Neurodivergence on the Brain

We sat down with Sara Uram, LCSW-C, a clinician at Sheppard Pratt’s Center for Autism and Hospital Outpatient Clinic, to learn more about neurodivergence. 

What does neurodivergence mean?

Neurodivergence is a word used to describe people whose brains process information differently than others. People whose brains process information in a “typical” manner are called “neurotypical.” Uram prefers the term “neuromajority” because “typical assumes that something is ‘right’ or that something is ‘normal’ vs. ‘abnormal.’” 

“Neurodivergence isn’t something that should be ‘cured’ or ‘fixed,’” she says. “It’s who a person is, it’s someone’s neurotype.” 

Who would be considered neurodivergent?

There are lots of people who might be described as neurodivergent. Uram shares that people with the following diagnoses are often considered to be neurodivergent:

• Neurodevelopmental mental health conditions  
• Autism  
• Attention spectrum disorder (ADHD) 
• Learning differences and dyslexia 
• Sensory issues 
• Neurogenetic and developmental disabilities 
• Fragile X 
• Down syndrome 
• Intellectual disabilities 
• Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

If I’m neurodivergent, what should I do?

Uram emphasizes being neurodivergent and processing information differently from others is not bad. Being neurodivergent just means that you might need some extra tools or skills to navigate the world you live in. And remember: Neurodivergence is a spectrum. While some people need some extra tools, others may require significant support. Everyone is different!

Therapy is a great way to learn these tools and skills. Uram recommends working with a clinician who has experience helping neurodivergent individuals.

“At Sheppard Pratt, we are focused on validating experiences and using a strengths-based approach to address barriers someone who is neurodivergent might be experiencing,” Uram explains. “For example, someone might be struggling with cooking. So, we’ll look at how to ‘hack’ the system. Could you consider a meal prep kit? What about a visual on your fridge of ‘easy meals’ you can always make with items in your pantry?”

Care for neurodivergence at Sheppard Pratt

Sheppard Pratt has lots of offerings for neurodivergence:

• Diagnosis and treatment plans: The Center for Autism offers diagnostic assessments and subsequent case management
• Therapy and medication management: Our Hospital Outpatient Clinic is the right fit for compassionate outpatient care.
• Nonpublic school placements for youth with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): We are the largest provider of nonpublic special education services in Maryland, with schools for children ages 5–21 throughout the state.
• Inpatient units: In our hospitals, we have dedicated inpatient units for individuals who have autism and/or intellectual disabilities.
• Residential care: The Retreat by Sheppard Pratt, our private-pay residential program for adults, has specialized care for neurodivergent people.