Is My Child Neurodivergent?

As a parent, you want to protect and nurture your child. That often translates to a desire to make life as easy and comfortable for them as possible. That gets tricky when you notice that your child isn’t necessarily developing like the rest of their peers.

You might have wondered, “Is my child neurodivergent?” If that thought has crossed your mind, you’re in the right place to explore the question.

The basics of neurodivergence

When someone is described as neurodivergent, it simply means their brain works differently. Neurodivergence isn’t technically a medical term, and it’s certainly not a diagnosis. It’s an umbrella category people use to group a range of conditions together.

Some of the conditions that people most commonly classify as neurodivergence include:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Down syndrome
• Dyscalculia (trouble with math)
• Dyslexia (trouble with reading)
• Dyspraxia (trouble with coordination)
• Sensory processing disorders
• Tourette syndrome

Some people also put mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) into this bucket, too.

Here’s the main thing you should know here: neurodivergence is not a disability. It just means their brain doesn’t work neurotypically.

Signs you might have a neurodivergent child

Before we get into indicators of neurodivergence, we want to remind you that every child develops differently. While certain milestones apply to the “average” child, they’re just that: averages. Some kids develop slower, some faster. Some kids learn motor skills more quickly, others are strong verbally but struggle physically.

That said, you might have noticed some indicators that your child’s brain seems to work differently. Some indicators people typically put under the category of neurodivergence include:

• Limited speech
• Difficulty maintaining eye contact
• Strong reactions to sounds, bright lights, certain fabrics, or other sensory stimuli
• Trouble in school, from paying attention to reading
• Challenges in regulating their emotions
• Anxiety in or avoidance of social situations

If all of that sounds familiar, don’t worry. For starters, neurodivergence often introduces its own strengths. Your child might have an easier time memorizing things or visualizing things in three dimensions.

Secondly, you don’t have to navigate this alone.

Next steps if you think your child is neurodivergent

If you think your child’s brain might function differently, start by talking with their primary care doctor. They can help you explore specific medical conditions, aligning the differences you’re noticing with symptoms.

If your child is in school, it also usually helps to talk to their teacher(s). Neurodivergence tends to make some aspects of school more challenging. Their teacher can help you identify supports your child might need.

Our team can also help. Our therapists work with kids and teens with ADHD, on the autism spectrum disorder, and who need help in school. We can come alongside your family to develop support systems for your child.

Along the way, remember: Neurodivergence isn’t a disability. It’s not even a diagnosis. It’s just an umbrella term used for someone whose brain doesn’t function neurotypically.

When it comes to your child, the most important thing is helping them get support for areas where they may be struggling. Whether that’s focusing in school, managing sensory stimuli, or navigating social situations, we can help. Contact our team today.