Neurodivergent (ND) brains vs. Neurotypical (NT) Ones
How Neurodivergent Brains Differ from Neurotypical Ones
Now, let’s dive into today’s episode. I’m re-recording this because a listener said the original was hard to hear. So thank you for your patience!
Have you ever wondered how your brain works differently from someone who is neurotypical? I have. Living with NLD means my brain processes the world in unique ways. I often overthink things and get stuck in the details, which can make tasks feel more overwhelming than they need to be. Over time, I’ve learned how to manage this better, but it’s still something I work on every day.
For example, I sometimes wish I could more easily grasp concepts like budgeting or balancing a checkbook. But on the flip side, there are things I do more easily than others. And that’s the key message in today’s episode: neurodivergence doesn’t mean something is wrong—it means your brain works differently.
Definitions: Neurodivergent vs. Neurotypical
Let’s begin with some basic definitions.
Neurodivergent (ND) refers to individuals whose neurological development differs from what is considered typical. This includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and, of course, Nonverbal Learning Disorder.
Neurotypical (NT) describes individuals whose brain development and cognitive functions align with the societal norm—those who don't have conditions like NLD or ADHD.
Research shows that individuals with NLD often have a smaller splenium, a part of the corpus callosum that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This can impact how information is processed and how the two sides of the brain communicate.
A Day in the Life: ND vs. NT
One article I read did a great job of illustrating how neurodivergent and neurotypical people might experience a typical morning:
Showering: A neurotypical person hops in the shower with no issue. For someone who's neurodivergent, the sensory transition from dry to wet can be overwhelming. Instead, they might spend 20 minutes mentally preparing and opt for a washcloth.
Getting Dressed: A neurotypical person quickly gets dressed. The ND person might try on five outfits before reluctantly settling on the same one they always wear—it’s not perfect, but at least it's familiar and not itchy or overwhelming.
These examples show how even the smallest routines can be processed differently depending on your brain wiring.
Embracing Neurodiversity
The term neurodiversity embraces the reality that everyone’s brain is different—and that these differences can be positive, not just challenges to be fixed.
Neurodiversity advocates argue that we shouldn’t view learning differences or neurological conditions as deficits, but as natural variations in human cognition. It encourages society to shift from asking people to fit in to creating environments where diverse minds can thrive.
This perspective resonates with me. I know my brain works differently, and while that presents challenges, it also allows me to approach problems from angles others may not consider. My mom, for instance, has learned to explain things to me in a way that matches how I process information. That kind of support means the world, especially when dealing with tasks like financial planning, which don’t come easily to me.
Reflection and Connection
As I wrap up today’s episode, I invite you to reflect:
How does your brain function differently from your friends or family?
Have you found strengths in your differences? Are there areas where support has made a difference?
If you feel comfortable, I’d love to hear your story or connect you with someone who could be interviewed for this podcast. You can email me at livingwithnld@gmail.com.
As always, I encourage you to practice journaling. Write about your unique gifts and challenges. Then brainstorm ways to make some of those challenges a little easier to navigate. You might be surprised by what you learn about yourself.
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Thanks again for tuning in. I’ll talk to you next week.
