Do you ever feel like your or your child’s brain works a little differently? Some kids struggle to follow instructions or can’t sit still in class, while others get deeply absorbed in a single activity for hours. Adults might feel disorganized, easily overwhelmed or wired differently than those around them.
These experiences are all part of being neurodivergent, a term that describes natural differences in how people think, learn and process information.
We spoke with Banner Health experts to better understand what neurodivergence looks like in children and adults. They share signs to watch for and tips for supporting children and adults.
What does neurodivergent mean?
Neurodivergent means your brain works in ways that are naturally different from what is considered “typical” or neurotypical. Being neurodiverse is not a flaw, it’s a difference.
“Neurodivergence emphasizes that there is no single correct way to do these things,” said Catherine Riley, MD, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician with Banner - University Medicine. “While specific diagnoses can be useful, framing differences as neurodivergence helps families see them as part of human diversity rather than deficits.”
Some strengths of neurodivergence include:
- Innovation and creativity
- Thinking outside of the box
- Approach challenges in non-traditional ways
- Share thoughts and ideas vividly, verbally or in writing
- Exceptional recall of details, facts or patterns in areas of interest
- Deep engagement with interests (hyperfocus)
- Intense awareness of emotions
- Higher degree of intuition
“The neurodivergent brain often expresses ideas spontaneously. If a new idea isn’t spoken or written down, it can be lost (and that would not be good),” said Steve Richie, a licensed professional counselor with Banner Health. “Whereas a neurotypical brain might generate an idea but quickly analyze and judge it, so it sometimes never gets expressed.”
Conditions considered neurodivergent
Experts estimate that between 10% and 20% of the world’s population is neurodivergent. This means roughly 1 in 5 people experience the world with a brain that processes information differently.
Neurodivergence includes several conditions, including:
- ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder): Affects focus, impulse control and energy levels
- Autism spectrum disorder: Impacts social communication and sensory processing
- Dyslexia or dyscalculia: Differences in reading, writing or working with numbers
- Dyspraxia: Challenges with movement and coordination
- OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder): Differences in thought patterns and repetitive behaviors
- Sensory processing differences: Extra sensitive to sounds, textures, lights or other sensory inputs
Signs of neurodivergence in children
Children who are neurodivergent may learn, play or process the world differently from their peers. These differences can appear in behavior, communication or sensory responses. They often become more noticeable as school and social demands grow.
Attention and focus
- Difficulty staying on task or finishing assignments
- Forgetting steps or losing materials
“Parents may notice that their child struggles with communication or has difficulty understanding what is said,” Dr. Riley said. “Sometimes information may need to be presented differently or at a slower pace for it to make sense.”
Social and emotional differences
- Trouble reading body language or tone of voice
- Preferring routine or solo play
- Strong emotional reactions to minor changes or setbacks
Sensory sensitivities
- Covering ears in noisy places
- Refusing certain clothes or foods because of texture
- Seeking movement, pressure or noise for comfort
Learning and motor differences
- Difficulty with reading, writing or math
- Challenges with handwriting, balance or coordination
- Thriving in visual or hands-on learning environments
Signs of neurodivergence in adults
Do you believe you may be neurodivergent? Many adults don’t realize they are neurodivergent until later in life. They may have grappled with symptoms that were overlooked or mislabeled as personal flaws rather than differences in brain wiring.
Executive function challenges
Planning, organizing and managing time can be tough:
- Chronic lateness or missed deadlines
- Trouble breaking tasks into smaller steps
- Feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities
“Despite many efforts, some adults struggle to stay organized,” Richie said. “They may try new strategies and still feel frustrated. You might hear them say, ‘My mind doesn’t think that way. I want it to but it just doesn’t.’”
Sensory differences
- Many adults are more (or less) sensitive to sights, sounds or textures:
- Bothered by bright lights, noise or certain fabrics
- Needing sunglasses indoors or noise-canceling headphones
- Feeling overwhelmed in crowded spaces
Social communication differences
Socializing can feel confusing and draining:
- Preferring clear, direct communication
- Difficulty reading body language or tone
- “Masking” to fit in, which can be exhausting
Emotional intensity
Many neurodivergent people experience emotions deeply and recover slowly from stress.
“The neurodivergent brain can have a hyperactive amygdala,” Richie said. “Every challenge can feel like a crisis because the brain reacts before it has time to process whether something is urgent or not.”
Hyperfocus
Hyperfocus can be both a superpower and a challenge when balance is hard to find.
Tips for supporting neurodivergent children
Every child’s brain develops on its own timeline. Some differences are simply part of who your child is, while others may signal a need for extra support.
“If your child has developmental delays, ongoing behavioral concerns or daily challenges that make life harder, bring your observations to their primary health care provider,” Dr. Riley said. “They can connect you to specialists, such as speech or occupational therapy, school-based supports or more specialized evaluations from neurology, child psychiatry or developmental-behavioral pediatrics.”
Ways to support your child at home:
- Create predictable routines but stay flexible when needed
- Let your child dive into interests that excite them
- Adjust the home to be more sensory-friendly (such as light dimmers and lower volume on electronics)
- Use visual schedules and checklists to guide transitions
- Offer choices to build confidence and reduce power struggles
- Provide movement breaks to help with focus and regulation
- Encourage small group activities or role-playing to help navigate social situations
- Partner with teachers and therapists to create consistent strategies across settings
[Get tips for managing ADHD and staying focused in school.]
“Parents can also encourage confidence by highlighting and celebrating their child’s strengths, giving them opportunities to showcase their abilities and reinforce the value of their unique perspective,” Dr. Riley said.
Supporting neurodivergent adults
For many adults, discovering you’re neurodivergent brings both relief and clarity. It can explain lifelong struggles with organization, emotions and sensory overload and open doors to self-acceptance and practical strategies.
Start by learning how your brain works best. Use that knowledge to build systems and environments that support you instead of fighting against them.
Helpful strategies include:
- Simplify organization with digital planners, reminders or checklists
- Adjust your surroundings: use soft lighting, limit noise and take sensory breaks
- Break large goals into smaller, achievable steps
- Practice self-compassion and celebrate what makes your mind unique
- Talk to your employer about any needed accommodations at work
[Learn tips for managing ADHD at work and home.]
If you are struggling at work, home and/or daily life, consider dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
“DBT teaches several easy-to-remember acronyms, like HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired), to help adults regulate emotions,” Richie said. “When a person gets triggered, they can go through this checklist to address their physical and emotional condition.”
CBT teaches you to identify the automatic negative self-talk the brain has become used to. Therapy helps replace these negative thoughts with healthier alternatives.
Building community support
Support networks are so important. Connecting with others offers education, advocacy and understanding.
- For children and caregivers: Autism Speaks, Encircle Families, CHADD, Child Mind Institute
- For adults and partners: Online communities like Neurodiversity Network, How to ADHD, therapy groups and local mental health organizations
“Reading and listening to the perspective of neurodivergent individuals through books, podcasts and online communities can further deepen a person’s insight into their loved one’s experiences,” said Jensen Kracht, DO, a fellow in developmental-behavioral pediatrics at Banner - University Medicine.
Takeaway
Being neurodivergent isn’t a flaw. It’s just a different way of experiencing the world. Seeing neurodivergence as part of human diversity (not just a diagnosis) transforms how we approach challenges and celebrate strengths.
Both children and adults who are neurodivergent face challenges but they also bring creativity, passion and a fresh perspective. With understanding, routines, therapy and accommodations, you or your child can thrive.
Banner Health offers behavioral health and pediatric specialists to guide families and adults.
