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Article · 3 min

Eight common signs of neurodivergence in kids

Developed with the Brightline Care Team

Eight common signs of neurodivergence in kids

For:

Helps with:

Parents & caregivers of kids, Teens, and Kids ages 2-18

Attention & ADHD, Autism, School, Social-emotional skills

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“Every child is different” is a pretty common phrase among parents. Those differences are what make each child unique. They can also be the key that unlocks your ability to understand how your child thinks and learns. 

Kids whose brains process information in a way that’s different from some of their peers are called “neurodivergent.” 

Neurodivergence can include things like autism and ADHD. But the term “neurodivergence” is an umbrella that fits over a list of other conditions, too. 

Knowing how to spot neurodivergent signs, symptoms, or behaviors can help you support your child. And when you know your child better, you can help set expectations with teachers, caregivers, and other family members, too. 

Signs of neurodivergence 

Here’s another perfect place for that “every child is different” phrase. Each child with neurodivergence will show signs on their own timeline. It’s not easy to say what to watch for at a certain age or stage, but there are some signs to notice. 

Keep in mind that all kids might display some amount of these behaviors sometimes. So know that just because you see them in your child, it doesn’t mean they’re neurodivergent. 

Here are eight common signs of neurodivergence to notice regardless of your child’s age or developmental level. You might notice if your child experiences or shows these things more than their same-age peers: 

1. Social challenges: Kids might avoid eye contact, not respond when their name is called, or prefer playing alone. (This is not the same as a child who avoids eye contact or talking due to anxious feelings in certain situations. Anxiety isn’t a kind of neurodivergence.)

2. Communication differences: They may not understand jokes, take certain phrases very literally, or have trouble starting conversations.

3. Repetitive behaviors: You might notice actions like rocking or flapping hands.

4. Inattention: Difficulty focusing, making careless mistakes, or being easily distracted.

5. Hyperactivity: Fidgeting, talking a lot, or having trouble staying seated.

6. Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting others, or not being able to wait their turn.

7. Hypersensitivity: Kids might avoid lights, sounds, or sensory activities (like playing in the sandbox); they may also get upset with changes in routine.

8. Attention to detail: Kids can become deeply immersed in things they really like, focusing on tasks or entertainment for hours. They can also have a hard time breaking their attention to focus on something else.

The best first step if you think your child might be neurodivergent, is to talk with a professional. You can reach out to your child’s pediatrician or nurse, a therapist, or the teacher/counselor at their school. 

Keep in mind this important fact: Neurodiversity isn’t an issue to be fixed. If you have questions, the answers you find should help you understand your child. They can work on changing things or learning skills that can help make hard things easier. But the goal shouldn’t be to change your child or make them seem more neurotypical. 

The better you understand how your child processes information, the more you can help them learn in the ways that work best for them. For example, kids with ADHD may need a quiet, distraction-free place to study. Supporting these needs can help them do better in school, build confidence, and create healthy, lifelong study habits. 

Different isn’t bad, it’s just different

If you find your child is neurodivergent, remember it’s not a failure — for you or for them. Different ways of thinking and learning are just that: different. They aren’t bad, slow, or wrong. (And, nobody is to blame!)

Also — rest assured, lots of happy, healthy, neurodivergent people lead amazing lives. They have friends and loved ones, do well in school, and find jobs that make them feel fulfilled. 

So, the more you know your child and what they need to thrive, the more you’re able to find ways to support them as they go through life and build relationships — with other people and with themselves.