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While many of us have heard of conditions like autism, ADHD, or dyslexia, not everyone is familiar with the bigger idea that connects them all: neurodiversity. At its core, neurodiversity is the understanding that human brains don’t all work the same way, and that’s not a flaw. Just like people differ in height, personality, or creativity, our brains also come with natural variations in how we think, learn, process emotions, and interact with the world. Neurodiversity shifts the conversation away from “fixing” people and toward accepting those differences as a normal part of being human. To understand this idea in a more relatable way, we took a dive into r/neurodiversity, where people use humor and memes to explain what living in a neurodivergent brain actually feels like.
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#1
This
Charlotte 3 hours ago
I think I was 35 when I realized most people don't always mean what they say. It must be so weird inside their heads!
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 hours ago
Why do you assume they're the "weird" ones?
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Birgit M 1 hour ago
I do that, and it's incredibly exhausting. If I don't give in to my inner voice telling me that I need to clarify something, I have the wildest intrusive thoughts: I've ruined my whole life, no one will ever like me again, etc. On the other hand, my overexplaining also makes me feel childish...
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#3
Is It Wrong If My Sense Of Humor Doesn't Involve Being Offensive To Everything And Everyone?
The concept of neurodiversity was introduced by Judy Singer, an Australian sociologist who is also autistic. She noticed that society often treats people with different brains as problems that need fixing. That never sat right with her. Instead, she believed these differences deserved the same respect as any other kind of human diversity. Singer framed neurodiversity as a social justice movement, not a medical label.
Her message was simple but powerful: different doesn’t mean broken. Over time, this idea helped change conversations around autism, ADHD, and learning differences. It encouraged people to focus on strengths, not just struggles. Today, her work continues to influence how schools, workplaces, and communities think about inclusion.
#4
I Thought This Was Good!
Robin Roper 3 hours ago
Because if it's baked/roasted on the lower rack the bottom will burn. Because if you beat batter at a high speed, the gluten can be overdeveloped which creates a dense, and tough product.
#5
Wish More People Understood And Accepted This
StrangeOne 2 hours ago
Apparently, it's rude and not considered relating as intended.
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Tinkershark 1 hour ago (edited)
No. Normalise accepting that if your instinctual way of showing care feels hurtful to others and they have already told you that then try to stop doing it, because support is about the person who needs to receive it, not the person giving it. If I expect neurotypical people to understand their instinct to hug me to care isn't ok because it makes me feel worse not better, I need to show them the same respect of not doing something they have told me hurts them. We don't understand eachother, but we can still respect.
#6
I Have Adhd And I Think This Is More Of Neurodivergence Issue Than Just Autism But Well Said Anyways!
Neurodiversity is a broad term that refers to the natural variety in how human brains function. It includes everyone, not just people with diagnoses. Just like people have different personalities, talents, and cultures, brains also come in many forms. Some process information quickly, others deeply. Some thrive on structure, while others work best with flexibility. The idea behind neurodiversity is that there is no single “right” way to think or learn. Differences are expected, not unusual. This mindset shifts the focus from fixing people to understanding them. It also opens the door to more compassion and better support systems.
#7
I Legit Never Know If Someone Is Just Being Dismissive Using The First Statement Or If They Actually Mean The Second Statement
#8
Who All Can Relate?
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 hours ago
I've tried explaining this to my mother and sister. They cannot comprehend it and refuse to even try to comprehend/understand. I try explaining I have massive executive dysfunction and that's why my house is still a mess a year after I said I was going to "sort through" all of my accumulated stuff. They refuse to understand that I am actually MISERABLE and in hell inside my own mind because of what this post is describing. They say I'm "just lazy". I'm not.
Load More Replies... #9
I Feel Seen
Giraffe Sitter 3 hours ago
What’s even more frustrating is the nuances. In my social community, I feel accepted but I still don’t belong. I feel welcome but I don’t fit in.
