ADVERTISEMENT

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.

#1

Is It Wrong If My Sense Of Humor Doesn't Involve Being Offensive To Everything And Everyone?

Tweet from @fochti challenging stereotypes about autistic people and humor, highlighting neurodivergent brain perspectives online.

ClaireDacloush Report

Sam Day
Community Member
8 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it depends. was it actually funny?

View more comments
RELATED:
    #2

    This

    Screenshot of Twitter post explaining how a spicy neurodivergent brain often over-explains due to past misunderstandings.

    Effective-War1601 Report

    Birgit M
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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...

    View more comments
    #3

    Wish More People Understood And Accepted This

    Handwritten note explaining how neurodivergent people connect by sharing relatable stories when others share about themselves.

    augustlove801 Report

    Maudelin
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Isn't this how everyone has a conversation?

    View more comments

    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.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    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

    Pretty Much

    Social media post highlighting challenges faced by autistic kids and bodily autonomy in neurodivergent life.

    reddit.com Report

    #5

    I Thought This Was Good!

    Text post expressing a wish for a neurodivergent-friendly cookbook explaining each step clearly with pictures.

    draconic_healing Report

    Kim Kermes
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Joy of Cooking, Julia Child, Alton Brown.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    I Legit Never Know If Someone Is Just Being Dismissive Using The First Statement Or If They Actually Mean The Second Statement

    Drake meme contrasting misconceptions and facts about autism in relation to a spicy neurodivergent brain life.

    Bub1029 Report

    StPaul9
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Diagnosed aged 7. I'm miffed with even saying 'Everyone has some traits' which is close to, 'We're all a bit quirky'. Don't lower me to quirky. You're not on the spectrum, you're not a bit quirky. Stop lowering me to a comedic performer. Sorry for rant.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    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

    Who All Can Relate?

    Text post describing the feeling of stuck, panicked brain and procrastination reflecting life with a spicy neurodivergent brain.

    SirLlama123 Report

    Kim Kermes
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes! YES! Or be frozen/paralyzed from doing.

    View more comments
    #8

    I Have Adhd And I Think This Is More Of Neurodivergence Issue Than Just Autism But Well Said Anyways!

    Text post about social anxiety in autistic people explaining it as a rational fear of being judged, related to neurodivergent brain life.

    bulshitterio Report

    CK
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Telling people they can't believe their own experiences and that they're being irrational for believing that something that happened to them is something that happens doesn't exactly make them less anxious.

    View more comments
    #9

    I Do All The Cooking, But My Wife Has A Difficult Time Deciding What She Wants. So I Made Her A Menu

    Handwritten restaurant menu showcasing life with a spicy, neurodivergent brain's unique and creative dish names.

    Orion_K Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    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 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

    Tweet from SaveTheNeurotypicals humorously describing expressions of love from a neurodivergent brain perspective.

    stunningsasquatch Report

    PrettyJoyBird
    Community Member
    2 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Translates to Love Languages; quality time, words of affirmation, gift giving/receiving, acts of service.

    #11

    What I Was Drawing At 7 Years Old

    Hand-drawn geometric patterns on graph paper illustrating the complexity of a spicy neurodivergent brain.

    Luc-redd Report

    #12

    I Feel Seen

    Signs of deep loneliness described in text, capturing challenges of life with a spicy, neurodivergent brain.

    Hassaan18 Report

    Giraffe Sitter
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    “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.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #13

    Nooo, My Thingy

    Social media post discussing fear of losing interest in hyperfixation, reflecting life with a spicy neurodivergent brain.

    netphilia Report

    James016
    Community Member
    5 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Currently my son has a fixation with AI videos of parrots asking Alexa to play music in the middle of the night. He will organically move on to something else soon. It is something he may come back to down the line.

    View more comments
    #14

    Leela Understands

    Animated character explaining neurodivergent traits with caption about not making excuses but explaining what happened.

    reddit.com Report

    CP
    Community Member
    5 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My ex-wife would tell me to “stop making excuses” all the time. It still makes me angry thinking about it.

    View more comments
    #15

    Head-Heart Interaction

    Comic of a character carrying "past trauma" with added stressors, illustrating life with a spicy, neurodivergent brain.

    AlertTangerine Report

    Rusty’scate
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I ❤️ the awkward yeti. 💕🧠

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    “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

    Cartoon showing a drawer with neatly organized assorted lengths of wire and text about life with a neurodivergent brain.

