Neurodivergence refers to the variations in how someone learns, processes, or behaves.1 One type of neurodivergence is autism, a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with social skills, speech, nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.2 However, autism is not the only type of neurodivergence. Understanding the differences between neurodivergent vs autism—and recognizing each individual’s unique needs—is critical for optimizing therapy, care and support that is truly personalized.3
Each type of neurodivergence comes with strengths and challenges. As such, if therapy is provided for neurodivergence, it may miss the key complexities that someone has or ignore strengths that should be emphasized.4 Neurodivergent individuals, and especially those with autism, commonly receive occupational therapy, speech-language pathology and physical therapy services. The specific interventions practitioners utilize and their goals depend on having a deep understanding of autism and neurodiversity, as well as a patient or client’s condition, strengths, challenges and preferences.5, 6, 7
What Does Neurodivergent Mean?
Neurodiversity refers to the acceptance and celebration of the variation in the human brain and the way it functions.8 Those who are neurodivergent may think and process the world in a different way than those who are neurotypical.
Neurodivergent conditions include:9, 10, 11
- Autism
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Dyslexia
- Tourette syndrome
- Dyspraxia
- Dyscalculia
- Dysgraphia
Neurodivergence is an umbrella term that celebrates the natural variation in how people think, process and experience the world, differing from what is typically expected. However, neurodivergence is not a diagnosis. 1 Instead, the conditions listed above are diagnoses that someone who is neurodivergent may have.
Is Autism Neurodivergent?
Autism is one type of neurodivergence, but not everyone who is neurodivergent has autism.12 Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect how someone learns, communicates and interacts with others.13 It is characterized by challenges with nonverbal communication, social skills, speech and repetitive behaviors; however, autism is often referred to as a spectrum disorder because of the many variations in how it manifests. For example, some people with autism may have strong verbal skills while others cannot communicate as clearly.2
Some of the common traits of those with autism include challenges with:14
- Starting and taking turns in conversation
- Understanding others’ thoughts and feelings
- Sharing emotions
- Making eye contact
- Regulating tone of voice
- Understanding body language and facial expressions
- Making friends and playing with peers
- Expressing feelings
- Understanding boundaries and personal space
- Feeling overwhelmed in social situations
To receive an autism diagnosis, someone must display any two of the following behaviors:14
- Repetitive movements, speech patterns or play
- Insistence on sameness or a routine
- Under or oversensitivity to sensory stimulation
- Intense and highly focused interests
Is Neurodivergent the Same as Autism?
Autism is one type of neurodivergence, but it is not the only one.8 In comparing neurodivergent vs. autism, neurodivergence includes a broad range of neurological differences. In addition to autism, neurodivergence can include ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia and Tourette syndrome.1
Neurodivergence refers to a difference in brain functioning and processing from what is considered standard, which applies to those with autism.1 However, since other conditions fit these criteria, not everyone who is neurodivergent has autism. For instance, those with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia or dyspraxia, may struggle with letters and numbers. Individuals with autism may have challenges with social interactions and repetitive movements.2, 10
Based on this, the difference between neurodivergent and autism is that autism is one type of neurodivergent condition. It is a specific neurodevelopmental disorder that falls within the spectrum of neurodiversity.1 Given the many other conditions that also fall under the term neurodiversity, autism and neurodiversity cannot be used interchangeably.
On the other hand, can you be autistic and not neurodivergent? Typically, while those with autism are considered neurodivergent, personal identities can vary.
Why the Distinction Between Neurodivergent vs Autism Matters in Therapy
Understanding that autism and neurodiversity are not synonymous is crucial for ensuring every person receives the ideal therapy for them. Neurodiversity-affirming care typically focuses on a strengths-based approach. The key to knowing what strengths to emphasize relies on understanding a patient or client’s specific neurodevelopmental condition.2, 8 The strengths and skills of someone with autism can differ from individuals with ADHD or dyslexia.10
Understanding that therapy for autism and neurodiversity isn’t the same and that patients have specific traits that can inform occupational therapy approaches.7 For instance, those with autism may not be able to dress themselves, eat, use the bathroom, or play, especially using fine motor skills. These challenges are not typically shared by those with other neurodivergent conditions. Different forms of neurodivergence may have distinct occupational therapy needs compared to those associated with autism.
