Neurodiversity and communication

Neurodiversity means people’s brains work in different ways. Those differences can affect how we think, learn and communicate.

Different types of brains think and process information in different ways.

Part of differences

Neurodivergence is often part of differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or Tourette’s syndrome.

Children and young people with other conditions - like cerebral palsy or Down syndrome - may also share similar experiences. This can especially be the case when their brain differences affect how they process information.

Everyone’s brain is unique, and these differences are part of what makes us who we are.

Supporting and valuing differences in neurodiverse interaction (video)

Types of language used in communication

Many neurodivergent people experience differences in how they use or understand language.

Knowing the different types of language can help you better support communication and connection.

Language is often broken into three main parts:

• receptive language - understanding what others say
• expressive language - sharing thoughts, feelings, or ideas
• pragmatic language - using language in social situations, like knowing when to take turns in conversation or how to greet someone

Understanding these parts can make it easier to notice where someone might need support

Communication challenges

It can be difficult for neurodivergent and neurotypical people to communicate with each other.

For example:

• neurotypical parents might find it difficult to understand their neurodivergent child's feelings
• neurodivergent people can feel frustrated when they can't talk to neurotypical people about their thoughts and feelings

A neurodivergent person may:

• find 'reading between the lines' hard
• feel pressure to mask or pass as neurotypical
• feel isolated in neurotypical settings
• socialise better with neurodivergent people

A neurotypical person may:

• find it difficult to recognise neurodivergence
• not understand neurodivergent communication styles
• assume neurodivergent people lack social skills
• socialise better with neurotypical people

Understanding how others see and feel things can help improve communication between neurodivergent and neurotypical people.

Watch videos on perspective taking

Watch videos that show how perspective taking:

• builds empathy
• reduces misunderstandings
• helps people connect when their communication styles are different

Perspective Taking - Part 1 - Enable Ireland (video)

Perspective Taking - Part 2 - Enable Ireland (video)

Masking

Some neurodivergent children try to hide their differences to fit in. This is called masking. They do this to avoid criticism or comments.

Masking may involve hiding neurodivergent behaviours, like stimming (repetitive movements or sounds). Or someone might avoid talking about special interests.

Masking can use a lot of energy. It can lead to children feeling very tired or overwhelmed. For example, after school. They may have angry outbursts, cry or become withdrawn.

Learning about their neurodivergence and knowing it’s OK to be different can help children. It can help them to feel safer, more confident and more like themselves.

If a child knows about their diagnosis, it can help them understand their thoughts and feelings. This kind of self-awareness supports wellbeing. It can reduce the pressure to hide who they are.