5 Common Myths About Neurodiversity – Debunked!

2 min read

Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the natural variation in human brains.

Neurodivergent conditions includes:

Autism / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
DyslexiaDyspraxia / Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
Dyscalculia Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
and MORE!

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding neurodivergent individuals that can create barriers to understanding and support.

This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we want to raise awareness of these conditions as the more we learn about and understand them, the better we can support and appreciate those living with them.

In this blog, we’ll break down five common myths about neurodiversity:

1. Neurodivergent People Lack Empathy

People with neurodivergent conditions can feel empathy just as deeply and even more intensely as anyone else.

Autism can make it more challenging for some individuals interpret cognitive social cues, facial expression or implied emotion which can be interpreted as unempathetic. However, many autistic individuals feel emotions so strongly that it becomes overwhelming, and they can take longer to process these emotions. Rather than expressing empathy verbally they will use actions, they might ask practical questions, offer solutions, create something meaningful, or show long-term support. Autistic people often focus on genuine support rather than socially expected responses.

2. People with ADHD are Hyper

While hyperactivity and impulsivity are characteristics, ADHD also includes inattention, meaning challenges with focus, forgetfulness, organisation and task completion.

Some people have combined ADHD meaning they have challenges with both hyperactivity and inattention.

People with hyperactive ADHD and often out of the box thinkers, they make connections other might not see. They bring big ideas, energy, and excitement to teams, making them great leaders, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers.

3. Neurodiversity only includes autism

A common misconception about neurodiversity is that it is only related to autism. Autism is just one of many conditions that fall under this umbrella term. Other neurological conditions include Dyspraxia / Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) which are conditions that many people don’t understand or have even heard of.

4. Neurodivergent employees aren’t suited for the workplace and struggle to succeed in professional environments

This couldn’t be any further from the truth, neurodivergent individuals often thrive in the right environment. Many excel in creative industries, technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation, they are groundbreaking thinkers who challenge norms and bringing fresh perspectives.

Big corporates like Microsoft, Google, and Deloitte specifically recruit neurodivergent people because they recognise the untapped potential of neurodivergent minds.

5. Neurodiversity is a mental health condition

Conditions considered neurodivergent are not mental health disorders; they are differences in how individuals think and process information neurologically.

Understanding these myths and recognising the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals helps create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.

With our deep understanding of ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, The Executive Solutions Agency are uniquely positioned to support neurodivergent individual and support business and teams to support their neurodivergent employees better.