4/27/22, 10:02 PM What Does It Mean to Be Neurotypical?

MENTAL HEALTH

NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

AUTISM

DIAGNOSIS

What Does It Mean to Be

Neurotypical?
By
Lisa Jo Rudy
Updated on February 09, 2022

Medically reviewed
by
Jonathan B. Jassey, DO

The word "neurotypical "may be used to describe individuals whose

brain develops and functions in ways that are considered usual or
expected by society. This term may also be used to refer to those who do
not have developmental disorders, like autism. Symptoms of
developmental disorders vary, but they may impact communication,
motor skills, behavior, as well as social and/or learning abilities.

You may hear the term "neurotypical" used in schools, at autism

conferences and events, and in therapists' offices. You may also hear the
term "neurodiverse ," which is used to promote developmental
differences in individuals. Keep in mind that both of these terms are not
formal diagnoses.

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Brianna Gilmartin / Verywell

This article explains the meaning of the word neurotypical and offers
examples of neurotypical characteristics. It will also explore what
neurodiversity means, as well as what the neurodiversity movement is.

What Is a Neurotypical Person?

A neurotypical person is an individual who thinks, perceives, and behaves
in ways that are considered the norm by the general population. In
addition, institutions such as schools, sports leagues, and places of
employment are often designed to accommodate people who fit into these
norms.

Keep in mind that there is no stable, universally understood concept of

"normal." In fact, "normal" perceptions and behaviors vary greatly
depending on many factors such as culture and location. For example, in
some cultures, direct eye contact is expected; in others, it's considered
rude.

What Are Some Examples of Neurotypical Characteristics?

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Neurotypical characteristics may be viewed as positive, negative, or

neutral depending on each unique individual's perspective. While
neurotypical characteristics may vary, some examples may include a
person who can:

Develop verbal, physical, social, and intellectual skills at a specific pace,

order, and level
Function well in complex social settings with large numbers of people
Have little or no difficulty dealing with sensory information like intense
light, sounds, crowds, and movement
Find it easy to engage in team activities including sports, games, and
projects
Learn in a fast-paced, highly verbal, and competitive setting with large
numbers of same-aged peers
Perform well under pressure
Deal with change
Speak, move, and behave in "expected" ways, like at a certain volume and
distance from others

Recap
The word "neurotypical" refers to a person whose brain functions in a
way that is considered the norm. What is considered the norm can
vary depending on many factors.

What Does Neurodiversity Mean?

Neurodiversity is the idea that there are many unique ways to think,
behave, and learn. This term aims to embrace differences without saying
one way a brain works is better than another. When discussing an
individual, in particular, the term "neurodivergent " may be used to
describe the way they navigate the world. Some examples of individuals
who may identify as neurodiverse include:

People with dyslexia , which is a condition that impacts the area of

the brain that processes language making reading and spelling difficult

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Those who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),

which describes a cluster of symptoms that may impact someone's ability
to focus and/or sit still
Autistic individuals, who may experience social, learning, and behavioral
differences that range on a spectrum

Related:
Could Your Child Have Autism?

Examples of Neurodivergent Characteristics

Neurodivergent abilities vary from person to person. Some examples of
strengths may include:

Being able to focus intensely on a specific topic

Thinking creatively
Being detail focused
Having above average skills in math, music, and/or art
Having strong long-term memory abilities
Being very honest
Having high energy
Being observant
Being good at problem solving

Those who identify as neurodivergent may have some difficulty with

certain skills and abilities. These will vary from person to person and may
include difficulty maintaining eye contact, not being able to complete a
task in one sitting, as well as finding it hard to engage in group activities.

Recap
Neurodiversity promotes the idea that each individual thinks, behaves,
and learns differently. Those with dyslexia or ADHD, as well as
autistic individuals may identify as neurodivergent.

The Neurodiversity Movement

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The neurodiversity movement focuses on the idea that developmental

differences that may be seen in autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other
conditions should not be considered symptoms of disorders. Instead, these
characteristics are seen as typical expressions that don't require
treatment. [1]

In 2014, the term "neurotypical" had become common enough to become

the title of a PBS documentary. This film featured individuals with autism
spectrum disorder who describe their views of themselves in relation to
"normal" society, who they often refer to as "neurotypicals." [2]

In 2015, Steve Silberman wrote the book "NeuroTribes: The Legacy of

Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity"  which argues that autism
spectrum disorders have been a part of the human condition throughout
history. By understanding their autism, he argues, some adults are
discovering their "neurotribes"—that is, their neurological kin. [3]

Recap
The neurodiversity movement promotes the idea that all brains work
differently and one way is not better than another. This movement
also highlights that what some call symptoms of disorders are just
typical expressions that don't need treatment.

Is Neurodiversity Controversial?
The concept of neurodiversity is controversial. For example, some parents
of autistic children and some self-advocates feel that autism is a disorder
that requires support and resources. To a large degree, differences in
opinion relate directly to differences in personal experience.

When autism (or another developmental disorder) causes significant

physical or mental distress, it may be seen as a disorder. However, if it is a
source of ability and personal pride, it may be viewed as an asset.

Related:
5 Controversies in the Autism Community

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Summary
The word "neurotypical" may be used to refer to individuals who think,
learn, and behave in ways that are considered the norm. Institutions like
schools and work places are often designed to best suit those who fit into
these norms.

The word "neurodiversity" describes the idea that there are many ways to
think, learn, and behave. The neurodiversity movement supports the idea
that developmental differences should be embraced and seen as typical,
instead of treated like symptoms of disorders.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is someone with ADHD considered neurotypical?

Some experts argue that people with ADHD think and solve
problems differently than so-called neurotypical people. This is
not a universally-held view nor does it reflect any sort of
diagnostic criteria. [4]

Does being neurotypical mean you have a mental

disorder?
Absolutely not. The term "neurotypical" is often used to refer to
people who have no known developmental disorders. [5]

What is the opposite of being neurotypical?

Some use the term "neurodiverse" to refer to people who have
traits and approaches to thinking and learning that are different
than what is considered the norm. [6]

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