The Neurodivergent World

The central trunk supports diverse branches, grouped by common characteristics.

NEURODIVERGENCE

1. Core Cognitive / Learning Differences

Autism

Differences in social interaction and processing.

ADHD/ADD

Differences in focus, impulse, and executive functions.

Dyslexia

A reading disorder involving decoding and word recognition.

Dyscalculia

Specific learning difficulty involving numbers and math.

Dysgraphia

Difficulty with handwriting and expressive writing.

DCD / Dyspraxia

Difficulty with motor skills and movement planning.

SPD

Difficulty processing or responding to sensory stimuli.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

Difficulty interpreting sounds despite normal hearing.

Executive Function Difficulties

Struggles with planning, organizing, and self-regulation.

Working Memory Difficulties

Struggles to briefly hold and manipulate information.

Speech and Language Delay

Delayed communication or understanding of language.

2. Genetic and Physical Conditions

Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome)

Chromosomal condition causing intellectual and physical differences.

Fragile X Syndrome

Genetic condition causing intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Angelman Syndrome

Developmental delay, movement, and communication issues.

Rett Syndrome

A rare neurological disorder affecting mostly girls.

Cerebral Palsy

Affects motor control, movement, and posture.

Brain Injury

Cognitive and functional changes due to physical trauma.

Global Developmental Delay

Significantly slower development across multiple domains.

3. Co-occurring and Symptomatic Conditions

OCD

Unwanted thoughts (obsessions) leading to compulsions.

Tourette's Syndrome / Tic Disorders

Sudden, repetitive movements or vocalizations.

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)

Extreme, anxiety-driven avoidance of everyday demands.

Selective Mutism

Consistent failure to speak in specific social situations.

Misophonia

Strong emotional reaction to specific everyday sounds.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Pattern of angry, irritable mood, argumentative, and defiant behavior.

PANS/PANDAS

Sudden onset of OCD/tics following an infection.

Mental Health Issues

Conditions affecting mood, thinking, and behavior.

Chronic Fatigue

Persistent, severe, and unexplained tiredness.

Post-Viral / Long Covid

Cognitive and chronic symptoms following viral infection.

Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)

Deep sensory processing and higher emotional responsiveness.

Twice Exceptional (2e)

Possessing both high ability and a learning difficulty.

This is a non-exhaustive representation; the term Neurodivergence is broad and includes many forms of cognitive variation.