Neurodiversity and mental health

Neurodiversity recognises that people experience, process and interact with the world in different ways. Neurodivergent people may think, learn, communicate, focus, process information or experience their surroundings in ways that differ from what is considered typical.

This page explores what neurodiversity and neurodivergence mean, different types of neurodivergence, how neurodivergence can affect everyday life and mental health, and where to find support.

Photo of a group of adults walking through the forest

On this page

What is neurodiversity?

The concept of neurodiversity recognises that there is no single “right” way for a brain to work, and encourages greater understanding, acceptance and support for different ways of thinking, learning and experiencing the world.

Neurodiversity is a broad concept rather than a medical diagnosis. Not everyone who identifies as neurodivergent will have a formal diagnosis, and people’s experiences can vary significantly.

Neurodiversity, neurodivergence and neurotypicality explained

Neurodivergence is a broad, non-medical term rather than a clinical category, so there is no universally agreed list of conditions or differences that it includes.

The term is commonly used in relation to neurodevelopmental conditions and differences such as:

Neurodiversity refers to the natural diversity of human brains and ways of thinking.

Neurodivergent is a broad term used to describe people whose ways of thinking, learning, processing information or experiencing the world differ from what is considered typical.

Examples may include people with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette syndrome and other neurodevelopmental differences.

Neurotypical refers to people whose thinking, learning and behaviour generally align with what society expects or considers typical.

Neither neurodivergent nor neurotypical is inherently better than the other. They simply describe different experiences of the world.

What are the different types of neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence can include a range of conditions and experiences.

  • ADHD

    Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can affect attention, organisation, impulse control and activity levels. Some people experience challenges with focus and planning, while others may experience periods of intense concentration known as hyperfocus.

  • Autism

    Autistic people may experience differences in communication, social interaction, sensory processing and routines. Autism is a spectrum, meaning experiences can vary widely from person to person.

  • Dyslexia

    Dyslexia primarily affects reading and spelling, and can also affect aspects of language processing, working memory and information processing. Dyslexia in children Dyslexia in adults

  • Tourette’s syndrome

    Tourette's syndrome involves involuntary movements and sounds known as tics.

  • Dyspraxia

    Dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), affects movement, coordination and planning. Dyspraxia in children Dyspraxia in adults

  • Dyscalculia

    Dyscalculia affects a person's ability to understand and work with numbers. It can make maths, time management, budgeting and numerical tasks more challenging.

  • Dysgraphia

    Dysgraphia affects writing skills and expression. It can affect handwriting, spelling, organising thoughts and putting ideas into writing.

  • Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)

    DLD affects how a person understands and uses language. It can make it harder to find words, follow conversations and express ideas clearly.

  • Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

    APD affects how the brain processes sounds and spoken information. People with APD may hear normally but find it difficult to follow verbal instructions or understand speech in noisy environments.

  • Sensory processing differences

    Some neurodivergent people experience differences in how they process sensory information. They may be more or less sensitive to sights, sounds, smells, tastes, textures or other sensory input, which can affect daily life and wellbeing.

  • Social communication differences

    For some, neurodivergence can affect how a person interprets social cues, understands communication or expresses themselves in social situations. Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder (SCD) can affect how a person uses and understands verbal and non-verbal communication in social situations.

Neurodiversity and mental health

Is neurodiversity a mental health condition?

Neurodivergence is not a mental health condition, but some neurodivergent people may be more likely to experience mental health difficulties. These can be influenced by factors such as stigma, discrimination, masking, sensory overload, social exclusion and difficulties accessing appropriate support.

Young girl sitting away from people with noise cancelling headphones concentrating.

What can affect the mental health of neurodivergent people?

A range of social, environmental and emotional factors may affect the mental health of some neurodivergent people.