    Tfmrf9000 Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 hours ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I've said this one before: Medical technology and terminology has advanced to the point where we can identify, diagnose, and name mental illnesses, conditions, and so on. Things like autism, depression, BPD, bipolar, and other mental illnesses existed (for example) in the 1300s, we just didn't have names for them and called them "demonic possession" or "hysteria" or whatnot. These conditions have probably existed in humankind for as long as we've been identifiably "human", we just didn't have the medical knowledge and ability to diagnose them properly. So, in other words, anyone who says "hurr kids weren't autistic in MY day" can go shove it up their heiny-hole; children aren't "more autistic" these days, we're simply able to actually diagnose the issues that have ALWAYS been present in humankind.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #17

    When You Know, You Know

    Screenshot of a Tumblr post illustrating life with a spicy, neurodivergent brain through shared personal experiences and insights.

    cestrumnocturnum Report

    #18

    A Lady Came Up To Me At A Bar To Tell Me That My Shirt Isn’t Funny

    Woman wearing a choker necklace and a black shirt with bold text symbolizing life with a spicy neurodivergent brain.

    BeatnikMona Report

    Toujin C'Thlu
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm on the spectrum, and I'd definitely wear that

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    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

    Can Anyone Else Relate To This?

    Text post about autistic partners being direct, paired with shocked woman’s two-panel reaction, illustrating life with a neurodivergent brain.

    Tune-In947 Report

    #20

    Hmm

    Drake rejecting feeling flawed and not belonging, then embracing being neurodivergent, different, and beautiful with confidence.

    greenlimozeen Report

    Susan Reid Smith
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It isn't anyone's fault. It isn't a fault at all.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #21

    I Made A Meme That I Thought Y'all Might Enjoy! Inspired By My Convos With My ND Pals

    Man in office with chaotic string and paper board, illustrating life with a spicy, neurodivergent brain conversation.

    kdgetschwifty Report

    CP
    Community Member
    3 minutes ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whenever my brother and I are together.

    #22

    My Life Is Finally Starting To Make Sense

    Person with curly hair talks about gifted kids being neurodivergent in a humorous post about neurodivergent brain life.

    Majestic-Incident Report

    Tinkershark
    Community Member
    5 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please don't "learn" about important topics like neurodivergence from tiktok.

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT

    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

    Hm

    Child at a crossroads choosing between being awkward by talking or being awkward by being quiet, illustrating a neurodivergent brain.

    Effective-War1601 Report

    CK
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I prefer to wait until someone asks me why I'm being so quiet, and then show them exactly why.

    View more comments
    #24

    Hi! I Think A Lot Of Neurodivergent People Can Relate To Having Alexithymia So I Made This Comic, Hope You Guys Like It

    Cartoon showing a ghost in therapy, humorously capturing life with a spicy neurodivergent brain.

    intj_art Report

    PrettyJoyBird
    Community Member
    2 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Googled, wow. Glad i finally learned its real and has a term to define.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #25

    I Guess I’m A Dragon In A Human Body

    Two animated characters on a boat with text about blending in, illustrating life with a spicy, neurodivergent brain.

    reddit.com Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    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.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #26

    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

    Text on pastel gradient background about shutting down being toxic, illustrating life with a spicy neurodivergent brain experience.

    Wordartist1 Report

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    6 hours ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I learned to "gray rock" as a survival trait as a child thanks to an ábusive mother who ábused me in every possible way you can ábuse a child. Grayrocking and "shutting down" when she was on a rampage was sometimes the only way to prevent a severe beating. It unfortunately became my go-to defense mechanism whenever I was yelled at by anyone else in life, though, which caused a lot of issues between my now-ex and I. Whenever I did something "wrong" in his eyes, he would yell or start to lecture me, and I would immediately shut down, which would only make him angrier.

    View more comments

    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

    Please Tell Me I’m Not The Only One

    Confused penguin realizing different perspectives highlights life with a spicy, neurodivergent brain experience.

    Slow_Explanation_02 Report

    ChakatBlackstar
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait....what?! That's not how normal people remember things? But...but that's how it's always portrayed on TV. I thought that was normal!

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #28

    Masking Gets So Exhausting

    Cartoon woman removing a smiling mask, representing life with a spicy neurodivergent brain after pretending to be neurotypical.

    Prettyxbvnny Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #30

    Always & Forever LOL

    Pie chart illustrating reasons for losing things with ADHD, highlighting common neurodivergent brain behaviors and memory quirks.

    reddit.com Report

    Charlotte
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does anyone wonder where their phone is- while holding their phone?

