Could I Be Neurodivergent?

You’ve always felt a bit different. Maybe a bit too much, or not quite enough. You’ve learned to cope — even succeed — but it’s been hard work. And lately, you’re wondering:

Could there be a reason I experience the world this way?
Could I be neurodivergent?

Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that includes a range of brain differences — like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and more. It doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you. It means your brain is wired differently… and it’s been this way your whole life.

Here are some of the signs that may point toward neurodivergence — some well-known, others more subtle or misunderstood:

You feel things very deeply

Whether it’s joy, pain, frustration or love — your emotional world is intense. You may cry easily, feel overwhelmed in conflict, or struggle to recover from a bad interaction. Others may have called you too sensitive, but it’s really about how your nervous system responds.

You need routines… or you resist them completely

You may thrive with structure and predictability — or struggle to stick to even the simplest routine. Sometimes both at once. Change can be stressful, and transitions (even small ones) may feel harder than they “should.”

You’ve always had “spiky” strengths

You might be highly skilled in some areas (creative, analytical, empathic…) and really struggle in others that seem easy for most. This uneven profile is common in neurodivergent people — and it’s often missed if you’re masking well or overcompensating.

You get overwhelmed — by noise, lights, people, expectations

A busy café. A long to-do list. Too many social plans. Sensory and emotional overwhelm can be part of both autism and ADHD, and may leave you needing space to recover, or feeling drained for no obvious reason.

You lose track of time — or live in fast-forward

Some days it’s hard to start anything; other days, you’re hyper-focused for hours. You may find yourself running late despite trying your best, or getting stuck in loops of overthinking. Managing energy, time, and priorities can feel like an invisible battle.

Socialising can feel… complicated

You may feel different in groups — like you’re observing instead of participating. Or you might spend a lot of energy trying to “get it right.” You replay conversations in your head, worry you said too much (or too little), and often feel exhausted afterward.

You’ve struggled with anxiety, depression, or burnout — again and again

Mental health challenges can mask neurodivergence, especially in adults. If you’ve spent years trying to “fix” your anxiety or motivation without much success, it might be worth exploring why certain environments or demands are so draining for you.

So… now what?

If any of this feels familiar, you’re not alone. And nothing about this means you’re broken.
Understanding your brain — especially if it’s been misunderstood for years — can be incredibly healing.

A formal assessment can help bring clarity.
Talking to someone who sees the full picture — not just the struggles — can help you connect the dots in a new way.

Whether it’s ADHD, autism, or simply a different way of being in the world, recognising your neurodiversity can be the first step toward more self-compassion, better boundaries, and relationships that work for you.