In short, probably more than most of us think!

Kassiane Asasumasu, coined the term neurodivergent in the late 1990s / early 2000s, stating that the term included those “Whose neurocognitive functioning diverges from dominant societal norms in multiple ways” and should therefore not be used to exclude people but to include them.

In more recent times some people use this term to specifically talk about autism, ADHD and the dys learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia). Which, whether their intention or not, actively gatekeeps people from the neurodivergent community.

In my short time involved in online advocacy I have seen people actively gatekeep those with mental health difficulties, especially those with personality disorders. Wrongly claiming that neurodivergence does not include mental health conditions.

This is disingenuous for several reasons. Firstly, Kassiane created the term to include people with mental health conditions.

Also, there are very few Autistic, ADHD or otherwise neurodivergent people who do not also have mental health conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder, OCD, anxiety, depression and psychosis. The overlap here is huge, mostly due to the amount of trauma we experience from ableism, both from insidious microagressions and more flagrant abuse.

Similar issues are seen with the misinterpretation of the Neurodiversity Paradigm . This idea is not one which celebrates neurodivergence, it simply understands neurodivergence as neutral state of being, with the potential for adjustments and accommodations.

I appreciate that all disabilities are neurodivergence. If you are paralysed, your central nervous system is affected, so too if you are an amputee or have cerebral palsy. Neurology includes both the brain and central nervous system, so many more people and embodiments belong under the neurodivergent umbrella than those usually mentioned or centred. This sits very nicely with my idea of neuro-anarchy in which no body or neurology is better than another.

Similar ideas have been explored by the Lived Experience Educator – Sonny Jane Wise in their writing and in the graphic below. Noticeably personality disorders have been added whilst still suggesting that this is not all the experiences which come under the neurodivergent umbrella.

So, if you wonder whether you or your loved one comes under this umbrella and belongs to this community the answer is yes and “welcome”.