What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is a concept that recognises the diversity of human brains and minds. It can help reduce stigma around learning and thinking differences. Some of the most common neurodivergent conditions include dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD

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Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty (or difference) which is known to be neurological in origin. It can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills. It's estimated up to 1 in every 10 people in the UK has some degree of dyslexia (NHS, 2018).

The Carroll et al (2024) Delphi definition of dyslexia states that:

• The nature and developmental trajectory of dyslexia depends on multiple genetic and environmental influences.
• Dyslexia is a set of processing difficulties that affect the acquisition of reading and spelling. The most commonly observed cognitive impairment in dyslexia is a difficulty in phonological processing (i.e. in phonological awareness, phonological processing speed or phonological memory). However, phonological difficulties do not fully explain the variability that is observed. Working memory, processing speed and orthographic skills can contribute to the impact of dyslexia.
• In dyslexia, some or all aspects of literacy attainment are weak in relation to age, standard teaching and instruction, and level of other attainments. Across languages and age groups, difficulties in reading and spelling fluency are a key marker of dyslexia.
• Dyslexic difficulties exist on a continuum and can be experienced to various degrees of severity. Dyslexia can affect the acquisition of other skills, such as mathematics, reading comprehension or learning another language. Dyslexia frequently co-occurs with one or more other developmental difficulties, including developmental language disorder, dyscalculia, ADHD, and developmental coordination disorder.

Many dyslexic individuals have strengths in other areas, such as design, problem solving, creative skills, interactive skills and oral skills. However, some of the difficulties above can cause problems in academic success, social-emotional development, and self-esteem.

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neuro-developmental disorder characterised by inattention, or excessive activity and impulsivity, which are otherwise not appropriate for a person's age. Some individuals with ADHD also display difficulty regulating emotions or problems with executive function. Furthermore, there can be difficulties with processing verbal and nonverbal language, social interaction and maintaining relationships.

‍Source: American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington: American Psychiatric Publishing. pp. 59–65

Dyspraxia / Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known, in the UK, as dyspraxia, is a disorder affecting movement and coordination in children and adults, with symptoms present since childhood. There can also be a range of co-occurring non-motor difficulties which can have a substantial impact on daily life. These may include social and emotional difficulties as well as problems with time management, planning and personal organisation.

‍Source: Dyspraxia Foundation (2015)

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Dyscalculia

SASC (SpLD Assessment Standards Committee – England 2025) defines SpLDs in mathematics and dyscalculia as follows;

A specific learning difficulty in mathematics is a set of processing difficulties that affects the acquisition of arithmetic and other areas of mathematics.

In dyscalculia, the most commonly observed cognitive impairment is a pronounced and persistent difficulty with numerical magnitude processing and understanding that presents in age related difficulties with naming, ordering and comparing physical quantities and numbers, estimating and place value.