These can include:

  • Feeling misunderstood, judged or unsupported
  • Stigma, bullying, discrimination or social exclusion
  • Pressure to mask or suppress neurodivergent traits
  • Sensory overload and other environmental stressors
  • Difficulties accessing diagnosis, support or reasonable adjustments
  • Challenges in education, employment or healthcare settings
  • Repeated experiences of criticism, failure, stress or burnout

For some people, growing up feeling different or trying to fit into environments that do not meet their needs can affect confidence, self-esteem and emotional wellbeing. Research suggests that masking and the stress associated with stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion may contribute to anxiety, depression, stress and burnout among some neurodivergent people (Botha & Frost, 2020; Cage & Troxell-Whitman, 2019).

Supportive environments, strong social connections, reasonable adjustments and access to appropriate mental health care can all help protect mental health and wellbeing.

Being neurodivergent can sometimes involve an invisible workload – the additional mental effort some people use to manage everyday situations. This might include managing sensory input, planning and organising tasks, navigating social interactions, remembering information, masking differences or adapting to environments that do not meet their needs. Over time, this can contribute to stress, exhaustion or burnout.

If you are struggling with your mental health, support is available through your GP or NHS services

What are co-occurring conditions?

Some neurodivergent people experience mental health conditions alongside their neurodivergence. These are sometimes called co-occurring or co-existing conditions.

For example, autistic people may experience anxiety or depression, while people with ADHD may experience anxiety, depression or difficulties with emotional regulation. Some people experience more than one neurodivergent condition alongside mental health difficulties.

Research suggests that anxiety and depression are more common among autistic people than in the general population. One review found that around 27% of autistic adults experience an anxiety disorder and 23% experience depression (Hollocks et al., 2019). People with ADHD are also more likely to experience mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression.

Mental health difficulties are not an inevitable part of being neurodivergent.

What are the signs you might be neurodivergent?

Neurodivergence can present in many different ways.

You may notice:

Illustration of clock

Attention and focus

  • Difficulty concentrating on tasks that don't interest you
  • Becoming deeply focused on specific interests
  • Losing track of time
  • Struggling to switch between tasks

Illustration of a clipboard with tickboxes

Organisation and planning

  • Difficulty prioritising tasks
  • Forgetting appointments or deadlines
  • Feeling overwhelmed by large projects
  • Frequently misplacing items

Illustration of headphones

Sensory differences

  • Sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures or smells
  • Feeling overwhelmed in busy environments
  • Needing time to recover after sensory overload

Illustration of mouth talking and speech bubble

Communication differences

  • Preferring clear and direct communication
  • Finding small talk difficult
  • Taking language literally
  • Needing extra time to process information

Illustration of person with lightning rods above them

Social differences

  • Feeling exhausted after social interactions
  • Difficulty understanding unspoken rules
  • Feeling like you're performing or acting around others

Illustration of head with senses around it - eye, ear, nose etc

What is sensory overload?

Sensory overload happens when the brain receives more sensory information than it can comfortably process.

This may be caused by:

  • Loud or overlapping noises
  • Bright or flickering lights
  • Crowded or busy environments
  • Strong smells
  • Certain textures
  • Unexpected changes

Sensory overload can leave someone feeling overwhelmed, irritable, anxious, stressed or exhausted.

A lady in a busy coworking space working at a laptop with headphones on

How can you manage sensory overload?

Understanding your personal sensory triggers and early signs of overwhelm can help you manage sensory overload.

You may find it helpful to:

  • Create quieter spaces where you can pause
  • Take breaks before you become overwhelmed
  • Use sensory tools such as noise-cancelling headphones or fidget objects
  • Adjust your surroundings, such as lighting, noise levels, etc.
  • Plan recovery time after demanding or complicated situations

Understanding your sensory needs can help you advocate for reasonable adjustments and make everyday environments more accessible.

Assessment for neurodivergence

Experiencing some of these signs doesn’t necessarily mean you are neurodivergent.

You don't need a formal diagnosis to recognise that you may have neurodivergent traits or to seek support for difficulties that affect your daily life.

How do I get assessed for neurodivergence?

Some workplaces, educational settings and services may also provide support based on your needs rather than a diagnosis.

