoughts and perspectives. While many people are considered neurotypical, meaning their brain functions and processes information in ways society deems standard, others possess distinct neurological variations. These individuals are often described as neurodivergent.
Neurodivergence isn’t a single condition; rather, it’s an umbrella term encompassing a range of neurological differences. Common conditions associated with neurodivergence include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Tourette’s syndrome, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, among others. It’s important to note that many of these conditions can be misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed for years.
While certain indicators can point towards neurodivergence, it’s crucial to remember that it manifests in countless ways. Furthermore, experiencing some of these signs doesn’t automatically confirm neurodivergence. Neurological conditions are incredibly diverse, leading to a rich spectrum of human experience. Let’s explore ten common signs that might suggest you or someone you know could be neurodivergent.
10. Toe Walking
Individuals with autism and other neurodivergent profiles sometimes exhibit atypical or unusual movement patterns. One such pattern is toe walking, where a person walks on their toes or the balls of their feet, much like tiptoeing. While it might seem like a minor quirk, persistent toe walking can lead to long-term issues like foot pain, and short-term problems such as blisters, calluses, and quickly worn-out footwear.
It’s important to note that toe walking by itself doesn’t confirm neurodivergence. Many young children go through a phase of toe walking and then naturally stop. However, for children, persistent toe walking, especially when coupled with other signs, can be an early indicator of neurodivergence, often autism. Its visible nature makes it a relatively easy sign for parents, educators, and medical professionals to observe.
9. Self-Focused Conversation
Looking out for oneself is natural, but for some neurodivergent individuals, this focus can be particularly intense. They might find it challenging to build and maintain friendships because their conversations often center heavily on themselves and their own interests. This can manifest as talking exclusively or excessively about their own experiences, sometimes without leaving adequate room for others to contribute to the dialogue. Naturally, this can make reciprocal conversations and, by extension, friendships quite difficult to navigate.
If you or someone you know seems to consistently fixate on their own situation, interests, and needs during interactions, this could be a subtle indicator of neurodivergence.
8. Difficulty Sleeping
Neurodivergent individuals often have specific and sometimes challenging sleep needs, which can be linked to various neurodivergent conditions. For instance, Autismspeaks.org reports that more than half of children with autism experience chronic sleep problems. These sleep issues can stem from sensory sensitivities, particularly to light and noise. Some may also require the comfort of sleeping near or with someone, leading to co-sleeping arrangements within families to encourage any amount of rest.
Establishing consistent evening routines is vital for promoting better sleep habits. This might include avoiding screens and stimulating environments before bedtime. While most people experience occasional sleep difficulties, those with neurodivergent conditions may face these challenges on a nightly basis.
7. Following a Rigid Routine
Most people appreciate having a routine and a sense of predictability. However, for individuals with certain neurodivergent diagnoses, particularly autism, this preference can be much more pronounced. Structure is often highly beneficial for them. Consequently, when that established structure is changed, altered, or even slightly adjusted, it can trigger extreme anxiety and emotional outbursts.
Any deviation from a familiar routine or structure might be met with significant resistance. For someone with autism, routines can be incredibly specific – for example, wanting to wake up at precisely 8:00 AM and immediately brush their teeth. If, say, the bathroom is occupied at that exact moment, it can be very distressing. This strong adherence, sometimes bordering on an obsession with routines, can be challenging. However, it can also be a helpful aspect when developing structures for younger individuals, especially those newly diagnosed. A profound unwillingness to alter a routine is often a sign associated with autism and broader neurodivergence.
6. Sensory Overload & Adaption
Neurodivergent individuals often experience the world in a fundamentally different way than their neurotypical peers. One of the most significant differences lies in sensory sensitivity. They might have a heightened awareness or, conversely, a diminished awareness of touch, sound, light, and smells. What might be merely irritating for a neurotypical person—like loud chewing or strong perfume—can be overwhelmingly intense for a neurodivergent individual. Crowded places, with their cacophony of stimuli, can be particularly challenging due to these sensitivities.
You might see individuals using noise-canceling headphones in busy environments like theme parks, or someone who exclusively buys tagless clothing to avoid uncomfortable tactile sensations. Because our world is largely designed for neurotypical sensory experiences, those with neurodivergence must often find ways to adapt. This intense sensitivity to light, sound, touch, and smells is a clear indicator of neurodivergence and significantly impacts how they perceive and interact with their surroundings.
5. Avoiding or Difficulty Maintaining Eye Contact
One of the most widely recognized characteristics associated with neurodivergence, particularly autism, is a lack of, or difficulty with, maintaining eye contact. While this can be a genuine challenge, it’s often an area addressed early in educational or therapeutic settings, and many neurodivergent individuals can learn to manage or overcome this with dedicated practice. Interestingly, research suggests that women with neurodivergent diagnoses may be more likely to maintain eye contact than men.
