neurodiversity

Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the different ways people think, feel, process information, and experience the world. These differences are a natural part of human diversity. Everyone’s experience is unique, and people may or may not use labels or diagnoses to describe themselves.

Different ways people may experience neurodiversity

Some people use specific words to describe their experiences. These might include:

• Autism: Some people may experience differences in communication, social interaction, sensory processing, or routines.

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: This can include differences in attention, focus, impulsivity, or levels of activity and energy.

• AuDHD: A term some people use when they relate to both autistic and ADHD experiences.

• Dyslexia: This may affect reading, writing, and processing written information.

• Dyspraxia: This can impact coordination, movement, and organisation.

• Dyscalculia: This may affect working with numbers, maths, and numerical understanding.

Some people also include experiences such as Tourette syndrome or Obsessive-compulsive disorder in conversations about neurodiversity.

Not everyone will relate to these terms, and experiences can vary widely from person to person.

People’s experiences may be understood or expressed in different ways at different times in their life. Things like age, gender, culture, and environment can all shape how someone experiences and talks about neurodiversity.

Support and your rights

Support can look different for everyone. Some people find it helpful to access support in school, at home, or in the community. This might include adjustments to learning, flexible approaches, or spaces that feel more comfortable and accessible.

In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 helps protect people from discrimination. It also means that schools, workplaces, and services may need to make reasonable adjustments to support someone’s needs.

How to access help in the workplace?

To access this support, you can let your employer know about your neurodiversity. Speak to your line manager or human resources (HR) department.

If your line manager or human resources department does not know how to action your reasonable adjustments request, please read the information on www.gov.uk/access-to-work

How counselling can help

Counselling is a shared conversation between you and your counsellor. It isn’t about being told what to do and it’s not just the counsellor asking questions. It works best when you both take part.

You can talk about whatever feels important to you, at your own pace. Your counsellor will listen carefully, ask questions to understand you better and help you explore your thoughts and feelings in a way that makes sense to you.

You don’t need to have the “right words” or know exactly what to say. It’s okay to take your time, pause, or even say you’re not sure how you feel. You can also ask questions at any point, this is your space as much as it is the counsellor’s.

You might use counselling to:

• talk about how you experience the world and what feels important to you

• explore identity, labels, or whether they feel helpful

• find ways of managing things like overwhelm, anxiety, or low mood

• think about communication, relationships, or boundaries

• build confidence in understanding and expressing your needs

Counselling can also be adapted to suit you. This might include thinking together about how sessions are structured, how you communicate, or what helps you feel most comfortable.

A final note

You don’t need a diagnosis or a label to seek support. What matters is finding what works for you and feeling able to be yourself.

To access further local information and support: 

Home - Gems4health - is a support service for families affected by autism and ADHD. 

Parenting Special Children Home | Parenting Special Children – They provide specialist support for Berkshire Families who have children and young people with special needs. 

Helen Arkell – is a registered dyslexia charity providing assessments, learning and skills support for all ages

To access further national information and support: 

National Autistic Society - providing support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people. 

ADHD UK - Homepage - ADHD UK – offers peer support, webinars, educational resources for adults, families, and professionals to help isolation and improve understanding of ADHD. 

British Dyslexia Association – a service for people with dyslexia and dyscalculia offering free and confidential information, support and signposting.

For information on diagnosis, please consider consulting your general practitioner (GP) and or special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) staff at your school