Understanding the Neurodiversity Wheel

Read Time: 12 minutes

"I'm on the spectrum." 

"My brother is autistic."

"She's on the autism spectrum."

Chances are you’ve encountered this kind of language at some point. Maybe you use this language, or your friends do, maybe you’ve seen it on social media, or maybe you’re new to it entirely. Maybe you have questions about what the spectrum is, or maybe you’re eager to dive a little deeper. Whatever the case, I'm glad you're here to learn more! Without further ado, let's dive into what exactly neurodiversity means and explore one of my favorite resources, the Neurodiversity Wheel. 

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Psst...by the way…

WE OFFER THERAPY FOR NEURODIVERGENT TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS IN DENVER.

What is Neurodiversity?

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Neurodiversity is the idea and acknowledgement that some individuals have different ways of thinking, perceiving, and processing information compared to neurotypical people, who think, perceive, and behave in ways that are deemed “the norm” by the general population or system. Sociologist Judy Singer first coined this term in the 1990s, uplifting that neurodiversity is a usual variance for the brain and in no way makes us less than our neurotypical peers. Neurodiversity, neurodivergent, and neurodivergence all refer to inividuals who are not considered neurotypical, but you'll often hear the term used when referring to individuals with Autism, Dyslexia, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, and/or other neurological or developmental conditions.

People who are neurodiverse do not have disorders to be cured or fixed, but rather unique neurological characteristics that deserve recognition, integration, and accommodation. Neurodiversity, at its core, reminds us that there is no right or wrong way to think or move through the world.

Because each neurodivergent person can have a wide range of symptoms, abilities, strengths and needs, we need to remember to avoid generalization or stereotypes. One way we can recognize, embrace, and provide a more supportive environment for ourselves and for our loved ones, is to understand neurodiversity as a spectrum wheel. 

What Is The Neurodiversity Wheel And Why Is It Important?

"Hold on a minute," you might say, "the spectrum wheel?" 

Yes, you read that correctly. For a while, the language surrounding autism and other individuals with neurodiverse features was linear, and tended toward a more black and white thinking. You were considered to be on a point on a linear spectrum, where one end was considered "high functioning" and the other "low functioning" (or "not very autistic" or "very autistic.") This language, as you might have already guessed, was stigmatizing and limiting, and overall…pretty ableist.

Who was to say what made someone low-functioning? What if you were great at communication, but struggled with a daily routine? What if you were stellar at multiple subjects in school, but had compulsions, stims, or tics that kept you from having a job? Suffice to say, this linear model wasn't working.

Then came the Neurodiversity Wheel (also commonly called the Autism Wheel.) Like a color spectrum wheel, the Neurodiversity Wheel has a core, with spokes of different common challenges and strengths faced by neurodiverse folx represented by different colors. This visual helps us to understand that each person lands on different points in each section of this wheel and that no two individuals with a neurodiverse diagnosis or identity are necessarily alike. 

The Spokes of the Neurodiversity Wheel

Think of the different colors on the Neurodiversity Wheel as spokes that highlight common symptoms or challenges of neurodiverse people. You may find different strengths or aspects featured on different Neurodiversity Wheels, but what's important is that the Wheel shows how complex each neurodiverse individual is. Some of the most common sections you'll find on Neurodiversity Wheels include:

Communication & Social Interaction

Some autistic and other neurodiverse folx face significant challenges when it comes to communicating or interacting with others. For example, as a neurodiverse individual, you may struggle with the subtleties of social interactions, such as understanding and interpreting social cues. Nonverbal communication can also be challenging. Maybe you have a hard time maintaining eye contact, using or understanding gestures, facial expressions, and/or other body language. 

Sensitivities & Sensory Processing Differences

This common section on the Wheel focuses on sensitivities and sensory processing difficulties that can greatly impact daily experiences. Some neurodiverse individuals are particularly sensitive to certain sensory stimuli, such as sounds, lights, images, textures, tastes, and smells. Loud music in a car, bright lights in a store, or chaotic, busy environments may be overwhelming. These sensitivities can lead to feelings of discomfort, anxiety, and even physical pain.

Other folx may seek sensory input. Called sensory seeking behavior, you may have also heard this behavior called stimming. An individual may stim to help regulate their sensory system. While this can look like many different things, some common stims include:

• repetitive movements (e.g., spinning, rocking)

• picking or rubbing

• humming

• hugging yourself

• hard blinking

• staring at moving objects (e.g. ceiling fans, light posts while driving)

Cognitive Abilities & Executive Functions

One of the largest and most diverse spectrum sections on the Wheel is cognitive abilities and executive functioning. Cognitive abilities refer to such things as attention, memory, and problem-solving skills, while executive functioning pertains to the ability to plan, organize, manage time, and regulate your behavior.

Some neurodiverse individuals may have learning disabilities and may struggle with skills like reading, writing, and mathematics, while others may excel (what we often refer to as being gifted, though giftedness is so much more than this.) Individuals can also excel in some academic or cognitive areas and struggle in others--again, it’s a wide spectrum!

Along with learning abilities, executive functioning is a common challenge for many. For example, it may be incredibly difficult for you to organize your day, or regulate your emotions. For others, it may be easy to keep a routine, but only if it's visually available. Once again, there are many nuances to this spectrum.

What's most important to recognize with the Neurodiversity Wheel is that the relationship between these different sections is complex. The variations in cognitive abilities, executive functioning, sensory perception, communication and more highlight the unique challenges and strengths each individual has and how important it is to provide individualized care and respect. 

Embracing and Supporting Neurodiverse Teens and Young Adults in Colorado

The Neurodiversity Wheel shows that neurodiversity cannot be limited to a linear spectrum, nor can our language, thoughts, behaviors, or outreach. The Wheel recognizes that neurodiversity is truly diverse and that while everyone on the spectrum has unique strengths and challenges, we all deserve support. 

Here at Interfaith Bridge Counseling, we recognize that all individuals on the spectrum are unique and that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy or care for each person. We take pride in helping neurodiverse teens and young adults learn more about their struggles and strengths. We find joy in helping folx like you navigate and truly thrive in a world that may not be built for you, but where you absolutely deserve a space.

Interfaith Bridge Counseling is a liberation-based, disability justice first organization based in Colorado. Our priority is to provide young people a brave and safer space to nurture their mental health, encouraging awareness, exploration, and mutual support. If you're a teen or young adult in Colorado, I encourage you to check out our individual counseling and group therapy options and learn more about how we can help you heal and grow. 

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About Our Author | Lena McCain MA, LPC. 0017723

Lena McCain is our Founder here at Interfaith Bridge Counseling, where she continues her support as our Clinical Director. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health: Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University.

Lena’s drive and passions lie in the realm of community building and youth collaboration, which she has spent the last 12 years studying with an emphasis on one’s exploration of personal growth, community healing, and multicultural values. Lena’s expertise in these areas and the therapeutic field acts as a reminder to our community, teens, and young adults that they are not alone in their experience of life.