What Neurodiversity Do I Have?
Understanding Your Unique Brain
Neurodiversity is a term that celebrates the different ways people think, learn, and process information. Whether you’ve always felt different from those around you or recently started exploring neurodivergence, understanding your own neurodiversity can help you navigate life, work, and relationships with greater self-awareness and confidence.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human cognition. It includes both neurotypical individuals (whose brains function in ways society considers "standard") and neurodivergent individuals (whose brains function in ways that diverge from societal norms).
Some common neurodivergent conditions include:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Dyscalculia
Tourette’s Syndrome
Other cognitive differences (such as Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) traits, sensory processing differences, and more)
How Do I Know If I’m Neurodivergent Though?
Many people go through life without actually realising they are neurodivergent. (I was diagnosed with adhd as a child but it wasn’t until I was 25 when I was diagnosed with autism!) If you suspect you might be, here are some steps to explore further:
1. Self-Reflection and Patterns
Do you recognise any of these traits in yourself?
Struggling with focus and attention (ADHD-related traits)
Sensory sensitivities (common in autism and sensory processing differences)
Difficulty with reading or writing despite strong intelligence (dyslexia-related traits)
Trouble with motor coordination (dyspraxia-related traits)
Feeling overwhelmed by social interactions (common in both ADHD and autism)
If you relate to some of these, you may want to explore further.
2. Taking Self-Assessments
There are many free online tools that can give you an idea of whether you may be neurodivergent. While these are not diagnostic tools, they can provide helpful insights, to name a few:
Autism Quotient (AQ) Test
ADHD Self-Assessment (ASRS)
Dyslexia Screeners
Sensory Processing Questionnaires
3. Seeking Professional Evaluation
If you want a formal diagnosis, a medical professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or neurodiversity specialist, can assess you.
However, not everyone seeks or needs a diagnosis. Many adults choose to self-identify (self-diagnosed) based on their lived experiences and research.
4. Connecting with the Neurodivergent Community
Sometimes, the best way to understand yourself is by talking to others with similar experiences. Engaging in neurodivergent-friendly spaces, such as online forums, local support groups, or neurodiversity advocacy pages, can provide validation and insight.
What Next? Embracing Your Neurodivergence
If you discover that you are neurodivergent (get you, welcome my neurospicy friend!) , the next step is learning how to use your strengths and work through those challenges, how to start using your brain the way you want it to work. Here are some tips:
Learn about your specific neurotype and how it affects your daily life.
Advocate for yourself at work, in education, and in relationships.
Explore accommodations that can make life easier (e.g., time management strategies for ADHD, assistive technology for dyslexia etc).
Connect with neurodivergent professionals and resources for support and guidance.
Final Thoughts
Neurodiversity is not about fitting into a tickbox, it’s about understanding yourself and embracing how your brain works. Whether you are diagnosed or self-identified, discovering your neurodivergence can be a transformative journey toward self-acceptance and success.
At Tania Gerard Digital, we specialise in neurodiversity advocacy and workplace inclusion. If you're looking for resources, training, or support, Get in Touch Today.