For some people, receiving a diagnosis can provide clarity, validation and access to specialist support or reasonable adjustments. However, some forms of support may require evidence from an assessment or diagnosis.

If you’re unsure, speak with your GP, employer, educational provider or support service about what support is available and whether an assessment is needed.

Who can assess for neurodivergence?

The assessment process depends on the type of neurodivergence being explored.

Assessments for autism and ADHD may involve a multidisciplinary team, which can include clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, paediatricians, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists or educational psychologists.

These professionals work together to understand a person’s strengths, challenges, communication, behaviour and experiences in daily life.

What happens during a neurodivergence assessment?

Two women sitting on a sofa talking, one with a clipboard

Assessment processes vary, but may include:

  • An initial referral through a GP, school, employer or other professional
  • Screening questionnaires and interviews
  • Discussion of current experience and challenges
  • Exploration of developmental history, including childhood experiences
  • Observations or behavioural assessments
  • Cognitive, communication or adaptive functioning assessments

For children and young people, information may also be gathered from parents, carers or teachers.

The aim is to understand how someone processes information, experiences the world and what support they may benefit from.

What are the barriers to getting a neurodivergence diagnosis?

Getting a neurodivergence assessment and diagnosis is not always straightforward. Barriers may include:

  • Long NHS waiting lists and limited specialist services
  • The cost of private assessments
  • Limited awareness among professionals
  • Cultural, racial and gender biases
  • Experiences that do not fit traditional diagnostic expectations

Some people are diagnosed in adulthood because neurodivergence was less recognised when they were children, or because they developed coping strategies or masked their difficulties. Women and girls, and some ethnic minority communities, may also be underdiagnosed or diagnosed later in life.

These barriers can delay access to support and contribute to stress and frustration. Not receiving a diagnosis does not make someone’s experiences any less valid.

Neurodiversity and education 

Education can be challenging when neurodivergent needs aren't supported.

Autistic and ADHD young people may experience greater emotional pressures at school, which can contribute to anxiety, stress, exhaustion and neurodivergent burnout.

Young girl looking over her shoulder in class

Challenges may include:

  • Sensory overload and difficulty managing the school environment
  • Concentration difficulties or becoming easily distracted
  • Pressure from academic expectations, workloads and deadlines
  • Social challenges, bullying or feeling misunderstood
  • Changes to routines and unexpected situations
  • Managing the demands of daily school, college or university life

Recognising difficulties early and providing appropriate support can help protect mental wellbeing and improve educational experiences. Find support for neurodivergent children in schools

Can neurodivergence affect school, college or university attendance?

Yes. Anxiety, sensory overwhelm, burnout, bullying or a lack of appropriate support can make attending education difficult. Reduced attendance may be a sign that someone’s needs are not being met, rather than a lack of motivation or ability.

Some neurodivergent students may begin to disengage from education.

This could include:

  • Reduced attendance or avoiding school, college or university
  • Difficulty completing work
  • Losing confidence in learning
  • Increased anxiety about education
  • Withdrawing from activities they previously enjoyed

In some cases, students may leave education altogether. However, with understanding, appropriate adjustments and the right support, many neurodivergent learners can re-engage with education and thrive. Research on autistic and ADHD young people’s experiences of education.

What support is available for neurodivergent students?

Support will depend on the individual’s needs and where they are studying. It may include reasonable adjustments, specialist learning support, mentoring, assistive technology and wellbeing services.

  • School: Speak to a teacher, SENCO or pastoral support team. Your local authority may also provide information about support available in your area.
  • College or university: Contact the disability or student support service to discuss reasonable adjustments and other support. You may also be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
  • Mental health support: If you’re struggling with your mental health, speak to your GP or find out about NHS mental health services.

How can parents support neurodivergent children?

Supporting a neurodivergent child starts with understanding, acceptance and curiosity. Every child is different, so focus on their individual strengths, needs and experiences.

