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What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity refers to the variations in the way the brain functions; it can manifest in mood, behaviour and other cognitive functions. 

Neurodivergence is the term for when someone's brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently from what is considered "typical".

 

For the purpose of this guidance, we are including those with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), developmental language disorder (DLD), Tourette’s syndrome and autism as neurodivergent but this is not an exhaustive list. Often those who are neurodivergent have more than one of these conditions.

 

A diagram shows different neurodivergent conditions in a circle around a human head in profile.

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Neurodiverse Nursing

Support for neurodivergent nurses, nursing support workers and student nurses.

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Guidance for Managers

Suggestions for supporting Neurodivergent staff. 

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ND reading list

Some recommended reading on Neurodiversity from the RCN library.