neuroatypical
Brain wired differently
Neuroatypical describes someone whose brain functions differently from what is considered standard—typically referring to conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or similar neurological variations.
The term positions these differences as natural variation rather than deficiency: As a neuroatypical person, I process social cues differently.
Often shortened to NA.
The opposite is neurotypical.
Continuous range of values
- stimmingRepetitive self-regulatory behavior
- maskingConcealing by covering
- meltdownCatastrophic loss of control
- shutdownCessation of operations
special interests · sensory processing · social communication · echolalia · scripting · routine · literal thinking · eye contact
Lack of focus
- hyperactivityExcessive physical or mental energy
- impulsivityActing without considering consequences
- executive dysfunctionImpaired self-direction and initiation
- hyperfocusIntense prolonged single-task concentration
distractibility · fidgeting · time blindness · working memory · disorganization · forgetfulness · restlessness · self-regulation
Concealing by covering
- burnoutChronic occupational depletion
- sensory overloadExcessive simultaneous stimulation
- executive dysfunctionImpaired self-direction and initiation
- meltdownCatastrophic loss of control
shutdown · stigma · misdiagnosis · accommodation · workplace · disclosure · discrimination · accessibility
Difficulty processing written language
- dyscalculiaImpaired numerical cognition
- dysgraphiaImpaired ability to write
- dyspraxiaImpaired movement coordination disorder
- processing speedMental information-handling rate
phonological · decoding · working memory · accommodations · tutoring · assistive technology · IEP · reading comprehension
Having atypical brain function
- neurotypicalStandard cognitive wiring
- neurodiversityInnate cognitive differences concept
- self-diagnosisIdentifying your own condition
- communityCollective of connected people
pride · acceptance · disclosure · advocacy · lived experience · intersectionality · paradigm · movement
spectrum
Continuous range of values
- stimmingRepetitive self-regulatory behavior
- maskingConcealing by covering
- meltdownCatastrophic loss of control
shutdown · special interests · sensory processing · social communication · echolalia · scripting · routine · literal thinking · eye contact · infodumping
inattention
Lack of focus
- hyperactivityExcessive physical or mental energy
- impulsivityActing without considering consequences
- executive dysfunctionImpaired self-direction and initiation
hyperfocus · distractibility · fidgeting · time blindness · working memory · disorganization · forgetfulness · restlessness · self-regulation · stimming
masking
Concealing by covering
- burnoutChronic occupational depletion
- sensory overloadExcessive simultaneous stimulation
- executive dysfunctionImpaired self-direction and initiation
meltdown · shutdown · stigma · misdiagnosis · accommodation · workplace · disclosure · discrimination · accessibility · fatigue
dyslexia
Difficulty processing written language
- dyscalculiaImpaired numerical cognition
- dysgraphiaImpaired ability to write
- dyspraxiaImpaired movement coordination disorder
processing speed · phonological · decoding · working memory · accommodations · tutoring · assistive technology · IEP · reading comprehension · number sense
neurodivergent
Having atypical brain function
- neurotypicalStandard cognitive wiring
- neurodiversityInnate cognitive differences concept
- self-diagnosisIdentifying your own condition
community · pride · acceptance · disclosure · advocacy · lived experience · intersectionality · paradigm · movement · celebration
neuroatypicalneurotypical
Standard cognitive wiring
typical · normal · standard · conventional · mainstream
neuro, neural, neuron, neurons, neuronal, neurology, neurological, neurologist, neuroscience