Neurodiversity is a term used to describe people whose brains develop or work differently. (The term for people who are not neurodivergent is “neurotypical”). Like a person’s fingerprints, no two brains are exactly the same. It points to the idea that there are certain developmental disorders that are normal variations in the brain. People who have these features also have many strengths and often, many advantages. Because each person’s brain develops differently, being neurodivergent is not preventable, treatable, or curable…only supported! Here are some resources and information to help support you on your journey to understanding.
Some of the most common conditions among those who identify as Neurodivergent include:
- Austism Spectrum Disorder
- Down Syndrome
- Dyspraxia (difficulty with coordination)
- Intellectual Disabilities
- Mental Health Conditions such as: bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Sensory Processing Disorders
- Social Anxiety
- Tourette Syndrome
Sprout specializes in supporting neurodivergent minds with Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia and ADHD. See below for more specifics about these four conditions.
DYSLEXIA: “Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.” — International Dyslexia Association 2002
“Dyslexia is highly prevalent, affecting 20% of the population and representing 80-90 percent of all learning disabilities.” — The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
“Spotlight on Dyslexia”. Education Week.
“Understanding Dyslexia”. The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity.
Scientific American Magazine, November 1996, Dyslexia by Sally E. Shaywitz
“Shaywitz DyslexiaScreen”. The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity.
“Dyslexia FAQ”. The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity.
“What is dyslexia?”. Understood.
“What is multi-sensory instruction?”. Understood.
“Dyslexia Basics”. Dyslexia IDA.
“Dyslexia and the IEP ”. Dyslexia Help at the University of Michigan.
“Dyslexia Treatment”. Understood.
“Talking to your Child about Dyslexia”. The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity.
DYSGRAPHIA: “Dysgraphia is a neurological disorder of written expression that impairs writing ability and fine motor skills. It is a learning disability that affects children and adults, and interferes with practically all aspects of the writing process, including spelling, legibility, word spacing and sizing, and expression.” — ADDitude Magazine.
“What is Dysgraphia?”. ADDitude Magazine.
“Understanding dysgraphia”. Dyslexia IDA.
“What is Dysgraphia?”. Healthline.
“What Do We Know About Dysgraphia?”. DSF Literacy and Clinical Services.
“How to treat symptoms of dysgraphia?”. ADDitude Magazine.
“What is the treatment for dyscalculia?”. Understood.
DYSCALCULIA: “Dyscalculia is a learning disability in math. People with dyscalculia have trouble with math at many levels. They often struggle with key concepts like bigger vs. smaller. And they can have a hard time doing basic math problems and more abstract math. Dyscalculia is a condition that makes it hard to do math and tasks that involve math. It’s not as well known or as understood as dyslexia. But some experts believe it’s just as common. That means an estimated 5 to 10 percent of people might have dyscalculia.” —Understood
DSM-5 defines dyscalculia as a specific learning disorder, an impediment in mathematics, with problems of:
- Number sense
- Memorization of arithmetic facts
- Accurate and fluent calculation
- Accurate math reasoning.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) : “ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.” — CDC
ADHD is classified into three categories, each with unique features:
- Inattentive
- Hyperactive
- Combined
ADHD used to be known as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder. This term has been retired, yet appears in older literature.)