Understanding Neurodivergent Identity: Endorsement Across Autistic, ADHD, Dyslexic and Autistic+ADHD Adults
This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.
About the autistic author markerBury, S. M., Flower, R. L., Richardson, E. K., Phillips, D., Patrick, D., & Spoor, J. R. (2026). Understanding Neurodivergent Identity: Endorsement Across Autistic, ADHD, Dyslexic and Autistic+ADHD Adults. Neurodiversity, 4, Article 27546330261497307. https://doi.org/10.1177/27546330261497307
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Abstract
Although terms such as neurodivergent and neurodiverse are increasingly used in policy, education, and workplace settings, little is known about whether the people they describe identify with or endorse these collective identities. This study examined how 740 adults with Autism (n =189), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (n =190), Dyslexia (n= 179) or co-occurring Autistic+ADHD (n =182) identified with their diagnostic and broader ‘neurodivergent’ identities. Participants completed measures of diagnostic and neurodivergent identity and qualitatively described what neurodiversity/neurodivergent meant to them. Quantitative analyses revealed that while diagnostic and neurodivergent identities were positively related, superordinate identity endorsement was modest and uneven across groups. Autistic+ADHD participants reported the strongest identification, while Dyslexic participants reported the weakest. Subscale analyses reflect lower normative and comparative fit of the neurodivergent identity across groups. Qualitative findings highlighted shared understandings of neurodivergence as ‘difference, not deficit’, but also supported the findings of poor fit, with some participants describing the identity as overly broad, limiting relevance. For some Dyslexic participants, neurodiversity described other groups (e.g., Autism or ADHD), but did not feel relevant for them. Together, these findings suggest that while the idea of a shared neurodivergent identity offers potential for solidarity, it is not yet widely resonant or unifying. Lay Abstract Terms like neurodivergent and neurodiversity are now commonly used in policy, education and workplaces. However, we know relatively little about whether the people these terms are meant to describe actually identify with them. In this study, we explored how adults with different neurodivergent diagnoses understand and relate to both their specific diagnoses and the broader idea of a shared ‘neurodivergent’ identity. We surveyed 740 adults who identified as Autistic, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Dyslexic, or Autistic with ADHD. Participants answered questions about how strongly they identified with their diagnosis and with a broader neurodivergent identity. They also described, in their own words, what neurodiversity or neurodivergent meant to them. Overall, people who felt connected to their diagnosis were more likely to feel connected to a neurodivergent identity, but this connection was generally modest and varied across groups. People with both Autism and ADHD felt the strongest sense of belonging to a neurodivergent identity, while Dyslexic participants felt the weakest. Many participants felt that the neurodivergent label did not fully ‘fit’ their experiences or compare clearly to other groups. In their written responses, participants commonly described neurodivergence as ‘difference, not deficit’. At the same time, many felt the term was too broad to be personally meaningful. Some Dyslexic participants, in particular, felt that neurodiversity mainly referred to Autism or ADHD and did not reflect their own experiences. Together, these findings suggest that while a shared neurodivergent identity may offer opportunities for connection and solidarity, it does not currently feel equally relevant or meaningful to all neurodivergent people.
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