Neurodiversity myth busting

Isn’t everyone a little bit Autistic/ADHD?

The short answer is: no

Whilst many people may identify with certain traits that are common amongst Autistic individuals or ADHDers, this alone isn’t enough to mean they are neurodivergent. Neurodivergence refers to a brain that has developed atypically — Autism and ADHD are just two examples of this.

It’s easy to spot some of the more visible traits — like quirks, focus shifts, or social differences — but what’s less obvious is what’s happening internally. For example:

• The sensory overwhelm that can cause physical pain or shut a person down completely
• The conversation replayed in someone’s mind for hours, convinced they’ve upset someone
• The “energy tax” of small talk or navigating a busy, unpredictable environment
• The constant effort it takes to appear “fine” in spaces that aren’t designed with them in mind

These experiences are not just personality traits — they’re the result of core neurological differences that affect everyday life.

It is important to remember that Autism and ADHD can only be diagnosed by trained professionals.Whilst it’s true more people are being diagnosed, it is due to growing awareness and better understanding of how these conditions present, especially in women.

Saying “everyone is a little bit Autistic or ADHD” might seem harmless, but it can invalidate the often difficult, exhausting, and misunderstood experiences of those who genuinely are. Many have spent years — sometimes decades — undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, struggling without understanding why life felt harder.

And perhaps most importantly: not knowing it was never their fault.

Why do you need the label?

Sometimes people ask, “Why do you need a label like Autism or ADHD?” — especially when there’s no ‘cure’.

But a diagnosis isn’t about being fixed — it’s about understanding yourself, getting access to the right support, and acknowledging that some things may affect you differently.

Think of it like this: if you were dealing with unexplained chronic pain, you would want to know what was going on so you could get the right help. You wouldn’t just push through and hope for the best — you’d want answers.

In the same way, a neurodivergent person might spend years feeling like they’re “just not trying hard enough,” or that they’re “too sensitive”, or “can’t do life” — when really, their brain just works differently. A diagnosis can bring clarity. It puts things into context. It helps stop the self-blame and opens the door to self-advocacy and, especially in the late-diagnosed, to healing.

It also matters legally. Under the Equality Act, conditions like Autism and ADHD are recognised as disabilities. That label can be the key to reasonable adjustments, workplace support, and being taken seriously.

A label doesn’t define someone — but it can empower them.