Types of Neurodiversity: A Plain Language Guide

Neurodiversity is the idea that there’s natural variation in how human brains process information, sense the world, and solve problems. Some people identify as neurodivergent because their traits diverge from the dominant expectations in school or work. This page offers a friendly overview of common neurodivergent profiles and how they may show up in everyday life.

It complements our broader primer on neurodiversity. Think of this as the “field guide” version you can share with a manager, a friend, or a family member.

Before we list “types, ” three important notes

• Neurodiversity is a framework, not a diagnosis. The labels below are shorthand for patterns. People are people, not checklists.

• Co-occurrence is common. Many folks have traits of more than one profile (for example, autism + ADHD or dyslexia + dyspraxia).

• Supports help everyone. The same changes that help a neurodivergent person (clear instructions, flexible communication, predictable routines) tend to raise quality for the whole team.

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Autism

Autistic people often describe strong pattern recognition, honesty, deep focus, and a preference for clarity over guesswork. Social norms built on small talk or rapid context switching can be tiring. Environments with bright lights, noise, or constant interruptions may drain energy.

Helpful supports: written expectations, agendas in advance, camera-optional meetings, quiet work blocks, and respect for direct communication.

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ADHD

ADHD includes differences with attention regulation and executive functions (planning, prioritizing, time awareness). Many report high creativity, fast idea generation, and the ability to hyperfocus when a task is meaningful. Rigid systems, repetitive work, or unclear priorities can create friction.

Helpful supports: short, clear tasks; external reminders and visual timelines; choice of tools; permission to work in sprints; and managers who value outcomes over seat time.

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Dyslexia

Dyslexia affects the way people process written language. It is unrelated to intelligence and often coexists with strengths in storytelling, spatial reasoning, systems thinking, and creativity. Reading-heavy workflows or last-minute document changes can be fatiguing.

Helpful supports: accessible fonts, longer review windows, text-to-speech tools, and agreements to summarize long documents with key points and action items.

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Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)

Dyspraxia influences motor coordination and planning. It can affect handwriting, navigation of crowded spaces, and rapid sequencing of steps. Many with dyspraxia excel in big-picture thinking, empathy, and determination.

Helpful supports: alternatives to handwritten notes, early access to materials, voice recording options, and ergonomics that reduce fine-motor strain.

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Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia affects numerical processing and number-based symbols. It may show up as difficulty with mental arithmetic, time estimation, or reading graphs. Strengths often include verbal ability, design, and creative problem-solving.

Helpful supports: calculators without stigma, visual schedules, clear step-by-step methods, and dashboards that translate numbers into plain language.

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Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia involves challenges with handwriting and written expression. People may have excellent ideas that are hard to capture quickly on paper. Typing, dictation, and visual organizers can make a dramatic difference.

Helpful supports: typed submissions, voice-to-text, templates for structure, and more time for written tasks.

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Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders

Tics are involuntary movements or sounds that can wax and wane. Stress and fatigue can intensify them. Many people with Tourettes are resourceful, resilient, and highly empathetic.

Helpful supports: understanding (no policing of tics), movement breaks, and workspaces that don’t penalize harmless sounds or gestures.

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Auditory Processing Differences

Listening in noisy spaces, parsing rapid speech, or following long verbal directions can be tough. Strengths might include meticulous written work, deep focus, and visual thinking.

Helpful supports: captions, transcripts, written follow-ups, and quiet zones for calls.

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PDA Profile (Pathological / Persistent Demand Avoidance)

Some autistic people describe a PDA profile, where perceived demands trigger high anxiety. Autonomy and collaborative negotiation help maintain engagement.

Helpful supports: choice in sequencing tasks, negotiated deadlines, and a focus on outcomes rather than rigid methods.

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Why “types” matter less than fit

Labels can open doors to community and language, but thriving usually depends on work design: clarity, predictability, flexibility, and respect. When those foundations exist, neurodivergent people do what they came to do: build, fix, design, research, and lead. Next step:

Join the Mentra community on Discord to swap tips with peers, or create a Mentra profile to see roles and employers that value neurodivergent strengths.