Parents and carers can help by:

  • Listening to their child’s experiences and taking their concerns seriously
  • Creating predictable routines where helpful
  • Supporting their sensory needs
  • Celebrating their strengths, interests and achievements
  • Working with schools and professionals to identify appropriate support
  • Encouraging self-esteem, confidence and self-acceptance

Children often thrive when they feel understood, supported and able to be themselves.

Neurodiversity in the workplace

Work can be positive and rewarding when neurodivergent employees have the right support. However, some workplace environments and ways of working can create additional challenges, including sensory distractions, unclear communication, frequent interruptions, changes to plans, difficulty prioritising tasks and information overload.

What support and adjustments are available at work?

You can discuss workplace support with your employer based on the difficulties you’re experiencing, whether or not you have a formal diagnosis.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also be entitled to reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010.

You do not always need to disclose a diagnosis to ask for a workplace adjustment, although your employer may need information about how your condition affects you to understand what support is appropriate.

ChallengePossible adjustment
Sensory overloadQuieter workspace or noise-cancelling headphones
Difficulty concentratingFlexible working or fewer interruptions
Unclear expectationsClear, written instructions and guidance
Meeting or information fatigueAgendas and information provided in advance
Managing multiple demandsHelp with prioritising tasks or adjusting workloads

You can speak to your manager, HR department or occupational health service about your options.

Some people may also be eligible for support through the UK Government’s Access to Work scheme. Depending on your circumstances, this may include specialist equipment or software, workplace coaching, mental health support, communication support or help with travel. Find out more about Access to Work.

Should I tell my employer I'm neurodivergent?

Some people choose to disclose their neurodivergence, while others do not. There is no right or wrong decision, and it is your choice.

You may want to consider whether you need adjustments, how supportive your workplace is and how comfortable you feel sharing this information. You can also discuss difficulties you’re experiencing without disclosing a diagnosis.

What if my workplace doesn't understand neurodiversity?

If you feel misunderstood or unsupported, focus on the practical changes that could help, such as clearer communication, flexible working or environmental adjustments. If you feel comfortable, speak to your manager, HR team or occupational health service.

Remember, you are not responsible for educating everyone around you. Seeking support, setting boundaries and advocating for your needs are valid ways to protect your wellbeing.

How can managers support neurodivergent employees?

There is no single approach that works for everyone. Managers can support neurodivergent employees by:

  • Listening to individual needs
  • Communicating clearly and consistently
  • Providing written instructions where helpful
  • Giving advance notice of meetings and changes
  • Being flexible about how work is completed
  • Considering sensory needs
  • Focusing on outcomes rather than one particular way of working

Small, practical adjustments can make a significant difference to wellbeing, confidence and performance.

Explore our workplace resources

Strategies to support neurodivergent wellbeing

Everyone experiences neurodivergence differently. Understanding your individual needs and finding strategies that work for you can support your wellbeing.

How can I protect my mental health if I’m neurodivergent?

Looking after your mental health starts with understanding your needs and recognising that what works for other people may not work for you. Learning more about your neurodivergence can help make sense of experiences that may previously have felt confusing, frustrating or isolating.

Recognising this workload can help you understand your energy levels and identify where you may need rest, support or reasonable adjustments.

For some people, understanding their neurodivergence can bring relief, validation and greater self-compassion. It may also make it easier to identify strategies, reasonable adjustments and sources of support that meet their needs.

Understanding your neurodivergence will not remove every challenge, but it may help you make sense of your experiences and develop a healthier relationship with yourself.

Illustration of a to do list

Supporting executive functioning

Executive functioning includes skills such as planning, organising, prioritising, remembering and managing tasks.

Some neurodivergent people may find these more difficult, particularly during periods of stress or change.

You may find it helpful to:

  • Break larger tasks into smaller steps
  • Use calendars, planners, reminders or checklists
  • Set timers to support focus and transitions
  • Create predictable routines where possible
  • Reduce distractions and create a workspace that supports concentration

Structure and tools can reduce the mental effort of having to manage everything.

