What Is Neurodiversity and Why Is It Important?

What is neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that refers to natural variations in the way people think and process information.

Harvard Health defines Neurodiversity as “the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one ‘right’ way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits.”

Neurodivergent categories include but are not limited to:

Acquired Brain Injury
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Mental Health Disorders such as Anxiety and Depression
Tourette Syndrome

It is common for individuals to have more than one neurodivergent condition.

Why is neurodiversity important?

As discussed in our white paper, research* has shown that neurodivergent individuals have a range of strengths, such as:

creativity
innovation
hyper-focus
entrepreneurialism

Given that one in every five individuals is likely to be neurodivergent, many organizations are increasingly recognizing and genuinely appreciating the strengths neurodivergent individuals can bring to a role.

* Doyle, N. (2017). Neurodiversity at work: A biopsychosocial model and the impact on working adults.

SHL's Comprehensive Resources for Neurodiverse Talent

Explore further information and additional resources.

Try a Test

Take a full-length practice test to help prepare for an upcoming assessment.

Take Practice Tests

Outdated browser detected

What Is Neurodiversity and Why Is It Important?