2.2 Language used by professionals​

2.2 Neurodivergent Categories

 

Neurodivergent conditions fall into three categories:

  1. Applied neurodivergent conditions
  2. Clinical neurodivergent conditions
  3. Acquired neurodivergent conditions

 

It is important to remember, however, that over the period of an individual’s life they may experience multiple conditions that result in an overlap between these three categories.

 

Applied Neurodivergence

This includes conditions with which an individual is born, and which are not considered to be a health condition. Applied neurodiversity refers to difficulties in the application of skills such as gross motor control, number concepts, and reading. Conditions that can be classified as applied neurodiversity along with their characteristics are shown in the table below:

 

Clinical Neurodivergence

This includes neurological differences with which an individual is born, and which are considered to be health conditions. Clinical neurodiversity relates to difficulties in communication, social skills, behaviour, and impulse control. Conditions that can be classified as clinical neurodiversity along with their characteristics are shown in the Table below:

 

Acquired Neurodivergence

Includes neurological differences that can develop as part of a health condition or injury.

Acquired neurodiversity relates to conditions that can be resolved as an illness or injury heals, as well as conditions that can worsen as an individual’s health deteriorates

 

Reference: Kapp, S. K. (Ed.). (2020). Autistic Community and the Neurodiversity Movement: Stories from the Frontline. Palgrave Macmillan.