Do you feel different from other people, but you are not sure why? If you have noticed that you struggle picking up on social cues, are sensitive to sensory stimuli, or have a strong need for routines, you may have neurodivergent traits. It can make you feel like your brain works differently from others. It can be confusing, and you may naturally have a lot of questions.
To understand if you are neurodivergent, you can schedule neuropsychological testing or speak to a healthcare professional at NeuroHealth Arlington Heights in Illinois, where our team can help determine if you have specific conditions and if they are affecting your daily life. This guide explores the definition of neurodivergent, the early signs that may indicate you are neurodivergent, and where to schedule an assessment for an accurate diagnosis.
Understanding Neurodivergence: What It Means and Why It Matters
Neurodivergence is a nonmedical term used to describe brains that function or process the world differently from what is considered the norm or “neurotypical.” It includes a range of conditions, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Being neurodivergent is not an illness. It is a natural variation in how the brain works, often leading to unique perspectives, strengths, and challenges.
It’s not a rare condition. In fact, around 15 to 20% of people around the world have some form of neurodivergence, and many adults only discover their neurodivergent traits later in life. Understanding if you are neurodivergent can be helpful if you are struggling with everyday life. An assessment and diagnosis can help you understand more about how your brain works and help you develop coping skills and advocate better for your needs at work and in general life.
Early Warning Signs: How to Recognize Neurodivergent Traits
Neurodivergent signs usually appear in childhood and persist into adulthood, but they can be subtle. For example, some children show signs of conditions like autism as early as six to 12 months, such as making little eye contact or not responding to their name. Others with milder symptoms may not receive a diagnosis until much later, when social demands at school or work increase and the neurological differences become more noticeable and more difficult to handle. Some common neurodivergent behaviors include:
- Difficulty focusing, planning, or managing time
- Sensory sensitivities to lights, sounds, textures, or crowds
- Repetitive behaviors or routines
- Being socially awkward or struggling to read social cues
- Feeling out of step with peers or masking your true self to fit in
Here are some more specific early warning signs of neurodivergence to watch out for:
Cognitive and Learning Patterns
Neurodivergent adults may have different ways of learning and thinking than others. This may include:
- Being deeply focused on specific interests but struggling to focus on boring or routine tasks
- Struggling to read, write, or understand instructions
- Differences in the way you process information (e.g., needing more time to process or preferring visual instructions over verbal ones)
- Having a strong interest in specific topics or “special interests”
Social and Communication Signs
Many neurodivergent adults notice differences in social behavior and communication, such as:
- Difficulty understanding sarcasm, subtext, or nonverbal cues
- Preferring one-on-one conversations or more structured group settings
- Taking language literally
- Struggling with small talk or feeling anxious in large groups
- Needing to “mask” or imitate neurotypical behavior to fit in
Sensory Processing Indicators
Sensory sensitivities are common among neurodivergent individuals and may include:
- Over- or under-responsiveness to noise, lights, smells, or touch
- Feeling overwhelmed in busy or stimulating environments
- Looking out for or avoiding certain sensory experiences (like stimming to self-soothe)
Stimming, which is short for self-stimulatory behaviors, refers to repetitive movements, sounds, or actions that help a person self-regulate. While stimming is most commonly associated with autism, many people engage in some form of it.
Emotional Regulation Patterns
Challenges with managing emotions are often reported in neurodivergent adults and teenagers. Examples include:
- Larger-than-expected emotional responses to changes in routine
- Constant feelings of anxiety or changing mood
- Difficulty controlling impulses or managing feelings of frustration
- Social or relationship challenges linked to emotional sensitivity
Professional Assessment and Testing Options
If you have noticed any of the above neurodivergent behaviors and find they are significantly impacting your life, consider getting a neuropsychological assessment. NeuroHealth Arlington Heights offers neurocognitive testing, which assesses your memory, attention, executive functioning, and emotional health to get a full understanding of your specific needs.
Our team can help you work through your symptoms, find coping skills, and access the right therapy. It’s important to remember that neurodivergence is not a disease. However, in some cases, medication may be used to manage specific, co-occurring symptoms or conditions that may cause significant distress or interfere with daily life. Scheduling an appointment at a local specialist center, such as NeuroHealth in Arlington Heights, can help you access therapy, educational accommodations, and supportive community resources.
Schedule Testing at NeuroHealth in Arlington Heights
Recognizing that you may be neurodivergent is the first step and one that can be extremely validating and empowering. Having access to the right support, understanding, and accommodations can help you thrive at work, school, and in relationships. If you identify with multiple neurodivergent symptoms or behaviors, start with a self-assessment or speak to a knowledgeable healthcare provider for guidance. When you are ready, schedule an assessment at NeuroHealth Arlington Heights for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis.
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