illustration of a diverse group of people standing together in a line

Neurodiversity is the view that brain differences are normal. People with autism, and learning disorders such as ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia don’t have deficits; they have a normal variation of the human brain. And no one type of brain is better than another.

The term “neurodiversity,” which was coined in the late 1990s by Judy Singer, an autistic sociologist, frames brain differences as unique strengths that schools, the workplace and the rest of society should value. Rather than seeking to “cure” these differences, neurodiversity gives space and opportunity to people across a range of brain differences, so that they can play to their strengths.

At its core, neurodiversity is the hope that people with atypical ways of perceiving and interacting with the world can know that they’re accepted and normal, and not wrong or lesser-than. And when parents understand their neurodivergent children in a context of acceptance and normalcy, kids have a better chance to grow and thrive.

Neurodiversity

How To Navigate The Adderall Shortage If Your Kid Has ADHD

ByRachel Crowell

What to do if you can’t find a pharmacy that has your child’s ADHD medication in stock.

Neurodiversity

Pathological Demand Avoidance May Be Why Your Autistic Kid Won’t Follow Directions

ByIsobel Whitcomb

It’s not that they don’t want to. It’s that they can’t.

Neurodiversity

An Autism Meltdown Is Nothing Like a Temper Tantrum — Here’s Why

BySuzie Glassman

You definitely shouldn't react to them the same way.

Neurodiversity

What Is Stimming And When Is It A Significant Child Behavior?

ByPatrick A. Coleman

Every child will engage in repetitive stimulating behaviors known as stimming — only a few will be autistic.

Neurodiversity

How To Discipline A Child With ADHD

ByJulia Savacool

Helping kids learn right from wrong is hard enough. Throw ADHD into the mix and you’ve got the makings of a perfect storm.

Neurodiversity

Inattentive ADHD Is A Quiet Crisis That’s Leaving Girls Behind

ByMelaina Juntti

A form of ADHD that shows itself in quiet, spacey, withdrawn children and adults usually flies under the radar. This is a problem.

Neurodiversity

Vitamins Could Actually Help Children With ADHD, Study Says

ByRachel Crowell

56% of kids who took micronutrients had less severe ADHD symptoms.

Neurodiversity

ADHD And Autism Aren’t The Same, But They Are Closely Related

ByRachel Crowell

What to know — and do — if you think your child may be showing signs of one or both conditions.

Talk The Talk

What To Do When Your Child Is A Late Talker

ByMichael Q. Bullerdick

How parents can spot the early signs of language developmental delays — and when and how to intervene.

Neurodiversity

3 Factors That Decidedly Do Not Cause Autism

ByRachel Crowell

Autism rates are increasing. Experts are scrambling to entirely understand why. What they do know so far is what doesn’t cause autism.

Neurodiversity

The Difference Between Signs Of Developmental Delay Vs. Autism

ByPatrick A. Coleman

Before parents leap to the conclusion that their child is on the spectrum, it’s important to look into these diagnostic mimics.

Neurodiversity

So Your Kid's Been Diagnosed With Autism. Now What?

ByRachel Crowell

How to manage your emotions about the diagnosis, access autism support services, and more.

Neurodiversity

How To Spot Autism Masking In Kids — And What To Do About It

ByRachel Crowell

When autistic kids feel like they have to act differently to fit in, their mental health suffers.

Child Development

Your Kid’s Brain Development In The First 1,000 Days: A Cheat Sheet

ByMelaina Juntti

The brain develops faster through the first 1,000 days of life than at any other time. Here's what you need to know.

Neurodiversity

7 Ways To Motivate A Kid With ADHD To Do Homework And Chores

ByHaley Weiss

Start by meeting your kid where they are — and really listen to what they’re telling you.

Neurodiversity

It’s Time To Stop Calling Autism “Asperger’s”

ByMelaina Juntti

"Asperger's" hasn't been an official diagnosis since 2013. More recently, its namesake was outed as a Nazi sympathizer. It's time for the name to go.