Neurodiversity 101
This condition is characterized by both inattentive and hyperactive behaviors, often with a creative upside.
What is ADHD?
A lack of mental clarity often described as foggy or slow, this state can result from illness, fatigue, or stress.
What is brain fog?
This iconic scientist, known for his wild hair and relativity theory, is speculated to have had autism.
Who is Albert Einstein?
This term describes a neurological condition in which normal sensory input becomes overwhelming.
What is sensory processing disorder?
This almond-shaped brain structure is central to fear responses and emotional memory.
What is the amygdala?
This term describes the belief that cognitive differences are a natural part of human diversity.
What is neurodiversity?
This form of memory helps you hold and manipulate information briefly—like remembering a phone number.
What is working memory?
This British environmentalist and animal behavior expert spoke about her autism diagnosis later in life. .
Who is Dr. Temple Grandin?
This sense, often overlooked, helps you understand where your body is in space.
What is proprioception?
Trauma can leave the brain stuck in this heightened state, ready to react to danger.
What is hypervigilance?
A common trait in autistic individuals, this intense focus on specific interests is sometimes called a 'special interest.'
What is a special interest?
Chronic overstimulation of the brain’s stress response system can lead to this common mental health condition.
What is anxiety?
This artist, known for cutting off his ear, may have lived with bipolar disorder or epilepsy.
Who is Vincent van Gogh?
Some neurodivergent people are hyposensitive to input, meaning they actively seek out this type of sensory experience.
What is sensory seeking?
Triggers can be internal or external; name one internal trigger that might activate a stress response.
What is a negative thought or memory?
People with dyslexia may use this part of the brain differently when reading compared to neurotypical readers.
What is the right hemisphere?
This essential fatty acid supports cognitive function and is found in fish, walnuts, and flaxseed.
What are omega-3 fatty acids?
This French artist, known for his bold use of color and simple forms, is believed to have had dyslexia and was expelled from school for academic difficulties—yet became a pioneer of modern art.
Who is Henri Matisse?
Fluorescent lighting, perfume, or noisy offices are common triggers for this overstimulation experience.
What is sensory overload?
This therapy technique helps reprocess traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation like eye movement.
What is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)?
This type of thinking, often strong in neurodivergent individuals, involves finding multiple solutions to a problem.
What is divergent thinking?
This neurotransmitter, often called the brain’s 'feel-good' chemical, plays a role in mood and focus.
What is dopamine?
This American author of 'The Bell Jar' struggled with mental health and is now seen as a literary icon.
Who is Sylvia Plath?
This condition is sometimes mistaken for tantrums in children but is actually a response to sensory overwhelm.
What is a sensory meltdown?
This fight-or-flight hormone surges in your body when you perceive a threat.
What is adrenaline?