July 23 — The concept of neurodivergence continues to evolve, with both social and medical frameworks attempting to define what it means to be neurodivergent. However, these frameworks often fail to capture the complex and overlapping nature of lived experiences, according to a recent discussion on Living with Misophonia.
The term 'neurodivergent' primarily refers to individuals with conditions such as autism, sensory processing and integration differences, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, Tourette’s, tic disorders, vestibular dysregulation, and misophonia. Broader definitions may also include obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. The discussion notes that this collection of experiences is not static and will likely expand as understanding grows.
"Even with growing public awareness, many people still lack a clear picture of what neurodivergence actually entails. At its core, to be neurodivergent means navigating life outside of 'neurotypical' expectations—the baseline behaviors, emotional responses, and sensory processing styles that society anticipates. That said, it is worth questioning whether a strictly 'neurotypical' brain even exists. It may be more accurate to view human neurology as a vast gradient, where some individuals simply fall closer to what society has historically labeled 'typical.' Regardless of where the boundaries lie, the reality remains: for those of us labeled neurodivergent, living in a world built for a completely different nervous system creates constant friction," according to Living with Misophonia.
The discussion addresses the use of the term 'spectrum,' originally intended to illustrate variations among autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals, but which has sometimes led to misconceptions. "In practice, autism is a neurodevelopmental difference characterized by unique social, cognitive, and sensory processing profiles. Sensory processing or integration differences can exist alongside autism, or they can present entirely independently. Other conditions bring their own distinct profiles: Vestibular processing differences impact balance, spatial orientation, and how we physically perceive our environment. ADHD is a cognitive and sensory condition marked by executive function dysregulation. Misophonia triggers an intense, visceral autonomic response—fight, flight, or freeze—to specific auditory triggers. The primary challenge in understanding these experiences stems from their frequent overlap; an individual might navigate just one of these differences or several simultaneously," Living with Misophonia said.
The discussion also highlights the importance of language, noting a preference for identity-first language within neurodivergent communities and a move away from pathologizing terms. "Ultimately, being neurodivergent means experiencing existence through a non-dominant lens, making it a distinctly cultural reality. While 'neurodiversity' describes the natural truth that all human brains vary, this book focuses specifically on neurodivergence—the lived friction of inhabiting a neurodivergent body within a world engineered for neurotypical standards. Using the term 'neurodivergent' is not meant to alienate or label anyone as defective. Rather, it offers a necessary distinction to honor real, lived experiences and emphasize why creating genuinely accessible, sensory-inclusive environments is so vital," according to Living with Misophonia.
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