Illustration of a sun and clouds with rain

Managing emotions and stress

Some neurodivergent people experience emotions strongly or need more time and space to process them.

Developing personalised coping strategies can help you manage stress and challenging situations.

You could try:

  • Grounding techniques to reconnect with the present moment
  • Recognising emotions and patterns that affect your wellbeing
  • Movement, breathing exercises or sensory strategies to manage stress
  • Creating a plan for situations that may feel overwhelming
  • Allowing yourself time to recover after demanding experiences
Illustration of a pillow with Z's on it for sleep

Sleep and daily routines

Sleep can sometimes be challenging for neurodivergent people.

Sensory differences, stress, routines and difficulties winding down may all play a role.

You may benefit from:

  • Keeping regular sleep and wake times
  • Creating a predictable bedtime routine
  • Reducing unwanted light, noise or other sensory distractions
  • Using calming activities to help you wind down
  • Adapting your sleep environment to your preferences

Finding a routine that works for you is often more helpful than aiming for a “perfect” sleep routine.

Illustration of two hands holding each other

Building supportive relationships

Supportive relationships can benefit your mental health and wellbeing.

However, communication, social expectations or explaining your needs may sometimes feel challenging.

You could:

  • Tell others what support works for you, if you feel comfortable
  • Use communication strategies or scripts for difficult conversations
  • Set boundaries around your time, energy and needs
  • Help others understand how they can support you

The right support network can help you feel understood, accepted and able to be yourself.

Illustration of a signpost

Getting support

You do not have to manage neurodivergence, mental health difficulties or burnout alone.

Depending on your needs, you could:

  • Speak to your GP
  • Access NHS mental health services
  • Ask for reasonable adjustments at work or in education
  • Connect with neurodivergent communities and peer support
  • Access support through Mental Health UK

Support can help you explore strategies and adjustments that fit your individual needs.

How can I support a neurodivergent person?

If someone you care about is neurodivergent, support often starts with listening, understanding and avoiding assumptions.

You can help by:

  • Listening without judgement

  • Being patient and flexible

  • Asking what support would be helpful

  • Respecting boundaries and communication preferences

  • Supporting their individual needs and choices

  • Learning about neurodiversity

Frequently asked questions about neurodiversity

What does being neurodivergent feel like?

Every neurodivergent person is different, but many describe common experiences.

Some people say they have always felt different without knowing why.

Others describe feeling like they were constantly working harder than those around them just to keep up.

You might feel:

  • Overwhelmed by situations that others seem to manage easily
  • Exhausted after social interactions
  • Frustrated by difficulties with organisation or concentration
  • Sensitive to noise, light, smells or crowded environments
  • Misunderstood by friends, family or colleagues

For some people, discovering they are neurodivergent can be life-changing. A diagnosis or self-discovery may bring relief and validation. It can help explain experiences that previously felt confusing or isolating.

At the same time, it can also bring complex emotions, including grief, anger or sadness about support that may have been missed.

There is no single neurodivergent experience. Each person’s journey is unique.

Can someone be both neurodivergent and neurotypical in different ways?

Neurodivergent and neurotypical are generally used as contrasting terms. Someone is usually described as neurodivergent if their way of thinking, learning, processing information or experiencing the world differs from what is considered typical. Neurotypical generally refers to someone whose neurodevelopment is considered typical.

However, neurodivergence is not a single experience. A person may be neurodivergent in some ways while finding other areas easier or more typical. People can also have more than one form of neurodivergence, and experiences can vary widely.

The terms are broad descriptions rather than complete explanations of an individual person’s strengths, challenges or identity.

What strengths might some neurodivergent people identify with?

While neurodivergence can present challenges, some people identify strengths associated with the way they think and experience the world.

These may include:

  • Creativity and innovation
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to detail and pattern recognition
  • Deep focus
  • Determination
  • Honesty
  • Empathy

Not every neurodivergent person will identify with these strengths, and there is no expectation to view neurodivergence as either positive or negative. Everyone’s experience is different.

What is masking?

Masking is when someone consciously or unconsciously hides aspects of their neurodivergence to fit in, avoid judgement or meet social expectations.

This may include:

  • Forcing eye contact
  • Rehearsing conversations
  • Copying other people’s behaviour
  • Hiding sensory sensitivities
  • Suppressing self-soothing behaviours

Masking can help some people navigate school, work and social situations, but it can also be exhausting. Long-term masking has been linked to stress, burnout, anxiety, exhaustion and lower self-esteem.

Recognising masking can help you better understand your needs, accept your differences and protect your mental health.

What is neurodivergent burnout?

Neurodivergent burnout is a period of intense physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, often linked to prolonged stress, masking, sensory overload or demands that exceed a person’s capacity.

Signs may include:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Difficulty managing everyday tasks
  • Increased sensory sensitivity
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Emotional overwhelm
  • Withdrawing from social situations

Unlike workplace burnout, neurodivergent burnout can affect multiple areas of life. Recovery may involve rest, reducing demands, accessing support and making adjustments to daily routines and expectations.

If burnout is affecting your wellbeing or daily life, consider speaking to your GP or a mental health professional.

What is co-occurring neurodivergence?

Many neurodivergent people experience more than one form of neurodivergence. This is sometimes known as co-occurrence or co-existing neurodivergence. For example, a person may be autistic and have ADHD, or have dyslexia alongside dyspraxia. Experiences are highly individual, and no two neurodivergent people will have exactly the same strengths, challenges or support needs.

Lived experiences of neurodivergence

Explore lived experience stories from neurodivergent people who share their experiences, challenges, strengths and the strategies, support and adjustments that have helped them navigate everyday life.

Eliza

Eliza’s story

"I knew I was stressed, but it was like a ‘chicken or the egg situation’ – was I stressed because my mental health conditions were flaring up, or were they flaring up because I was stressed? "

Read my story

Jen

Jen’s story

"Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness, but our body’s way of keeping us safe when we can’t do it ourselves."

Read my story

Photo of Dan

Dan’s story

"Take time to notice things that recur before burnout sets in"

Read my story

View more stories

Where can I get support for neurodivergence?

If neurodivergence is affecting your wellbeing, daily life, education or work, support is available.

There are organisations, services and communities that can offer information, guidance and a listening ear. Here are some helpful places to find support.

ADHD Foundation

Provides information, support, training and resources for people affected by ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions, as well as families, educators and professionals.

Call: 0151 541 9020

British Dyslexia Association

Provides advice, resources and support for people with dyslexia, dyscalculia and literacy-related differences across education and employment.

Helpline 0333 405 4567

Tuesday, 10am–1pm
Wednesday, 1pm–3pm
Thursday, 1pm–3pm

Contact – for families with disabled children

Supports families with disabled children and young people by providing advice, information and opportunities to connect with other families.

Call: 0808 808 3555

Monday to Friday, 9.30am–5 pm
(closed on public holidays)
Helpline: Tuesdays opens at 10:15am

Dyspraxia Foundation

Provides information, advice and support for people affected by dyspraxia and raises awareness of dyspraxia and related difficulties.

Helpline 01462 454 986

Tuesday to Friday, 9am–1pm

National Autistic Society

Provides information, advice and support for autistic people, families, carers and professionals, including guidance around diagnosis, daily life, education and employment.

Call: 020 7833 2299

Scope

Provides practical information, advice and support for disabled people and their families, including guidance on rights, accessibility and daily life.

Call: 0808 800 3333

SENDIASS – Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service

Provides free, impartial information, advice and support to children and young people with SEND and their parents and carers. Services are provided locally, so contact details vary by area.

Tourette’s Action

Provides information, advice, support and community resources for people living with Tourette syndrome, their families and professionals.

Call: 0300 777 8427

Monday, 6pm–8pm
Thursday, 9am–2pm and 6pm–8pm