Could you be neurodiverse?
One in seven Britons are thought to be neurodivergent – having a brain that works differently from the average or ‘neurotypical’ person. JAMES MOORE takes a look at the various conditions
AUTISM What is it?
It’s a lifelong developmental disability that people are born with. There are no known causes.
Who’s affected? One in 100 people is on the autism spectrum, adding up to 700,000 autistic children or adults in the UK.
What are the signs? It affects people in different ways, from social, emotional and communication skills to finding bright lights or loud noises stressful. People with autism struggle to understand social situations and process information.
What’s the outlook? Diagnosis is through an assessment via a school or GP. There are support strategies for children and adults. autism.org.uk
ADHD
What is it? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affects behaviour. Who’s affected? It is thought 2.6 million people are living with it. It can run in families. It’s usually diagnosed in childhood and can improve with age.
What are the signs? People with ADHD tend to be restless, have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse. Adults living with it can have issues with organisation and time management.
What’s the outlook? There is no “cure” but educational support for children can manage ADHD, while medicine and psychological therapies are available to adults with it.
TOURETTE’S SYNDROME
What is it? An inherited neurological condition characterised by tics.
Who’s affected? About 300,000 kids and adults across the UK. It usually starts in childhood and affects more boys than girls.
What are the signs? Involuntary sounds and movements. Only one in 10 experience uncontrollable swearing. Stress makes symptoms worse.
What’s the outlook? Symptoms often improve with age. There’s no cure but behavioural therapy and medicines can help control the tics. DYSLEXIA
What is it? A learning difficulty that affects reading, writing and spelling but not intelligence.
Who’s affected? Around 10% of the population. Cause is unknown.
What are the signs? Dyslexics may confuse the order or letters of words and have difficulty with spelling and understanding written information and directions. They often struggle with organisation.
What’s the outlook? Dyslexia is a lifelong issue but children can get educational support through school.
Search for bdadyslexia.org.uk
DYSPRAXIA
What is it? Also known as developmental coordination disorder, it affects movement skills.
Who’s affected? Around one in 10 people of differing intellectual abilities. It’s more common in men, can run in families and those born prematurely are at a higher risk.
What are the signs? It causes people to appear clumsy, and coordination, from tying shoelaces to sport, is a challenge. It can also affect functioning in social situations.
What’s the outlook? There’s no cure but occupational therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy can help. dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk
DYSCALCULIA
What is it? A learning disorder, sometimes referred to as numerical dyslexia, affecting maths skills.
Who’s affected? Around 6% of the population, all ages and abilities. Many people with dyscalculia will also have dyslexia.
What are the signs? People may struggle to carry out calculations, remember numbers, put them in the right order or reverse digits.
What’s the outlook? Lifelong issue with similar support to dyslexia. bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyscalculia