Neurodivergence is broad, and Autism, ADHD, and AuDHD are only part of the picture.

There are many other profiles that shape how minds and bodies work. Some are widely recognised but often misunderstood; others are less talked about but just as important to name.

Each of these profiles brings its own patterns, challenges, and strengths. Sometimes they stand on their own, sometimes they overlap with Autism or ADHD. All of them are part of the diverse ways humans process, think, feel, and connect — and all deserve equal recognition. Below are some of the most common profiles.

Dyslexia is a profile where the brain processes written language differently. Reading, spelling, and sequencing can be more difficult, and working memory or organisation may also be affected.

Strengths often seen: strong visual reasoning, creativity, storytelling, and big-picture thinking.

Dyslexia

OCD is marked by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) aimed at reducing distress. These can be visible (checking, washing) or hidden (mental counting, repeating words silently).

Important: OCD isn’t about neatness or quirks — it’s a profile where the brain seeks safety and certainty in overwhelming ways.

OCD

Alexithymia is a difference in recognising and naming emotions. Feelings may be experienced strongly in the body but remain hard to identify in words until later.

Impact: This doesn’t mean lack of emotion — it means emotions are processed differently. Understanding this can ease self-doubt and improve communication.

Alexithymia

Dyscalculia is a profile that shapes how numbers, quantities, and maths concepts are understood. Time, money, and measurement can feel harder to grasp, and number patterns may remain inconsistent despite practice.

Strengths often seen: intuitive problem-solving, verbal reasoning, creativity, and thinking in non-linear ways.

Dyscalculia

Tourette’s involves motor and vocal tics — sudden movements or sounds that aren’t fully within voluntary control. Tics may rise with stress, excitement, or tiredness. Some people experience mild tics, others more complex or intense patterns.

Key point: Tics are not habits. They are part of how the brain and body release signals and energy.

Tourette’s & Tic Disorders

Sensory profiles affect how the brain responds to sound, light, touch, taste, smell, or movement. Input may feel too sharp, too faint, or fluctuate with context.

Impact: Sensory differences can make ordinary spaces draining, but with adaptation (ear defenders, lighting, sensory tools), environments become accessible and less overwhelming.

Sensory Processing Differences

Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Difference)

Dyspraxia affects movement planning, balance, and coordination. Everyday actions may take more effort, and fatigue is common. Organisation, sequencing, and handwriting can also be affected.

Strengths often seen: persistence, creativity, resilience, and original approaches to problem-solving.

PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance / Pervasive Drive for Autonomy)describes a profile within autism where everyday demands — even ordinary requests — can trigger anxiety and avoidance. This is not defiance; it’s a nervous-system response.

What helps: collaboration, flexibility, and relationships built on trust rather than rigid control.

PDA

Trauma Profiles (PTSD & C-PTSD)

Trauma alters how the nervous system processes stress, memory, and safety. PTSD and C-PTSD can intensify sensory sensitivity, emotional regulation challenges, and shutdowns. For many neurodivergent people, trauma responses weave into everyday experience, shaping behaviour and health.

Neurodivergence isn’t one uniform experience—it’s a web of unique, overlapping patterns, varying from person to person. Some traits are obvious; others are subtle. Some people share multiple profiles, like ADHD and autism, while others stand with a single one. Research shows that ADHD and autism frequently co-occur, sharing overlaps in attention, sensory processing, and executive function  . Learning differences like dyslexia and dyspraxia also often overlap with ADHD and autism  .

These intersections create rich complexity—and they mean no two neurodivergent journeys are the same. What helps? Compassionate recognition of that uniqueness. Recognising overlap is not about pathologising—it’s about understanding. When environments offer flexibility, clear language, and tailored support, each person—not their profiles—can breathe, grow, and thrive.