Regardless of gender, if you or someone you know consistently struggles with achieving or sustaining eye contact during conversations, this might be a sign of neurodivergence. Of all the potential indicators, difficulty with eye contact is perhaps the most commonly known sign.
4. Heightened Anxiety
Anxiety is an unfortunate, yet common, part of life that everyone experiences to some degree. For neurodivergent individuals, however, this anxiety can often be extreme and significantly impact their daily lives. Social anxiety is frequently associated with neurodivergence, particularly conditions like autism and ADD/ADHD. Individuals experiencing this might:
- Constantly reflect on or obsess about upcoming social interactions.
- Make efforts to be sociable that feel unsuccessful or awkward.
- Frequently feel left out or misunderstood.
- Self-isolate due to a fear of rejection or negative judgment.
- Engage in negative self-talk, often rooted in a fear of failure.
While not invariably the case, significant social anxiety and other related anxieties can sometimes contribute to other mental health challenges. These may include a greater propensity for addictive behaviors, depression, and, in some instances, self-injurious behaviors. Whether a person is neurodivergent or not, these are serious concerns that warrant discussion with a mental health professional.
3. Stimming Behavior
Self-stimulating behavior, commonly referred to as “stimming,” involves repetitive actions or movements that a neurodivergent person might engage in, particularly when feeling excited, nervous, angry, or overwhelmed. Stimming can be an early sign indicating that a young person might be neurodivergent. These behaviors can vary widely, some being more obvious than others.
Common stimming behaviors include:
- Repeating phrases or questions.
- Rocking back and forth.
- Spinning or twirling.
- Tapping fingers or objects.
- Hand flapping.
- Picking at skin.
- Humming or making other repetitive sounds.
- Covering and uncovering ears.
Individuals with neurodivergent conditions typically stim to process emotions, often those linked to overstimulation or anxiety. However, it’s important to recognize that stimming doesn’t always stem from negative feelings. For example, individuals with autism often stim when they are very excited or happy. Despite stimming being a self-regulatory and often positive mechanism for the individual, some stims may not be considered socially appropriate, which can lead to feelings of ostracization. This can, in turn, exacerbate social difficulties and compound feelings of anxiety and stress. It’s also common for individuals who stim to be unaware they are doing it.
2. Intense or Obsessive Interests
Another notable characteristic of neurodivergence can be a deep, intense, or even obsessive interest in a particular subject, topic, or object. This fascination can be very specific, like a single song or a type of train, or much broader, such as marine biology or ancient history. The key element is the individual’s unwavering fixation on this one particular area.
Such intense interests can sometimes present obstacles in daily life if they dominate conversations or time. However, they can also be a powerful catalyst for connection, allowing individuals to bond with others who share the same passion. Furthermore, these focused interests can be an incredible asset when it comes to career choices. Many neurodivergent individuals have leveraged their deep knowledge and passion to excel in their fields, making significant discoveries, creating new inventions, and positively impacting society. If you find yourself obsessively engrossed in one specific subject or topic, it’s possible you might be neurodivergent.
1. Social Difficulty
It’s essential to understand that conditions like autism, ADHD, and Tourette’s syndrome are neurodevelopmental, meaning they are present from birth. However, these conditions often go undiagnosed until a child begins to develop and interact more socially, or even later into adulthood. Older individuals who are undiagnosed neurodivergent often begin to recognize their differences by reflecting on past social interactions and patterns.
People who are neurodivergent frequently have difficulty interpreting and responding to social cues. This isn’t because they don’t want to be social; often, the desire for connection is strong. Rather, individuals who are neurodivergent may have challenges reading facial expressions, might not understand subtle non-verbal communication, and are often confused by sarcasm or figurative language. Because of these inherent difficulties in socializing, alongside some of the other traits mentioned, neurodivergent individuals can often feel lonely and misunderstood. Of course, not everyone who experiences social difficulties is neurodivergent. However, a persistent and notable pattern of challenges in socializing and in forming and maintaining friendships can be a significant sign that a person might be neurodivergent.
Conclusion
Recognizing these signs is a step towards greater understanding, both of ourselves and others. Neurodivergence is not a deficit; it’s a difference. These ten signs – from toe walking and rigid routines to sensory sensitivities and unique social interactions – paint a picture of diverse neurological landscapes. While this list offers potential insights, it’s crucial to remember that only a qualified professional can provide a diagnosis. Embracing neurodiversity enriches our world, reminding us that there are many ways to think, learn, and experience life. Understanding these differences can foster more empathy, support, and inclusivity for everyone.
Do any of these signs resonate with you or someone you know? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
