Neurodiversity: Understanding differences in learning and thinking

The term neurodivergent describes individuals whose brains learn, function, or process information in ways that differ from the majority. People whose brains function in line with societal expectations are described as neurotypical. The origins of the term have been attributed to several people, including online communities of autistic people.

There is no official definition of neurodiversity, and some argue that mental health disorders are also neurodiverse conditions. This article focuses on neurodiverse conditions that affect learning and cognitive development.

What's the difference between a learning disability and an intellectual disability?

While a learning disability and an intellectual disability both affect learning, these two terms have very different meanings. The Center for Parent Information & Resources (CPIR) describes the differences this way: An intellectual disability involves “certain limitations in mental functioning and in skills such as communicating, [self-care], and social skills. These limitations will cause a child to learn and develop more slowly than a typical child.” Whereas a learning disability “describes specific kinds of learning problems. A learning disability can cause a person to have trouble learning and using certain skills,” mainly referring to reading, writing, and maths.

Here are some common conditions and resources for more help and support:

ASD: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consists of a group of conditions that are identified by some difficulty with social interaction and communication. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is different for each individual; some may live independently, while others require daily support. For more information, visit the Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) page on Autism Spectrum Disorder.

ADHD: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is defined by impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and inattentiveness.

Some people with ADHD only struggle with hyperactivity or with their attention, or a combination of both. They may experience the following symptoms:

• cannot sustain attention
• trouble concentrating and getting distracted easily
• making mistakes
• struggle to organise work
• losing belongings
• going from one task to the next without finishing the task before

For those who experience hyperactivity and impulsiveness, added symptoms might include:

• feeling restless or on edge
• cannot concentrate for long
• constantly moving around
• interrupting people
• mood swings
• taking risks or not thinking through behaviour
• inability to deal with stress

For more help and advice, contact your healthcare provider or research online. The ADHD Foundation Australia is a leading neurodiversity charity, offering strength-based, lifespan services for those who live with ADHD.

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also referred to as dyspraxia: This condition involves motor skills, affecting movement and coordination. For more information, visit the Developmental Coordination Disorder Australia page on Dyspraxia.

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD): This affects understanding of what people hear and read, making it difficult to communicate. Speech therapy and support from family, friends, and colleagues will help someone with this disorder. Developmental language disorder is more common than autism and dyslexia, but far more hidden. It is estimated that in a classroom of 30 children, two of them will have DLD.

Epilepsy: This is a common condition that affects the brain causing the person to have seizures. This is when the brain has sudden bursts of electrical activity affecting the body causing a person to collapse, shake uncontrollably, stare into space, or jerk parts of their body. There are different types of epilepsy with varying degrees of severity. Speak to your GP if you are concerned.

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): When a mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy, the foetus is unable to process the alcohol in the blood, resulting in severe damage which can be fatal. If the baby survives, it can have many ongoing mental and physical concerns. There is no treatment for FASD, however, the earlier it is detected, the better chance the child has of dealing with their condition. Speak to your GP for more information.

Intellectual disability: Intellectual disabilities can be mild, moderate, or severe and affect the way a person learns new information, learns new skills, and lives independently. Some people are born with an intellectual disability, such as Down syndrome, while others do not get diagnosed until later in life.

Tourette Syndrome and 'tic' disorders: Tourette Syndrome and tic disorders affect individuals differently, ranging from mild to severe symptoms. The main features are called 'tics' which are involuntary movements, both physical and verbal. This can be jerking movements or making sounds and noises. Most people tend to think of tics as involuntary swearing; however, this is rare.

Specific learning difficulties

Learning difficulties, such as dyslexia or dyscalculia, affect the way a person reads, writes, or processes numbers. They are not the same as intellectual disabilities because they do not affect intelligence.

Dyslexia: Signs of dyslexia include trouble spelling, writing or taking notes, and reading as well as writing slowly, confusion over the order of letters, mistaking the placement of letters, having poor spelling, and struggling with organisation. Visit the Australian Dyslexia Association for more support and resources.

Dyscalculia: A person may be of normal or above average intelligence with everything, except when it comes to numbers. Dyscalculia is difficulty understanding basic mathematical patterns that can affect day-to-day life.

If you have concerns for yourself, someone you know, or your child and think they may have a condition listed above, you can reach out to your assistance programme for further support and advice, click on the specific links above for more information, or contact your GP.

This information is provided to supplement the care provided by your GP and is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified health or mental health professional if you have questions about a medical condition or plan of treatment.