What does the term neurodivergence mean?
Anna-Maria LangerShare
Neurodivergence. A term that's everywhere right now – but rarely explained. At the same time, the word holds a very personal meaning for me – as an artist and founder with ADHD, I finally found a sense of belonging in the neurodivergent community. And with my brand for handmade fidget toys, I don't just want to create cheerful everyday helpers, but also contribute to more community and visibility for neurodivergent narratives.
Therefore: It's time to take a closer look at this term. Ready? Let's go!
Where does the term come from?
Neurodivergence was coined in the 1990s by Australian sociologist Judy Singer – who is autistic herself and was looking for a term that describes difference without framing it as a defect.
The idea behind it: Human brains are not all the same. In fact, they all function differently. But: some function in a way that is socially considered "normal" – this is called neurotypical. Others function differently – this is called neurodivergent.
The term neuronormative is also important here – the ability to adapt to societal standards in social situations. We will delve into this in more detail in a later section.
What falls under Neurodivergence?
The word neurodivergence is not a single diagnostic label, but an umbrella term. It includes, among others:
- ADHD – Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Autism – also known as the Autism Spectrum
- Dyscalculia – difficulties with numbers and mathematics
- Dyslexia – difficulties with reading and writing
- Tourette Syndrome
- Dual diagnoses – for example, ADHD and autism simultaneously, also known as AuDHD
The list is not exhaustive. Neurodivergence is a living concept that continues to evolve – just like the understanding of how diverse brains can be.
What neurodivergence is not
Neurodivergence is not an excuse. Not a trend. Not a buzzword that people use to make themselves interesting.
It is also not a disease that needs to be cured. Neurodivergent people face challenges – that's true. But these challenges often don't arise from neurodivergence itself, but from a world designed for neurotypical people and neuronormative standards.
An example: ADHD makes it difficult to sit still and listen in a quiet classroom. But that's also because sitting still and listening is considered the only legitimate form of learning. A different setting – more movement, more input, more variety – and suddenly it works.
Neurodivergence means: The brain needs different conditions.
What does neuronormative mean?
If neurodivergence describes how some brains function – then neuronormative describes the expectations that society places on everyone, as if everyone were neurotypical.
Neuronormativity is the invisible norm. It's embedded in rules, structures, and assumptions that seem so self-evident that you hardly notice them – unless you don't meet them.
A few everyday examples:
In school: All children are expected to sit still, listen, concentrate on a topic for 45 minutes, and express their thoughts in essay form. Those who can't do this are considered the problem – not the system.
In the office: Meetings without breaks, open-plan offices with a lot of noise, the expectation to communicate spontaneously and orally, eye contact as a sign of respect. All of this is neuronormative – and exhausting daily for many neurodivergent people.
In social situations: Small talk as an obligation, the ability to read facial expressions and gestures as self-evident, maintaining eye contact, not too loud, not too quiet, not too direct, not too little direct. The unwritten rules are endless – and invisible and difficult to learn for many neurodivergent people.
In the healthcare system: Diagnostic criteria that were long primarily geared towards white, neurotypically socialized men. Women, non-binary people, and people of color were and are therefore often diagnosed late or not at all.
Recognizing neuronormativity does not mean abolishing all structures. It means understanding: What is considered "normal" is a decision – and this decision excludes many people.
In many cases, neurodivergent people are even a kind of "early warning system" for conditions that function poorly for many people. Globally, more people are suffering from burnout or stress than ever before – neurodivergent people often perceive contributing factors earlier and more intensely, which is why adjustments for neurodivergent people are often beneficial for all types of brains.
Neurodivergence and Identity
In the neurodivergent community, there's an important debate about how to talk about oneself.
Many prefer identity-first language – "I am autistic," "I am an ADHDer" – because neurodivergence is understood as part of one's identity, not as something one has like a cold.
Others prefer person-first language – "I have ADHD," "I have autism" – because they want to prioritize the person over the diagnosis.
Both are correct. It's about what feels authentic to the individual. I identify myself as an autistic person with ADHD. For me, my neurodivergence is so closely intertwined with my identity that I feel more comfortable this way. It really depends on what feels right to you.
Why Neurodivergence is central to A Colorful Clay
A Colorful Clay doesn't just stand for handmade fidget toys. With my small brand, I want to be a creative safe space for neurodivergent people. To create a place that I always missed myself.
I only received my ADHD diagnosis at the age of 32. For years, I felt alone, isolated, and without explanations. Therefore, it is incredibly important to me to support neurodivergent people in their daily lives with cheerful fidget toys, but also to create a platform for exchange, knowledge, and community. ♥️
Briefly summarized
- Neurodivergence is an umbrella term for brains that function differently from neurotypical ones
- It includes ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and more
- Neurodivergence is not a disease – but a different way of processing the world
- The challenges often arise not from neurodivergence itself, but from a world that is built differently
- At A Colorful Clay, neurodivergence is central – because it is part of its own story
Are you new here and wondering what A Colorful Clay is all about? Feel free to look around – and if you have any questions, just write to us.