“Why do you always need to rock back and forth like that?” Someone once asked my friend Maya during a college lecture. She smiled, shrugged, and said, “It helps my brain stay in rhythm with the world.” Simple, honest. But behind the moment was something deeper: Maya might be autistic, and that moment wasn't strange; it was necessary.

Neurodivergence. The word might sound like something from a science textbook, but it’s part of our everyday lives. You might have a colleague who doodles during meetings to concentrate. A cousin who zones out mid-conversation but solves complex coding problems in minutes. Maybe you even think or feel differently than what society calls “normal”. What's the difference? That’s neurodivergence.

What is neurodivergence, really?

The term was coined in the late 1990s by sociologist Judy Singer, who is herself autistic. She wanted a word that didn’t pathologize people who think differently. And thus, neurodivergent was born, encompassing conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, OCD, and more. But here’s what’s important: neurodivergence isn't a diagnosis, it's a concept. It says, “Hey, human brains aren't one-size-fits-all”. And guess what? They are not supposed to be.

In fact, 15-20 per cent of the global population is considered neurodivergent. That's not a minority, that's a movement. 

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The Misunderstood Genius: A Familiar Story

Remember when people thought Einstein had a learning disability? Fast-forward, and he changed the face of physics. While we can’t diagnose him retroactively, many believe he may have been autistic or had ADHD. One of his quotes reads: “Everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid”. 

But that's the thing, history is full of neurodivergent thinkers who broke molds: Steve Jobs, who had signs of dyslexia; Simone Biles, who has ADHD; Greta Thunberg, who proudly calls autism her superpower.

In Greta’s own words: “I have Asperger’s... and that means I’m sometimes a bit different from the norm. And, given the circumstances, being different is a superpower.”

Signs of Neurodivergence

• Struggle with eye contact or small talk
• Experience intense anxiety in unfamiliar situations
• Feel overwhelmed by bright lights, sounds, or textures
• Have difficulty sitting still or focusing
• Rely on structure, routines, or repetitive behaviours for comfort
• Clumsiness

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Not Just Quirks: Real-Life Dialogues

I once asked my friend Adarsh, who has ADHD, what it feels like to live inside his mind.

He paused, grinned, and said, “Imagine 20 tabs open on your laptop, music playing from three of them, and you don’t know where the sound is coming from, but you are typing an essay that's surprisingly good.” That description has stuck with me. It's not about being unfocused; it's about focusing even in the chaos. ADHD brains are hyper-focused, go tunnel-vision deep on topics they love. And it's often where innovation happens.

Neurodivergent Conditions

Autism: Affects communication, behaviour, and social skills; may include sensory sensitivities and strengths like pattern recognition.

ADHD: Involves inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity; often leads to creativity and intense focus on interests.

Dyslexia: Impacts reading and language processing; many show strengths in visual thinking and problem solving.

OCD:  Involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours; tied to anxiety and a strong focus on detail.

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How to support someone who is neurodivergent?

• Make a Sensory-Friendly Environment: Dim the lights. Reduce noise. Respect boundaries. These simple changes can provide comfort in  an overwhelming environment.
• Use Clear, Direct Communication: Say what you mean. Skip the sarcasm. Be literal, kind, and consistent; especially in instructions or plans.
• Offer Practical Tools: Flexible seating, checklists, fidget items, or movement breaks can help someone focus, calm down, or stay regulated.
• Respect Social Differences: Not everyone enjoys group work, makes eye contact, or wants to chat. Allow people to socialize or not in their own way.
• Challenge Bullying and Exclusion: Stand up. Speak out. Normalise the difference. Inclusion starts with everyday choices.
• Ask Before Helping: Respect autonomy. Rather than assuming someone needs help, simply ask: “Would you like a hand with that?”.
• Be an Advocate: Educate others. Amplify neurodivergent voices. Make space in classrooms, boardrooms, and communities.

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How to Seek Help

Are loud noises, bright lights, or crowded places exhausting or stressful? Do you have difficulty with things others seem to do easily, such as staying on track, following routines, or dealing with social interactions?

If this rings a bell, you're not alone, and it's all right to seek help. Speaking to a physician or therapist is a good place to start. Try a neurocognitive test, a set of tests conducted by a neuropsychologist. This can give you a better idea of how your brain works and how you think, process, concentrate, remember, and deal with emotions. These insights can help identify if you're neurodivergent and guide you toward tools and strategies that truly work for you.

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