It’s estimated that 15-20% of the UK population is neurodivergent, though many of those people will never receive an official diagnosis.
While conditions like ADHD and autism (among many others that fall under the neurodivergent umbrella) are being talked about more often these days, it’s still hard to know whether you actually have a clinical condition or whether you just think a bit differently. There’s no shame in identifying with any of these traits, but if you can check off more than a few of them, you may have a form of neurodivergence you never considered. You may want to chat to your GP if you have concerns and think you might need help to deal with some of your symptoms.
1. You overthink even the tiniest social interactions.
Replaying conversations in your head, analysing every word and wondering if you said the wrong thing? This isn’t just typical overthinking; it’s a constant loop that can feel impossible to break. Neurodivergent people often process social situations on a deeper level, trying to make sense of unspoken cues or reactions they might have missed. It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re insecure; it’s the brain’s way of making sense of interactions that feel less intuitive.
2. Bright lights and loud sounds feel overwhelming.
Source: Unsplash It’s not just “being sensitive.” Certain environments can feel like a sensory assault, with bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells leaving you exhausted or irritable. Neurodivergent people often experience the world in sharper detail, and this heightened sensitivity can make crowded spaces or busy places overwhelming. You don’t need to avoid life (and you shouldn’t!), but you do need to manage your sensory limits so you can navigate the world comfortably.
3. You notice patterns everywhere.
Your brain automatically picks up on things like how tiles are arranged, the rhythm of a song, or even patterns in behaviour. It’s not just curiosity—it’s like your brain is hardwired to spot connections no one else even pays attention to. This skill can be a superpower in certain situations, but it might also leave you feeling distracted when patterns or repetitions stand out in ways that other people don’t even notice.
4. You get “stuck” on interests or hobbies.
Source: Unsplash When you dive into something you love, it’s like you’ve entered a whole new world. Weeks, months, or even years can pass with you devoting every spare moment to learning, perfecting, or collecting everything about a specific topic. It’s not just a passing interest—it’s a full-on obsession that lights up your brain. Neurodivergent people often thrive in these periods of deep focus, though balancing them with everyday life can sometimes be tricky.
5. You prefer texting to phone calls.
Everyone hates talking on the phone these days, but for you, it’s more than that—it’s the pressure to respond immediately, interpret tone, and keep up with a fast-paced back-and-forth. Texting lets you pause, think, and reply when you’re ready, without the added layer of processing someone else’s voice. For neurodivergent people, this isn’t laziness; it’s about communicating in a way that feels more manageable and less overwhelming.
6. You hate certain textures with a passion.
Certain fabrics, foods, or materials can feel so unbearable that it’s hard to explain. That jumper that’s slightly itchy or the food with a weird consistency can completely ruin your mood. This isn’t just about being picky—it’s your brain processing sensory input differently. Neurodivergent people often experience textures more intensely, making it a real challenge to tolerate certain sensations that other people barely notice.
7. You find comfort in routines.
Routines aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential for feeling grounded. Whether it’s sticking to a morning ritual or doing things in a specific order, routines help create structure and predictability in a world that can sometimes feel chaotic. Changes to these plans, even small ones, can throw everything off balance, leaving you anxious or unsettled for the rest of the day.
8. You remember strange details, but not “important” things.
You can recall exactly what a classmate wore on the first day of school twenty years ago, but birthdays, deadlines, and names? Not a chance. Neurodivergent brains tend to latch onto seemingly random bits of information, often at the expense of what’s traditionally considered important. You might worry that people see you as careless, but it’s just how your memory works, even if it doesn’t always feel helpful.
9. You have a unique way of problem-solving.
Source: Unsplash When faced with a challenge, your brain doesn’t necessarily go the “logical” route other people expect. Instead, you might come up with creative, outside-the-box solutions that leave people surprised—or puzzled. Neurodivergent people often excel at thinking differently, finding connections and answers that might not seem obvious but end up working brilliantly.
10. Social cues aren’t always obvious.
Reading body language or facial expressions can feel like trying to crack a code. While some people instinctively pick up on these cues, neurodivergent people often have to analyse what a look or tone of voice might mean. It’s not about being aloof—it’s about having to consciously process something that comes naturally to other people, which can be tiring and stressful.
11. Hyperfocus can take over your day.
When you’re locked into a task or hobby, everything else fades away. Hours can pass without you realising it, and while this intense focus can lead to amazing productivity, it often means that other responsibilities get left behind. Hyperfocus isn’t about ignoring the world—it’s about being completely consumed by something that holds your attention in a way that’s hard to break free from.
12. You “mask” to fit in.
Adapting your behaviour to blend in might feel like second nature, but it can also be exhausting. From mimicking how other people talk to suppressing your natural reactions, masking is a way of navigating social spaces without drawing attention to yourself. While it might help you get through the day, it often leaves you feeling drained and disconnected from who you really are.
13. You’re super sensitive to criticism.
Even a mild critique can feel like a punch in the gut. Neurodivergent people often process feedback more deeply, replaying it in their minds and attaching it to their sense of self-worth. You’re not necessarily thin-skinned—it’s the way criticism lingers and feels more personal than it might for someone else.
14. Your sense of time is… flexible.
Time either moves too quickly or drags on endlessly, with very little in between. Neurodivergent people often find themselves either racing to meet deadlines they underestimated or feeling stuck in slow-motion when waiting for something to happen. This unique perception of time can make everything from scheduling to arriving on time a constant challenge.
15. You’re constantly analysing everything.
Your brain never seems to switch off, constantly replaying past conversations, imagining future scenarios, or piecing together tiny details. It’s not just overthinking—it’s how your mind works, diving into layers of meaning and context that other people might not even notice. While this can lead to incredible insights, it can also be exhausting when your thoughts feel like they’re running on a never-ending loop.
