Neurodivergence: Is it just a TikTok trend?

You have probably seen the TikToks, or Instagram Reels…

Neurodivergence has EXPLODED on the scene as a trendy topic.

There are a lot of people out there who feel that this is exactly what it is– a trend. A bunch of armchair psychologists mining content in a topic area that currently holds public interest. And to an extent, there is quite a bit of that online these days. Everyone’s ex is a ‘narcissist”, people joke about being “OCD” because they like their countertops clean. There’s a good bit of “fake news” psychology floating around. 

However, I have also seen a lot of amazing content from neurodivergent creators, seen a lot of real evidence based research surfacing and being passed around in the community, and seen a lot of professionals in psychology and psychiatry embrace the trend, so to speak. When it comes to neurodivergence and the topic's newfound social media popularity, I also see it as a mostly positive thing.

What do we mean when we say “Neurodivergent”? 

Medically speaking, being neurodivergent means that one’s brain processes information and functions differently than those who are considered “neurotypical”. Typically, this umbrella term refers to conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, and some other process and learning disorders. Historically speaking, ASD and ADHD have had very constrictive, narrow, and rigid diagnostic requirements based on certain stereotypical presentation criteria. In fact, in the current, most updated version of the “psychiatry Bible” the DSMV-TR – ASD and ADHD are still defined in these rigid terms to this day. Many critics have suggested that the increase in recent neurodivergent diagnoses is overblown, or perhaps related to environmental causes, “well, there was never autism or adhd back in my day” the 70 year old might say. 

The truth is, these conditions have always been around, but unless a patient presented in exactly the same way as the stereotyped presentation (built off of research of young boys exclusively), and required a high amount of support, the diagnosis was often missed. Many people were just “odd” “eccentric” or different, and went about their lives with unseen disability. As little as 30 years ago, seeking therapy, or dealing with mental health conditions was viewed as taboo, and something that was never discussed and often stigmatized. I am very glad and hopeful to see that mental health is trending. I hope younger generations feel no qualms about seeking help. Of course, diagnoses will rise, but that simply means more patients are willing to come forward, and actively seeking to live higher quality lives. How could that be a bad thing? 

Within the last decade or so, experts have a much better idea of what being neurodivergent means, and that many more individuals than was previously thought might fall somewhere on this spectrum. The “spectrum” can now be visualised more as a spiky ball, where a patient might have high social and intellectual functioning, but low tolerance for sensory overwhelm, or struggle with interoception (feeling the internal signals of one’s own body such as thirst, hunger, or bathroom needs). Today, there are complex neuropsychiatric evaluations that can completely assess all of the known “spikes” of that spectrum, and for that reason, many adults (such as myself) are finally receiving answers for many things they struggled to understand as an undiagnosed person. In a separate article, I will go into detail about the mixed feelings that can be dredged up by an adult diagnosis.

All in all, I am very pleased to see the increase in online content related to being neurodivergent. I believe those who relate to that content will be more motivated to learn if maybe they have been misdiagnosed. Of course, not everyone has the time or money to afford a full, multiple day, one on one meeting with a neuropsychiatrist. That is why neurodivergent diagnosis and management is so near and dear to my heart, and what I can offer to my patients at Whole Health who may not otherwise be able to find their answers. 

That old saying, “takes one to know one”? It certainly holds water when it comes to neurodivergence. 

Anna O’Neal, CEO