Recently when I was in the shower, I went to shave my legs and realized “The water is already cooling off. I missed my shaving window again, dang it!” And just like that, I had to call it. Not because I was done with my shower tasks or because my morning was marching onward but because my neurodivergent brain’s preferred notification system for showering is simply running out of hot water. Sound familiar?

n recent years, the term "neurodivergence" has gained prominence as a way to describe variations in cognitive functioning that diverge from what is considered typical. Neurodivergence celebrates the diversity of human brains, recognizing that differences in processing, perception, and interaction can be assets rather than deficits. While there are many types of neurodivergence, this blog post focuses on four categories: ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Giftedness, and Highly Sensitive People (HSP). We will explore their unique characteristics, overlapping traits, and key differences.