StrangeOne 2 hours ago
Another is overthinking everyone's intentions and what they really think of you, so you try to go through long periods of not contacting anyone to see who reaches out to you, and when they do reach out you over analyze their response. If it's just a short, one word reply, or dismissive, you go back to not contacting them anymore. No asking anything about them. No showing any interest in their life. Totally forgetting they could be waiting to hear from you and asking about how they are. It's not a solid, good trait to have. But you think it's a path to finding the truth about people.
Ann Jeppesen 3 hours ago
This. We lost my dad last year and the only one I’ve got to talk to about it is my mother. I know I’ve had a problem over sharing before, so now I try my best not to. But it’s hard when you haven’t got any to really talk to about difficult things.
Partypants 4 hours ago
Exactly why I'd like to go live in the woods, surely I'll make friends with squirells.
Neurodivergent is a term used for individuals whose brains work differently from what society considers typical. This could affect attention, communication, sensory processing, memory, or emotional regulation. Being neurodivergent doesn’t automatically mean life is harder; it just means it’s different. Some people struggle in traditional systems like school or office settings. Others shine in creative, technical, or problem-solving roles. Many experience both strengths and challenges at the same time. The term isn’t meant to label or limit anyone. It’s simply a way to describe how someone experiences the world.
#10
I Do All The Cooking, But My Wife Has A Difficult Time Deciding What She Wants. So I Made Her A Menu
#11
What I Was Drawing At 7 Years Old
Am I Funny? Maybe or maybe not 3 hours ago
Actually, quite easy to draw. Only straight lines with a ruler can get you this effect.
Rusty’scate 2 hours ago
Still though. I was doing this around 11-13, not 7 that’s pretty impressive.
Load More Replies... #12
I Did Not Know What Neurodivergent Meant Before This Morning. I Researched It After Relating To Everything In This Post I Saw On Facebook. Many Things Make More Sense Now
“Neurotypical” describes people whose brains function in ways society sees as standard or expected. This includes how they communicate, learn, and respond emotionally. Most systems—schools, workplaces, schedules—are designed with neurotypical people in mind. That doesn’t mean neurotypical people don’t face challenges. It just means their challenges tend to fit within existing structures more easily. Being neurotypical isn’t better or more correct. It’s simply more common.
#14
Hmm
“Neurodiverse” is often misunderstood, but it actually refers to groups, not individuals. A classroom, office, or community can be neurodiverse if it includes people with different types of brains. Think of it like biodiversity in nature—variety makes systems stronger. A neurodiverse group benefits from multiple perspectives and ways of thinking. Creativity, innovation, and empathy often grow in these environments.
#16
Via Fb
#17
Hm
Neurodiversity includes many different brain types and experiences. This includes autism, which can affect communication and social interaction, and ADHD, which can influence attention, energy levels, and impulse control. These differences often come with challenges but also strengths that are frequently overlooked.
#19
Head-Heart Interaction
#20
My Life Is Finally Starting To Make Sense
Tinkershark 48 minutes ago (edited)
Please don't "learn" about important topics like neurodivergence from tiktok.
#21
Someone Shared This And It Kind Of Pissed Me Off - Sometimes I Have To Shut Down To Deal With Things. It’s Not A Choice
There Is No Spoon 4 hours ago
Silent treatment, anyone? In this case, I believe by "shutting down" they meant *silent treatment* or some other form of control by punishment, deliberately ceasing interaction, effectively cutting someone off. Intended as a power move to isolate and manipulate covertly.
#22
Hi! I Think A Lot Of Neurodivergent People Can Relate To Having Alexithymia So I Made This Comic, Hope You Guys Like It
Neurodiversity also includes learning differences like dyslexia (reading), dyscalculia (math), and dysgraphia (writing). It can also include dyspraxia, which affects coordination, and Tourette syndrome, which involves involuntary movements or sounds. Some people also include mental health conditions like OCD, bipolar disorder, or PTSD under the neurodiversity umbrella, especially when they shape how a person experiences the world over time.
