Neurodiversity in Children

As children grow and form friendships, some may begin to notice that they think, learn, or behave differently from their peers. These differences may reflect neurodiversity in children, term that describes variations in brain function.

Understanding the cognitive differences and diverse thinking among children with neurodivergent traits can put you in a better position to support your neurodivergent child. Learn what encompasses neurodivergence and what you can do to help them succeed.

What is a Neurodivergent Child?

A neurodivergent child might process the world around them differently from a “normal” child. Their brains may process information differently because of medical disorders or learning disabilities.

However, neurodivergent children also have impressive strengths, such as better memory, the ability to solve complex mathematical equations, and superior problem-solving skills.

Neurodivergence doesn’t describe a child who is “less” or “bad,” nor is it necessarily a disability. They are simply different in how they perceive the world.

What is the Prevalence of Neurodivergence in Children?

Neurodivergence can encompass conditions like autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [*]. As for their prevalence, about 1 in 100 children have autism, while 1 in 20 children have ADHD [*].

Still, there is no universal definition of neurodivergence, so its prevalence can vary according to diagnostic criteria and data sources.

How Can You Tell If a Child is Neurodivergent?

Neurodivergence isn’t a medical term, nor does it adhere to standardized medical criteria. Thus, you can’t necessarily “diagnose” a child with neurodivergence. However, neurodivergence can manifest through:

• Differences in communication
  
• Repetitive behaviors
  
• Social interaction challenges
  
• Sensory sensitivities [*]
  
• Cognitive differences
  
• Shifts in emotional regulation

If you observe patterns like these in your child, consider tracking their behaviors in a journal. You can present these notes to a pediatrician, psychologist, or neurologist. Bear in mind that neurodivergence isn’t a disorder or a deficit. 

What Conditions are Classified as “Neurodiversity”?

Neurodivergence itself isn’t a condition, though some conditions most closely associated with neurodiversity include the following:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Individuals may behave and communicate differently, lack social cues, and have sensory sensitivities.
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Individuals might struggle with impulses, inattentiveness, and increased mental energy.
• Dyslexia: Individuals may struggle with reading and decoding language.
• Dyscalculia: Individuals may face challenges with mathematical equations and struggle with time, money, and sequences.
• Developmental coordination disorder (DCD): Individuals may struggle with motor skills development, coordination, and speech.
• Tourette syndrome: Individuals might experience involuntary tics and vocalizations.

Individuals with bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD) can also experience neurodivergent thinking and behaviors.

At What Age Can Neurodivergent Traits Be Identified?

Specialists can start identifying neurodivergent traits in children as young as infancy. But how can you, as a parent, tell if your child is demonstrating signs of neurodivergence?

The trick is to observe developmental milestones. For instance, you might watch for delays in speech, motor skills, and physical movement. Consider whether your child reacts negatively to certain stimuli like lights, sounds, and smells, and note whether they have difficulties with change or transitions

Take ASD as an example. Children typically receive a formal diagnosis between 18 months and 3 years and often display symptoms like delayed speech, difficulties making eye contact, not responding to their name, or performing repetitive behaviors.

What Should I Do If I Think My Child May Be Neurodivergent?

If you suspect your child is neurodivergent, your best first step is to speak with their healthcare provider. Track your child’s behaviors and present this information to your doctor, who can refer you to a specialist.

However, it’s important not to jump to conclusions. Even if your child shows “textbook” signs of being neurodivergent, it’s your responsibility, as a parent, to learn more about it. You can read scientific papers, watch videos, or meet with a specialist.

It’s important to encourage your child to honor their differences, not to feel like they should have to “correct” them. Discuss how they feel about these differences without making them feel ashamed, humiliated, or ostracized.

What are the Treatments Available for Neurodivergent Children?

Remember, neurodivergence isn’t a disorder, so it isn’t always “treatable,” nor is it “curable.” What you can do is provide the appropriate support when you identify your child's struggles.

Suppose your child becomes diagnosed with ADHD. The appropriate treatment for this neurodivergence-related condition is behavioral therapy and stimulant medication to improve their focus.

Treatment will ultimately depend on whether your child is diagnosed with a specific condition. Here’s what you can expect.

Medication

Medication isn’t always the solution to neurodivergence, but it can be helpful for specific conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or Tourette Syndrome.

For instance, children with anxiety or OCD can benefit from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), as they can help regulate mood, reduce excessive worry, interrupt obsessive thoughts, and decrease the urge to act on harmful compulsions [*].

Therapy and Intervention

If your child has a developmental disorder or experiences distorted thoughts, therapy can help. For instance, children with language delays may benefit from speech therapy, which can help improve their verbal, nonverbal, and alternative communication skills [*].

