Neurodiversity is a fascinating yet complex field that covers a wide range of neurological conditions such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), Autism, Dyslexia. These are currently the main conditions associated with neurodiversity. Someone may have had one of these conditions their whole life and struggled to understand why they view life differently, express emotions differently, or react differently to certain situations.
I think it is fair to say there has been a marked increase in the number of people identifying as neurodivergent, from children to young adults, and also the older generation who have lived life thinking there was something wrong with them. Many people are emerging with the knowledge that nothing is wrong, just different. Thank goodness we have moved past this stigma often courted by shame, which can erode self-esteem and has kept many brilliant individuals in the shadows. Now we are embracing the uniqueness of neurodivergent individuals and slowly understanding the abundance of talents, creativity, and superpowers they bring to us from the neurodivergent perspective.
Identifying Neurodivergent condition
One of the reasons this recognition is becoming more common has been vastly influenced by social media. These platforms have opened up the lines of communication and brought us an abundance of information that has educated many about the conditions. It has also enabled people to build confidence to seek out assessment and diagnosis. Social media has helped enormously in promoting good mental health. Another reason for this change is a greater development of the psychological screening processes and more accurate assessment tools. The medications have also improved from years of research and development by gifted scientists.
Types of ADHD
Inattentive ADHD
Often mistaken for a learning disability or hearing problem in children, ADHD Inattentive can also be perceived as being lazy or apathetic. However, ADHD Inattentive is often picked up in adolescents and adults when they attend counselling for anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or social anxiety which develops secondary to ADHD.
Characteristics of Inattentive ADHD
- Daydreaming/zoning out/spacey
- Doesn’t listen to instructions
- Misses important information
- Loses things constantly
- Forgets appointments
- Can’t finish projects / organise tasks
- No detail focus
- Can often appear callous
- Sensory issues with noisy surroundings and feelings
- Highly sensitive to rejection/opinions of others
Hyperactive ADHD
Hyperactive ADHD is a type of ADHD characterised by constant movement, impulsive actions, and difficulty sitting still or staying quiet. Individuals may fidget, interrupt others, talk excessively, and struggle to wait their turn. These behaviours can impact school, work, and relationships but are manageable with support and strategies.
- Fidgeting or squirming
- Difficulty staying seated
- Running or climbing excessively
- Constantly feeling “on the go”
- Talking excessively
- Interrupting others
- Difficulty waiting turn
- Impulsive behaviour
- Inappropriate or excessive physical movement
- Easily frustrated
Combined ADHD
Combined ADHD is a type of ADHD where symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity are present. Individuals may struggle with focus, organisation, restlessness, impulsive behaviour, and staying still. This combination can affect daily life, but with proper support, strategies, and sometimes treatment, symptoms can be managed effectively.
Autism
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, behaviour, and social interaction. Symptoms and severity vary widely, often including repetitive behaviours, sensory sensitivities, and difficulty with social cues. Early diagnosis and support can help individuals with autism lead fulfilling, meaningful lives tailored to their unique strengths.
- Difficulties in getting on with people (aggravating people but not knowing why)
- Social anxiety/social isolation
- Boring other people with your interests but not realising
- Odd social interaction style
- Black and white no compromise type thinking that you just can’t shift
- Being very rigid about moral rules
The Nightingale Approach to ADHD/Autism
Nightingale works in conjunction with a psychology company known and trusted by Nightingale to provide assessments for ADHD/Autism.
After the assessment has taken place and a neurodivergent condition has been identified, some individuals may choose to learn how to manage their condition more effectively. This involves learning new ways of relating and implementing strategies to function better, which can lead to improving the quality of life and promoting acceptance and wellbeing.
ADHD Coaching
At Nightingale we offer ADHD Coaching. ADHD coaching is a collaborative, goal-oriented process that helps individuals with ADHD develop practical strategies to manage their symptoms and achieve personal, academic, or professional goals. Coaches work with clients to improve time management, organisation, planning, and emotional regulation. Through structured conversations, accountability, and supportive guidance, clients gain self-awareness and build routines that support their strengths and needs. Coaching is not therapy, but it complements other treatments like medication or counselling. The benefits include increased confidence, reduced overwhelm, and improved productivity. By focusing on specific challenges and celebrating progress, ADHD coaching empowers individuals to take control of their lives more effectively.
Get in touch
For more information about our Neurodiversity service, please call Nightingale on 0141 353 9373 or fill out the contact form on our Contact page.