#23
A Lady Came Up To Me At A Bar To Tell Me That My Shirt Isn’t Funny
#24
Nooo, My Thingy
#26
To Anyone Feeling Like An Imposter Pre/Post Diagnosis:
Tinkershark 30 minutes ago
I don't actually agree with this. I think the internet has spread misinformation about neurodivergence and it has lead to some people thinking their fairly typical traits and quirks are neurodivergence. Similar to how you see people calling themselves "so ocd!" when they don't have obsessive compulsive disorder, they are just organised. Wondering isn't proof in and of itself. It is a step.
Understanding these terms better helps us be more aware, compassionate, and open to differences around us. It reminds us that everyone’s brain works a little differently, and that’s not something to fix; it’s something to understand. That’s also why neurodiversity memes work so well. They explain complex experiences in a light, relatable, and often funny way that makes people feel seen. Sometimes a single meme says what paragraphs can’t. Which one of these made you smile the most?
#27
I Guess I’m A Dragon In A Human Body
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 hours ago
That's why I spent a significant portion of my childhood pretending to be a dog and then a wolf. I had a really hard time communicating with children my age, so I simply retreated into what I was familiar with and who had always given me unconditional love: our family dog.
#30
Not Far Off From My Experience. (Coming From Someone Who's Questioning If I Have Autism)
Charlotte 3 hours ago
It might not be the expression so much as their discomfort at being forced to consider the veracity of what they just said. It's amazing how many people accept information without thinking about it. Your confused expression pushes them to try and explain; inability to explain something they just accepted as true causes them uncomfortable cognitive dissonance.
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#31
The "Crazy" Cat Ladies Understand
#32
Math Process With Adhd
Howl's sleeping castle 1 hour ago
You know what is weird? I used to be 8+7 person. I did that for major part of my life. Then one day my cousin told me the way he adds or subtracts, the 8+8-1 method and i thought hey, that's quick and easy, and I switched just like that. I am pretty sure I am not in the spectrum
#33
When You Know, You Know
Zig Zag Wanderer 2 hours ago
I have to say, this was my first thought. Because the first time I saw cartwheels rotating backwards on a TV I asked why.... I don't think neirotypical people are quite so inquisitive.
#34
The War Between Autism Wanting Perfection And Strict Routine And Adhd Fighting That Tooth And Nail For A Disorganized Mess
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 hours ago
Lakota's only got one other wolf inside of her (see attached drawing) XD
#35
Always & Forever LOL
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 hours ago
It has happened to me, I admit XD I'm like "oh I need to go get my phone so I can take a picture of the cat, who is doing something cute" and I go into the back room and look on my desk for my phone, but it has been in my hand the entire time... XD
Load More Replies... KnightOwl 3 hours ago
I just got back from the shop where I bought a carton of milk, I got home and made a cup of tea and went to add the milk only to realise I couldn't find it. I literally spent half an hr searching my tiny flat for a carton of milk, I eventually found it under a sweater on my coffee table, I have no idea how it got there. This happens at least 20 times a day every day of my life.
StrangeOne 1 hour ago
The other day, I was looking for my phone while I was looking at it in my hand.
#37
Is This True?? (Insta Reel)
#38
Why Is It A Comfort Zone If I'm Not Supposed To Stay In It?
#39
Does Anyone Else Stand With Their Feet Like This? Is It An Adhd/Asd-Thing?
#42
Well, I Wish Causing Autism Wasn't Considered To Be A Bad Thing. That Would Make Something Actually Change
#43
Just Wanted To Share My Very First Vinyl Sticker
#44
Egg_irl
Zig Zag Wanderer 2 hours ago
Then I guess I must actually be happy. I do keep having to tell myself, though, because it's such a strange experience....
#46
Accomplished So Many Things Today...in My Head
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