Revealing the Detail: Brain Differences: Neurotypical versus Neurodivergent
In the vast spectrum of human cognition, two distinct categories emerge: neurotypical and neurodivergent brains. While neurotypical brains function within societal norms of cognition, social behavior, and sensory processing, neurodivergent brains diverge from these norms, reflecting a broad spectrum of neurological variation including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others [1][2][3].
Here's a closer look at social preferences, learning and communication, sensory processing, and brain structure and function in both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals:
Social Preferences
Neurotypical individuals tend to follow conventional social norms, with ease in understanding unspoken social cues and norms. They typically show comfort with common social interactions and emotional expressions [1][3]. On the other hand, neurodivergent individuals may have different or atypical social preferences and behaviors, which can be misinterpreted. For example, autistic individuals might prefer less typical social engagement and can express emotion in ways not fitting neurotypical expectations [1][4].
Learning and Communication
Neurotypical individuals usually learn and communicate via predominant modes favored by societal standards, such as verbal and linear processing. Their communication style aligns with social expectations and conventions [3]. In contrast, neurodivergent individuals may have unique ways of processing information, such as thinking in pictures rather than words. Communication can also include non-standard speech patterns, stuttering, or alternate focuses (e.g., intense interests) [1][3][4].
Sensory Processing
For neurotypical individuals, sensory input is processed within expected ranges; sensory experiences generally match environmental stimuli without heightened or diminished sensitivity [1][5]. However, neurodivergent individuals often show sensory processing differences such as heightened sensitivity (hypersensitivity) or reduced sensitivity (hyposensitivity) to stimuli — light, sound, touch, or other senses — impacting comfort and behavior [1][5].
Brain Structure and Function
Brain function and neurobiology in neurotypical individuals align with typical development, without marked mitochondrial dysfunction or specific gene variants related to neurodivergence [1][5]. In contrast, neurodivergent brains can show variations such as mitochondrial dysfunction (elevated biomarkers in autism), excess reactive oxygen species causing oxidative stress, or genetic variants affecting neurotransmitter pathways (e.g., dopamine and serotonin genes in ADHD) [5]. These biological differences underlie cognitive and behavioral variations seen in neurodiversity [5].
In essence, neurodivergent brains demonstrate a wide array of differences in social interaction, cognition, communication, sensory experience, and underlying biological processes compared to neurotypical brains [1][2][3][5]. These differences are not deficits but natural variations in human neurobiology and cognition [1]. As we continue to understand and appreciate these distinctions, we can create more inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals, fostering a richer, more diverse society.
- Science has unearthed numerous medical-conditions, such as autism and ADHD, that are categorized under neurological-disorders, which are characterized by differences in brain function and neurobiology compared to neurotypical brains.
- The field of health-and-wellness is recognizing the importance of addressing the unique mental-health needs of neurodivergent individuals, given their distinct social preferences, learning and communication styles, sensory processing, and brain structure and function.
- The study of science in relation to health-and-wellness and mental-health reveals that neurodivergent brains show variations in sensory processing, specifically displaying hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to stimuli, which can influence comfort and behavior.
