Neurotypical is a developmental term used to describe people with characteristics and traits that are considered typical compared to others. Though neurotypical is not a medical term, medical professionals use guidelines to gauge the development of babies, children, and adolescents that determine what is typical at any given age.
While helpful in identifying learning disabilities or other conditions early on, focusing on what is normal or typical can have unintended consequences, especially for those whose development diverges (known as neurodivergent) from the norm. For this reason, people have started to better understand neurodiversity rather than focusing on what is neurotypical.
Neurodiversity, coined in 1977 by sociologist Judy Singer, explains that people interact with the world in different ways. Previously, neurotypical was the term that defined what type of development was considered the norm. However, not everyone’s brain functions in the same way. Instead, neurodiversity uses inclusive terminology to embrace the idea that people’s development and way of seeing the world can vary.
This concept is vital to understanding the differences in how people approach social life, education, and work—especially since 15-20% of the world’s population displays some form of neurodivergence. People may be considered to be neurodivergent if they live with conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dyslexia, and Tourette syndrome—to name a few.
The primary difference between neurotypical people and neurodivergent people is the way in which their brains function and how they interact with others. People who are neurotypical make up the vast majority of the population and learn and communicate in ways that are societally expected.
People who are neurodivergent may process information differently, have a divergent communication style, and/or benefit from alternative approaches to learning. While these variations are natural, they may affect a neurodivergent person’s ability to learn and work. Consequently, they may need more support or a different approach to unlock their potential.
That’s why it’s so important for allies, parents and caregivers, policymakers, and educators to understand what they can do to support neurodivergent people.
Several conditions can cause neurodivergence. While autism is most commonly associated with neurodivergence, any condition where the brain functions differently than what is typical is considered neurodivergent. Here are some common conditions that include some form of neurodivergence:
When someone is neurotypical, they often have characteristics and traits that are considered typical in comparison to other people in their society. In other words, they develop, learn, communicate, and relate with the world around them in a way that is similar to the majority of the population. They also meet expected developmental milestones as babies, children, and adolescents.
For instance, a neurotypical child would be able to maintain eye contact, respond to their name, show facial expressions, and notice when people are hurt. Other key characteristics of neurotypical people include:
- Developing skills within an expected timeframe
- Communicating at a speed and volume that is expected for the situation
- Displaying facial expressions and using body language
- Recognizing and responding to someone else’s facial expressions and body language
- Showing interest in others and expressing empathy
- Understanding abstract concepts or idioms like “it’s raining cats and dogs”
- Shifting attention or focus when needed
- Collaborating with others
The key characteristics of neurodivergent people will vary depending on the condition that affects a person’s brain function. In other words, those with ASD may display different characteristics than people with ADHD. Here are some of the more common characteristics of several neurodivergent conditions:
- Time blindness or challenges with time management
- Not making eye contact
- Trouble understanding what others are thinking or feeling
- Difficulty understanding personal space or boundaries
- Finding it hard to self-regulate emotions or voice level
- Sensory overload
- Forgetfulness
- Creative thinking
- Ability to maintain intense focus
- Innovative thinking
- Keen observational skills
- Demonstrating good visual-spatial skills
While some characteristics of neurodivergence can cause challenges in education, social life, and the workplace, there are also a number of benefits to neurodivergence.
For instance, neurodivergent people have strengths that can improve innovation and engagement. Seeing the world through a different lens often fosters creativity and ingenuity, especially because people with neurodivergence often have a unique perspective. They also approach problems or situations in ways others may not consider.
Yet, research shows that neurotypical people tend to form less than favorable first impressions of neurodivergent people (such as those with autism). They are also less likely to interact with them socially and often do not change their opinions—even with increased time spent together. This can cause neurodivergent people to have fewer friendships, experience employment challenges, experience increased stress and loneliness, and have a diminished quality of life.
These judgments by neurotypical people are unfair. Researchers also note that it limits opportunities for neurodivergent people to practice their social skills and become more socially aware. Consequently, researchers say that educational programs need to address this issue so that neurodivergent people can become more socially integrated into society.
Experts acknowledge that while neurodivergent people may have some challenges, these differences may not be disabling unless society imposes restrictions on them. Instead, they propose reforming society to make a place for people with neurodivergence by providing accommodations and increasing accessibility in meaningful and impactful ways. This begins with including them in policymaking change, respecting their needs and preferences, and changing biases or perceptions of neurodivergence from neurotypical people.
When someone becomes an ally to those who are neurodivergent, they make a concerted effort to better understand the challenges they face. Using their privilege and influence, they also fight against intolerance and lobby for acceptance. Being an ally doesn’t mean you identify with what the person is experiencing, but it does mean you will stand with them and advocate for their needs.
Here are some tips on how to become an ally for neurodivergent communities:
- Show your support: Being an ally doesn’t require grand gestures to have an impact. Instead, it involves engaging with those who are different from you, supporting them, and getting to know them. It means developing a relationship and being a voice when they are unable—or supporting their words when they do say something or advocate for change.
- Get informed: To be an effective ally, you need to learn more about neurodivergence and the challenges people face. Listen to those around you to see how they are being affected, but challenge your beliefs and prejudices before addressing those of others.
- Engage in conversations at work or school: Get involved in conversations and help change perceptions. This means calling attention to discrimination and unfair treatment toward neurodivergent people. Research shows that when people in marginalized groups discuss unfair treatment, they are often penalized, so they sometimes need people to draw attention to what needs to change.
- Strive to be an upstander: Resist the urge to say nothing when you see injustices or unfair treatment, even if it can be challenging to speak up. Research suggests that people are less likely to do or say anything when other people are around. This is known as the bystander effect. However, remaining quiet is the same as condoning bad behavior. Choose to say or do something, as this will help hold people accountable for their words and actions and encourage others to follow your lead.
- Resist following the crowd: While it’s easy to go along with the crowd when they talk about others, make fun of them, or are mean, it’s important to take a stand and call out hurtful behaviors and words. By showing respect toward your neurodivergent peers, you are helping change your school or workplace culture.
Neurotypical people develop, think, behave, and learn in a way that is typical when compared to others. But those who are neurodivergent develop, think, behave, and learn in ways that are not typical. Though this difference in brain functioning is not wrong, it can cause challenges for neurodivergent people, who may need more support to reach their full potential.
To make this happen, it’s important for neurotypical and neurodivergent communities to come together and speak up for the need to embrace neurodiversity and the needs of neurodivergent people.