Tailoring therapy to autism, rather than all neurodivergent conditions, is also crucial for speech-language pathology services, as it can direct the skills SLPs work on with their patients to allow them to more effectively express their thoughts and emotions.15
Essentially, neurodiversity-affirming care emphasizes the celebration of neural differences. Understanding the distinction between neurodivergent vs autism, and tailoring therapy to the specific individual, ensures that those with autism gain the most from their therapy sessions.5
Therapy Options for Individuals with Autism and Neurodiversity
Therapy offers a way for those with autism or other types of neurodivergence to learn capabilities that allow them to work through their challenges.4, 5 This may include building social skills or working through sensory overload.5 Therapy can also serve as a pillar of support and guidance so that those with autism feel more comfortable with their diagnosis and recognize their strengths.15
Occupational therapy can help those with autism improve their daily living skills, such as eating and dressing.4 With speech-language therapy, those with autism can improve their communication skills. Physical therapists can also play a role in treating those with autism by focusing on motor skills, coordination and physical development. 4,
Neurodivergent vs. Autism: Key Takeaways
Autism and neurodiversity are not the same thing: neurodivergence refers to the different ways that the brain may intake and process information, and while autism is a specific neurodivergent condition, not all neurodivergent individuals are autistic.1, 2
Understanding this distinction and realizing that each neurodivergent individual has a unique set of traits and characteristics is crucial for the therapy process. By tailoring therapy to each person’s strengths and weaknesses, it can better support individuals.4
Learn more about how you can become a confident, competent and compassionate practitioner and integrate neurodiversity-affirming care through the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences’ (USAHS) occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology programs.
Sources
- Kroll, E., et al. “The positive impact of identity-affirming mental health treatment for neurodivergent individuals,” Frontiers in Psychology, 2024: 15, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1403129.
- “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD),” Autism Speaks, 2025, https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism
- Alexandros A. et al. “Towards Holistic Wellness: Strategies for Managing Mental Health and Embracing Neurodiversity,” Advances in Psychology, Mental Health, and Behavioral Studies (APMHBS) Book Series, 2024: 1–22, https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-4022-6.ch001.
- “Autism therapy and intervention,” Autism Speaks, 2025, https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-therapies.
- “Treatment and Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/autism/treatment/index.html.
- Qin, L., Wang, H., Ning, W., Cui, M., & Wang, Q. “New advances in the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders,” European Journal of Medical Research, 2024: 29(1), https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-024-01916-2.
- “Occupational therapy,” Autism Speaks, 2025, https://www.autismspeaks.org/occupational-therapy.
- Lerner, M. D., Gurba, A. N., & Gassner, D. L. “A framework for neurodiversity-affirming interventions for autistic individuals,” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 2023: 91(9), 503–504, https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000839.
- Chapman, R., & Botha, M. “Neurodivergence‐informed therapy,” Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 2022: 65(3), 310–317, https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15384.
- “Understanding Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia and Dyspraxia,” Enhance the UK, 2024, https://disabilityawareness.training/understanding-dyslexia-dysgraphia-dyscalculia-and-dyspraxia/.
- Graber, A., & Rizzo, M. “Tourette Syndrome,” Neurology, 2024: 103(2), https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.0000000000209572.
- Donaghy, B., Moore, D., & Green, J. “Co-Occurring Physical Health Challenges in Neurodivergent Children and Young People: A Topical Review and Recommendation,” Child Care in Practice, 2023: 29(1), 3–21, https://doi.org/10.1080/13575279.2022.2149471.
- “Autism Spectrum Disorder,” National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 2024, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd
- “Autism symptoms,” Autism Speaks, 2025, https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-symptoms.
- “What is Speech Therapy?,” Autism Speaks, 2025, https://www.autismspeaks.org/speech-therapy.