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #31

    Math Process With Adhd

    Man in red jacket rejecting a simple math equation and approving a more complex one illustrating a spicy neurodivergent brain approach.

    reddit.com Report

    #32

    To Anyone Feeling Like An Imposter Pre/Post Diagnosis:

    Tweet about neurotypical people versus autistic experiences, highlighting life with a neurodivergent brain perspective.

    reddit.com Report

    childish gambling addiction
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I normally tell them up front so everything I do after has an explanation

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #33

    How Has Being Neurodivergent Affected Your Job Prospects?

    Hiring managers ignoring neurodivergent applicants despite seeking innovative, detail-oriented candidates with multitasking skills.

    DedeDecay Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #34

    Just Wanted To Share My Very First Vinyl Sticker

    Sticker on a laptop with a quote about executive dysfunction, representing life with a spicy neurodivergent brain.

    angeldeamor182 Report

    Charlotte
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom used to say it was my bone idleness. I like executive dysfunction better

    #35

    The War Between Autism Wanting Perfection And Strict Routine And Adhd Fighting That Tooth And Nail For A Disorganized Mess

    Black and white wolves labeled ADHD and Autism facing each other, illustrating contrast in a spicy, neurodivergent brain.

    SeaSongJac Report

    Kim Kermes
    Community Member
    8 hours ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Searching for the space between chaos and regimentation. Anyone have a map?

    View more comments
    #36

    Why Is It A Comfort Zone If I'm Not Supposed To Stay In It?

    Meme showing a person encouraging a fish to step out of its comfort zone, reflecting life with a spicy neurodivergent brain.

    thatkorki Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #37

    Rick Riordan Appreciation Post

    Screenshot of tweets discussing neurodivergent brain representation in Rick Riordan's books with ADHD and dyslexia.

    2much-2na Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #38

    Not Far Off From My Experience. (Coming From Someone Who's Questioning If I Have Autism)

    Screenshot of a tweet discussing challenges of reading expressions, highlighting life with a spicy neurodivergent brain.

    reddit.com Report

    Charlotte
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mother seemed angry when she was worried. I still struggle with that distinction

    View more comments
    #39

    The "Crazy" Cat Ladies Understand

    Illustration humorously comparing pets with neurodiversity, showing a woman with a dog and another with a cat discussing differences.

    AirStrawberry Report

    CK
    Community Member
    8 hours ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    This is kind of how cats are treated. People know they're cats, but beyond that, their body language is read as if they're dogs, and then they're judged as unfriendly and arrogant.

    View more comments
    #40

    Acting Like An Adult ≠ Acting Neurotypical

    Cartoon character angrily discussing frustration of masking neurodivergence, highlighting life with a spicy neurodivergent brain.

    reddit.com Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #41

    Well, I Wish Causing Autism Wasn't Considered To Be A Bad Thing. That Would Make Something Actually Change

    Cartoon showing a wish about autism debunked with humor, illustrating life with a spicy, neurodivergent brain experience.

    DeathRaeGun Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #42

    Egg_irl

    Text post by mercymoo2020 offering a friendly reminder about authenticity and neurodivergent mental health concerns.

    GalaxyStar32 Report

    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    6 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Then I guess I must actually be happy. I do keep having to tell myself, though, because it's such a strange experience....

    #43

    Does Anyone Else Stand With Their Feet Like This? Is It An Adhd/Asd-Thing?

    3D illustration of a foot pain area highlighted in orange representing life with a spicy neurodivergent brain experience

    Ezaane Report

    Ejteh
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Often, but I recently found out my pelvis is slightly ascew, after visiting a specialost for hallux valgus (weird toe). I have these inlay soles made custom by a podiatrist, now I feel less need to stand like this. Still a lot of muscle tension though

    View more comments
    #44

    Thought This Might Be Appreciated Here 😂

    Two-panel meme illustrating neurodivergent brain life, with a penguin crafting vs. a man explaining complex theories.

    obiwanpostolski Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #45

    Accomplished So Many Things Today...in My Head

    Quote about daily challenges and tasks from a book on life with a spicy neurodivergent brain on a purple background.

    divergentmind_ Report

    Charlotte
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes I zone out brushing my teeth. 20 minutes just poof. One day I'll record myself and find out if my hand keeps the brush moving the whole time or not

    View more comments
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #46

    Is This True?? (Insta Reel)

    Young person with blonde hair covering their mouth, illustrating life with a spicy neurodivergent brain experience.

    AnxiousShithead02 Report

    Charlotte
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not not true. Adults are assumed to have mastered basic social skills so not showing those skills is assumed to be a deliberate act

    #47

    LOL

    Alt text: Two side-by-side images of a monkey puppet looking awkward, representing neurodivergent brain experiences.

    reddit.com Report