If your child has dyspraxia or sensory processing issues, occupational therapy can improve their motor skills, sensory regulation, and ability to complete everyday tasks. 

Educational Support

Sometimes, neurodivergence can affect a child’s school performance. If symptoms interfere, you can discuss developing an individualized education plan (IEP) with the school administrator or counselor.

Children with special needs might receive extra time for exams or homework, have one-on-one sessions with therapists, have access to assistive technology, or get sensory breaks.

How Can I Support My Neurodivergent Child?

Supporting a neurodivergent child means catering to their struggles without making them feel flawed or disordered. Answering the question “What does being neurodivergent mean?” can improve your child’s understanding of their condition. Here’s what you can do.

Emphasize their strengths

Neurodivergence often inspires creativity, and you’ll usually see it in conditions like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. Focusing on what your child is capable of takes the attention away from where they are lacking. They mustn’t perceive their condition as something to be “fixed” but instead as something that can make them more productive and successful.

Many children with autism, for instance, have exceptional memory and can retain information about various topics like historical events, the animal kingdom, and science. Many are also detail-oriented, which can aid in their deep understanding of these topics. Use these strengths to inspire them to become masters of their craft.

Create an inclusive environment

Being different can make a child feel left out, especially when their peers notice. Rigid school schedules can make it impossible for neurodivergent children to function.

Create an inclusive classroom environment by dedicating spaces for neurodivergent children to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed and need a minute alone. Adjust to their pace without coddling them and encourage their classmates to work together.

Learn about your child’s neurotype

Your child’s neurotype refers to how they think and act. Gaining insight into their neurotype can reduce frustrating encounters between parents and children because it helps you understand why they behave in specific ways.

You can read neurodiversity-affirming resources supplied by your child’s psychiatrist or books by authors who take a strength-based and inclusive approach. Use this information to understand the core traits of your child’s neurotype.

Adjust your expectations

It isn’t uncommon for parents of neurodivergent children to feel frustrated when they don’t meet school expectations. So, what can you do? Adjust your expectations. This doesn’t mean lowering your expectations—it means thinking about what progress is meaningful for your child.

Celebrate little wins, such as your child going outside their comfort zone to try something new or regulating their emotions during challenging moments.

Simultaneously, accept that their growth may not be linear. Neurodivergent children often experience progress in spurts and may sometimes “relapse” into old habits.

Can Children Who are Neurodivergent Be Successful?

Neurodivergent children can be accomplished and successful, given that they receive the appropriate support. Some notable figures in history who are neurodivergent include:

• Anthony Hopkins, an Oscar-award-winning actor diagnosed with autism later in life
  
• Renee Rapp, a theater performer and musician who speaks openly about her ADHD diagnosis
  
• Tom Holland, who portrayed SpiderMan and was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child
  
• Albert Einstein, a famous scientist and innovator who demonstrated autistic traits and dyslexia
  
• Simone Biles, a champion gymnast who was diagnosed with ADHD in childhood

These individuals underscore how being neurodivergent doesn’t limit success and can inspire innovation and creativity.

Should I Talk to My Child About Their Neurodivergence?

Discussing your child’s neurodivergence with them is helpful because it encourages self-expression. Enter the conversation with empathy and without judgment.

Regular discussions about your child’s neurodivergence can help them understand why they feel the way they do. This can reduce shame and confusion and give you the opportunity to remind them that they aren’t lesser or flawed.

Talking with your child about their neurodivergence also builds trust and emotional safety—they’ll likely keep opening up to you.

Start early when speaking to your child about their neurodivergence, but keep it age-appropriate. Let their curiosities and questions lead the conversation. 

The Bottom Line

As a parent, it’s important to remember that neurodivergence isn’t a deficit—it is simply a different way of thinking and being. Regular discussions with your child and providing the appropriate support can help them feel secure in their self-identity and confident in their strengths.

Sources:

1. Murdock J. “Autism: A Function of Neurodiversity?” SFA ScholarWorks, 2020.
2. Yang Y, Zhao S, Zhang M, et al. “Prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders among US children and adolescents in 2019 and 2020.” Frontiers in Psychology, 2022.
3. Race L, James A, Hayward A, El-Amin K, Patterson MG, Mershon T. “Designing Sensory and Social Tools for Neurodivergent Individuals in Social Media Environments.” ASSETS '21: Proceedings of the 23rd International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility, 2021.
4. Steele DW, Kanaan G, Caputo EL, et al. “Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children and Youth: A Meta-Analysis.” Pediatrics, 2025.
5. Tambyraja SR. “Facilitating Parental Involvement in Speech Therapy for Children With Speech Sound Disorders: A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists’ Practices, Perspectives, and Strategies.” American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 2020.