Neurodiversity is a fascinating yet complex field that covers a wide range of neurological conditions such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), Autism, Dyslexia. These are currently the main conditions associated with neurodiversity. Someone may have had one of these conditions their whole life and struggled to understand why they view life differently, express emotions differently, or react differently to certain situations.
I think it is fair to say there has been a marked increase in the number of people identifying as neurodivergent, from children to young adults, and also the older generation who have lived life thinking there was something wrong with them. Many people are emerging with the knowledge that nothing is wrong, just different. Thank goodness we have moved past this stigma often courted by shame, which can erode self-esteem and has kept many brilliant individuals in the shadows. Now we are embracing the uniqueness of neurodivergent individuals and slowly understanding the abundance of talents, creativity, and superpowers they bring to us from the neurodivergent perspective.
Identifying Neurodivergent condition
One of the reasons this recognition is becoming more common has been vastly influenced by social media. These platforms have opened up the lines of communication and brought us an abundance of information that has educated many about the conditions. It has also enabled people to build confidence to seek out assessment and diagnosis. Social media has helped enormously in promoting good mental health. Another reason for this change is a greater development of the psychological screening processes and more accurate assessment tools. The medications have also improved from years of research and development by gifted scientists.
Types of ADHD
Inattentive ADHD
Often mistaken for a learning disability or hearing problem in children, ADHD Inattentive can also be perceived as being lazy or apathetic. However, ADHD Inattentive is often picked up in adolescents and adults when they attend counselling for anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or social anxiety which develops secondary to ADHD.
Characteristics of Inattentive ADHD
- Daydreaming/zoning out/spacey
- Doesn’t listen to instructions
- Misses important information
- Loses things constantly
- Forgets appointments
- Can’t finish projects / organise tasks
- No detail focus
- Can often appear callous
- Sensory issues with noisy surroundings and feelings
- Highly sensitive to rejection/opinions of others
Hyperactive ADHD
Hyperactive ADHD is a type of ADHD characterised by constant movement, impulsive actions, and difficulty sitting still or staying quiet. Individuals may fidget, interrupt others, talk excessively, and struggle to wait their turn. These behaviours can impact school, work, and relationships but are manageable with support and strategies.
- Fidgeting or squirming
- Difficulty staying seated
- Running or climbing excessively
- Constantly feeling “on the go”
- Talking excessively
- Interrupting others
- Difficulty waiting turn
- Impulsive behaviour
- Inappropriate or excessive physical movement
- Easily frustrated
Combined ADHD
Combined ADHD is a type of ADHD where symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity are present. Individuals may struggle with focus, organisation, restlessness, impulsive behaviour, and staying still. This combination can affect daily life, but with proper support, strategies, and sometimes treatment, symptoms can be managed effectively.
Autism
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, behaviour, and social interaction. Symptoms and severity vary widely, often including repetitive behaviours, sensory sensitivities, and difficulty with social cues. Early diagnosis and support can help individuals with autism lead fulfilling, meaningful lives tailored to their unique strengths.
- Difficulties in getting on with people (aggravating people but not knowing why)
- Social anxiety/social isolation
- Boring other people with your interests but not realising
- Odd social interaction style
- Black and white no compromise type thinking that you just can’t shift
- Being very rigid about moral rules
The Nightingale Approach to ADHD/Autism
Nightingale works in conjunction with a psychology company known and trusted by Nightingale to provide assessments for ADHD/Autism.
After the assessment has taken place and a neurodivergent condition has been identified, some individuals may choose to learn how to manage their condition more effectively. This involves learning new ways of relating and implementing strategies to function better, which can lead to improving the quality of life and promoting acceptance and wellbeing.
ADHD Coaching
At Nightingale we offer ADHD Coaching. ADHD coaching is a collaborative, goal-oriented process that helps individuals with ADHD develop practical strategies to manage their symptoms and achieve personal, academic, or professional goals. Coaches work with clients to improve time management, organisation, planning, and emotional regulation. Through structured conversations, accountability, and supportive guidance, clients gain self-awareness and build routines that support their strengths and needs. Coaching is not therapy, but it complements other treatments like medication or counselling. The benefits include increased confidence, reduced overwhelm, and improved productivity. By focusing on specific challenges and celebrating progress, ADHD coaching empowers individuals to take control of their lives more effectively.
Get in touch
For more information about our Neurodiversity service, please call Nightingale on 0141 353 9373 or fill out the contact form on our Contact page.