Neurodivergence and mental health are often interconnected due to the nature of living with neurodiversity.

Neurodivergence encompasses conditions such as:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction and behavior. It is a spectrum, meaning that individuals with ASD can have a wide range of strengths, challenges and level of functionality.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 

ADHD is characterized by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can affect individuals across the lifespan and also has a wide range of functionality.

Dyslexia 

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects reading, spelling and writing. Individuals with dyslexia have difficulty decoding words and may experience challenges in language skills.

Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) 

Dyspraxia is a condition that affects motor coordination and planning. Individuals with dyspraxia have difficulties with activities requiring coordination such as tying shoelaces or handwriting.

Tourette Syndrome 

Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations, called tics. Tics can range from mild to severe, can be physical or verbal, and may change over time.

Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NVLD) 

NVLD is characterized by difficulties with non-verbal skills such as spatial awareness, social cues and visual-spatial processing. Individuals with NVLD often excel in verbal abilities and writing, but will struggle with executive functioning and social awareness.

Dyscalculia 

Dyscalculia is a learning disability related to persistent difficulties with mathematical concepts and numerical processing. Despite average to above-average intelligence and adequate educational opportunities, basic mathematical problems are much more difficult than the average.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) 

APD is a condition that affects the way the brain processes auditory information. Individuals with APD may have difficulty understanding and interpreting the spoken language, especially in noisy or complex environments.

Central Auditory Processing Disorder 

CAPD involves difficulties in the central nervous system’s ability to interpret and make sense of the auditory signals received, leading to challenges in processing the written and spoken language. 

Simplistically, Neurodivergent is a non-medical term that describes people whose brains develop or work differently in comparison to a “neurotypical” brain. Their brains simply process differently. 

What is the neurodivergent / mental health connection?

Neurodivergence itself does not inherently cause mental health challenges. However, we often see that they are connected and this is often at the fault of society. Individuals who are neurodivergent face unique experiences and societal pressures of which contribute to mental health difficulties.

The lack of understanding from kids at school, teachers and people in general about neurodiversity is the biggest and most inherent problem in the mental health side of neurodiversity.

Social Stigma 

There is an ignorance and lack of awareness that contributes to stereotypes. Neurodivergent individuals are often subject to negative stereotypes and stigma. They will often be perceived as less capable, less intelligent or even harmful. At a minimum, this lack of awareness creates social exclusion.

Social Isolation 

Due to social stigmas mentioned, a neurodivergent individual will often fall into social isolation. The social exclusion and rejection by peers is not their fault, yet he or she will internalize it to feel “not worthy”. As we know, isolation and feeling not-worthy greatly negatively impacts our mental health.

Bullying and Harassment 

Neurodivergent individuals, especially children and adolescents, most often experience bullying or harassment due to their differences.This mistreatment has serious consequences for their mental health.

Employment Discrimination: 

Neurodivergent individuals may face challenges in the workplace, including discrimination in hiring, promotions and social interactions. They are often overlooked due to expectations of managers or co-workers. Employers and colleagues may hold biased views or simply not have proper patience resulting in possible limited opportunities for neurodivergent individuals.

Relationship Difficulties: 

Certain neurodivergent conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), may be associated with challenges in social interactions and communication. Difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships contribute to feelings of loneliness and social isolation, impacting mental health.

When a person, whether neurodivergent or not, continually feels misunderstood, is discriminated against, suffers social difficulties, becomes socially isolated, feels sensory sensitivities and is given a daily reminder that they can’t “keep up”, it is a heavy burden to carry. Because these stressors are often continual with the neurodivergent, deeper mental health concerns are bound to arise.

Neurotypicals need to to recognizing and respect how a neurodivergent experiences the world. In addition, coaching a neurodivergent on how to live in a neurotypical world could be of great benefit. Approaches within mental health support should be tailored to the specific needs of each person, considering their neurodivergent traits, strengths, talents and skills. There is one thing for sure, wherever a neurodivergent is “weak”, they are extraordinary in something else. 

For options on getting coaching, training or treatment for your struggling neurodivergent loved one, contact a therapeutic educational consultant for a complimentary discovery call here.



 

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