Sep 4, 20204 min read

Neurodiversity at a Glance: Conditions and Symptoms

It is critical to remember that the concept of neurodiversity emphasizes that any variation from the typical brain, termed “neurotypical”, is a normal difference. These differences fall under the umbrella of neurodiversity. Since neurodiversity includes neurological disorders, mental health conditions, psychiatric disorders, genetic conditions, developmental disorders, and others, there are a wide variety of conditions that fall under neurodiversity. The ones outlined and described below are only a few of these.

Attention - Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
1. Usually stemming from childhood and persistent through adulthood, ADHD is a chronic condition that is characterized by hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Those affected may have a low self-esteem, trouble with relationships, and difficulty in school or work. The most common treatments include medication and talk therapy.
Eating Disorders
1. Anorexia Nervosa
  1. Characterized by a distorted body image, individuals who suffer from this disease have a strong fear of being overweight. The distorted image they have of their bodies typically result in starvation or excessive exercise. While there are medical ways to restore a normal weight, talk therapy can help with changing mindsets and self-esteem.
2. Bulimia Nervosa
  1. One of the most dangerous eating disorders, bulimia is characterized by binge eating and post binge steps to avoid the possible weight gain such as purging, excessive exercising, or fasting. Some treatments for bulimia include counseling, medication, and nutrition education.
3. Binge Eating Disorder
  1. Binge eating disorder is the frequent consumption of unusually large amounts of food at one time as a result of lack of control. Typically, binge eating is a characteristic of other diseases and can come in many forms.
Tourette Syndrome
1. Tourette syndrome is a nervous system disorder characterized by repetitive movements or unwanted sounds known as tics. Usually adopted in an individual's childhoots, movements and sounds include repeatedly blinking, shrugging shoulders, or continuously saying offensive words. Common treatment for this disease includes medication or psychological therapies.
Bipolar Disorder
1. Also known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is associated with moments of mood swings that vary from depressive lows to manic highs. While the roots of the disease are unknown, factors such as genetics, brain structure, and environment are assumed to play a role. Characteristics of manic episodes can include high energy, loss of touch with reality, and reduced need for sleep whereas depressive episodes can include low energy, lack of motivation, and loss of interest. When these episodes persist for long periods of time, they can come along with suicidal thoughts which need to be treated with medication and psychotherapy.
Schizophrenia
1. Schizophrenia is a disorder that affects an individual’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. Characterized by thoughts and experiences that are out of touch with reality, disorganized speech or behavior, decreased participation in daily activities, and difficulty with concentrating or retaining information. Treatment for this disease is lifelong and may include medication, psychotherapy, and coordinated specialty care services.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
1. Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD,is a developmental condition that is characterized by challenges with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Typically diagnosed at a young age, individuals who have ASD range in the severity of their symptoms.
Asperger’s Syndrome
1. A condition on the autism spectrum, Asperger’s is a developmental disorder that affect an individual's ability to socialize and communicate. Signs include being socially awkward and being absorbed in specific topics. Treatment includes behavioral therapy.
Hyperlexia
1. Characterized by an above average reading ability, hyperlexia is a syndrome where individuals may have below average comprehension levels. Although these individuals may love reading and easily learn how to read, children may not be able to communicate well and may have behavioral issues. Many individuals with hyperlexia may also have autism, however, hyperlexia may be difficult to diagnose on its own.
Dysnomia
1. Dysnomia is considered a learning disorder where individuals have difficulty recalling words, numbers, and names from their memory. Although they may be able to describe the word, actually remembering the term may be difficult. Often, dysnomia is confused with expressive language disorder.
Dyslexia
1. Although having normal communication and reasoning abilities, those with dyslexia, a reading disorder, may have trouble identifying letters and their sounds. Late language development, challenges with spelling and writing, poor literacy, and reversed words are common symptoms.
Dyspraxia
1. A learning disability that causes individuals to have trouble with motor coordination and balance, Dyspraxia, also known as Apraxia, may be characterized by a reduced ability to produce sounds, short term memory loss, and slurred speech.
Dyscalculia
1. Marked by challenges learning basic math knowledge and skills, Dyscalculia can create struggles with auditory processing and visual spatial relationships. Interestingly, advanced math topics may be easily learned, however foundational information can be difficult to understand.
Dysgraphia
1. Individuals with dysgraphia often have problems with their fine motor skills, leading to poor handwriting, as well as difficulty forming letters, tying shoes, and expressing thoughts as writing. Although little research has been done on Dysgraphia, individuals may have strong verbal skills.
Anxiety Disorder
1. Some of the most common disorders in the United States, Anxiety Disorders are actually a group of psychiatric disorders including, but not limited to, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder and panic attacks, Social Anxiety, Specific Phobias, Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Based on data from the World Health Organization, around 1 in every 13 individuals have anxiety.
Clinical Depression
1. Clinical Depression, also known as Major Depressive Disorder or Depression, refers to a group of disorders including Postpartum Depression, Psychotic Depression, and Seasonal Affective Disorder. Symptoms of Depression include feelings of hopelessness, irritability, lack of interest, difficulty sleeping, and weight changes.
Traumatic Brain Injury
1. A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a disruption in brain function that can be due to injuries, such as bumps or jolts, to the head. According to the CDC, around 150 Americans die every day from such injuries. The severity of this injury may range and leading causes include falls, motor vehicle crashes, bumps, or self harm.