Neurodivergence simply means that neurological development and state is atypical. This was first coined by Judy Singer in the 1990s. Recently we have been shifting away from the medical pathologizing paradigm to social model of disability. Basically, shifting from an old paradigm of disability seen as an individual’s problem in need of fixing, to a new paradigm of disability as a result of social barriers.
When you hear the word autism, what comes to your mind first? Rain Man? Big Bang’s Sheldon Cooper? The Good Doctor? A young boy that loves trains or dinosaurs? Autism is so much more than what has been portrayed to us!
During Nazi Germany, Hans Asperger researched Autism, specifically more “high functioning” autism, which he termed Aspergers. He wanted to protect the boys that were hyper intelligent, the “little professor” type of Autism, from concentration camps. But Asperger left girls completely out of the conversation, avoided including Autistic people of color, and eliminated any mention of gender non-conforming Autistics. The history around our current criteria for Autism is shadowed in oppression.
Any minority group outside of the young white male was often missed when considering Autism. These minority groups were forced to mask to try to fit into society. Masking is a camouflage coping strategy to try to blend into societal norms and avoid drawing attention to unwanted traits. Many people who are diagnosed later in life feel validated to why they always felt different. When this happens, it connects so many dots for people and can be very healing to help people understand themselves.
In 2013, Asperger’s was officially removed from the DSM, recognizing that Autism is a spectrum. Neurodivergence is just different wiring in the brain. Though it is considered a social and developmental disability, it can also be considered a superpower. Most Autistics have more brain synapses, so they are taking in way more information than the average brain. This is why sometimes they can hear the TV or Refrigerator buzzing. This leads to amazing abilities for innovation, pattern recognition, intuition, and creativity. However, it can also lead to shutdowns, meltdowns, and difficulty navigating some basic tasks.
This is a spectrum, so if you meet one person who is Autistic, you’ve met one person. Conclusions can’t be draw about the Autistic community from a few experiences with Autistic humans. Each Autistic person has different levels of support needs. Some Autistic people struggle with alexithymia (difficulty identifying their emotions), facial blindness, deep empathy, feeling their feelings more intensely, rejection sensitivity dysphoria (hypersensitivity to rejection) and much more.
There is a large overlap of about 40-60% with ADHD which is now termed AuDHD. Additionally, Autistic people identify as LGBTQIA 2-3x more than the general population. About 15% of Autistics identify as transgender vs only 2% in non-autistic population.
It is important that we recognize that people of color, the LGBTQIA+ community including the transgender community, and women have all been missed because of the misconceptions around Autism. This is why you may be hearing about a lot more people identifying as Autistic. Anyone socialized female has been taught to mask, so they are seen as quiet and polite. This causes a lot of stress over time when someone is Autistic. I find as a physician and a human, understanding the new paradigm is hugely important.
Other neurodivergences that are considered innate: ADHD, dyslexia, learning disabilities, Tourette’s, bipolar disorder, depression. I believe there are also acquired neurodivergences from things like TBI, concussions, PTSD or cPTSD, long-covid, chronic infections, mold or Lyme disease, PANS/PANDAS. This is not an all-inclusive list.
Terminology:
People who are Autistic prefer first person language. For most people Autism isn’t like other diagnoses, their traits are a fundamental part of who they are vs. something they have.
Low support needs (previous term was high functioning)
High support needs (previous term was low functioning)
Dr. Wilson’s Approach:
In my work supporting patients with hypermobile syndromes, concussions, and other complex conditions, I’ve come to appreciate how essential it is to understand neurodivergence—not just as a diagnostic label, but as a lived experience that shapes how people move through the world.
I aim to provide a safe, validating space where neurodivergence, whether innate or acquired, can be explored with openness and compassion. For many, especially those dealing with chronic pain or brain injuries, recognizing overlaps between neurodivergent traits and physical symptoms can be profoundly affirming. It gives language to experiences that may have long gone unrecognized or misunderstood.
When I make recommendations, I do so with a deep awareness of sensory needs, executive function challenges, and personal bandwidth. What works for one person may be overwhelming or inaccessible for another. By honoring these differences, I help increase the chances that patients can follow through with the tools and practices we discuss.
This approach often leads to something more than symptom management—it supports a deeper understanding of self. When patients feel seen and supported in their whole experience, healing becomes not just possible, but empowering.
Please note: though we are a Neurodivergent Affirming clinic we do not diagnosis Autism in adults or children.
Resources if you’d like to learn more:
Unmasking Autism by Devon Price
Divergent Mind by Jenara Nerenberg
NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman
Divergent Conversations podcast (hosted by two AuDHD therapists)
Neurodivergent Insights with Dr. Megan Neff.
To book an appointment with Dr. Kirstin Wilson, please contact Nurture Integrative Health Clinic.