The outrage of 1 in 4.
Minorities. It’s easy for society to overlook minorities. That’s why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs are so important. (America, take note.)
Tenants? Minority. Disability? Minority.
But how much of a minority is my new mob, the neurodivergent mob. Bigger than I thought. “1 in 4” big. 25%. A substantial minority.
If a disease had a 25% fatality rate…
If cyclones had a 25% crossing rate…
If planes had a 25% of crashing on take off…
If, if, if. 25% is not to be sneezed at or disrespected. Yet, collectively, neurodivergent people are folded, spindled and mutilated. $3 an hour in sheltered workshops. Low employment rates. Erased in plain sight.
25%.
Here’s ChatGPT’s interpretation of my refusal to let 25% be ignored. And another mention of my new intellectual crush…
1 in 4: Understanding Neurodivergence and Its True Prevalence
In recent years, the term neurodivergence has gained traction in discussions about education, workplace accommodations, and healthcare. But what does it actually mean? How does it manifest in real life? And just how common is it?
The answer to that last question might surprise you. Neurodivergence isn’t a rarity—it’s the norm for at least 1 in 4 people, meaning that a quarter of the population experiences the world through a different cognitive lens. Yet, society often operates under the assumption that neurotypical cognition is the default, making life unnecessarily difficult for millions.
Understanding neurodivergence—its prevalence, history, and societal implications—isn’t just about increasing awareness; it’s about challenging outdated assumptions and redesigning the world so it works for all brains, not just some.
What is Neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence is an umbrella term referring to natural variations in human brains and cognitive processing. It encompasses conditions such as:
Autism
ADHD
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Tourette’s syndrome
Dyscalculia
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Bipolar disorder
Epilepsy (which often has neurological overlaps)
Acquired neurodivergence (from brain injuries, PTSD, stroke, or conditions like long COVID)
Coined within the framework of the neurodiversity movement, neurodivergence challenges the traditional medical model, which historically treated these differences as deficits that needed to be “fixed.” Instead, it frames them as variations that come with both strengths and challenges.
The neurodiversity paradigm, championed by sociologist Judy Singer in the late 1990s, positions neurodivergence as a fundamental aspect of human diversity. Just as biodiversity strengthens ecosystems, cognitive diversity strengthens human society, leading to unique insights, creative breakthroughs, and alternative problem-solving strategies.
How Common is Neurodivergence?
The 1 in 4 statistic may seem high, but when you break it down, it becomes clear why it’s actually a conservative estimate:
Autism occurs in at least 1–2% of the population, with rising numbers due to increased recognition.
ADHD affects 5–10% of people, many of whom remain undiagnosed well into adulthood.
Dyslexia impacts 10–15%, making it one of the most common learning differences.
Dyspraxia affects 5–6% of people, influencing motor coordination and spatial awareness.
Mental health conditions with neurological components, such as OCD, bipolar disorder, and epilepsy, also fall under the neurodivergent umbrella.
When we take a broad view—including both lifelong and acquired neurodivergence—the 1 in 4 estimate starts to seem not only accurate but possibly too low.
The Historical Context of Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence is not a modern phenomenon. Throughout history, individuals with neurodivergent traits have existed—but their treatment has varied wildly depending on cultural and societal context.
Some societies recognized and even valued certain neurodivergent traits:
Many indigenous cultures saw individuals with unique cognitive or sensory traits as shamans, seers, or keepers of oral tradition.
Leonardo da Vinci, Nikola Tesla, Emily Dickinson, and Alan Turing—all believed to have been neurodivergent—made groundbreaking contributions in their respective fields. And, more recently, we might consider Lee-Anne’s newly discovered philosopher, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, whose phenomenological work on perception, embodiment, and sensory experience aligns deeply with autistic ways of processing the world.
The stereotype of the eccentric genius, often depicted as socially awkward, hyperfocused, or unconventional, may stem from historical figures who today would be recognized as autistic or ADHD.
However, other societies treated neurodivergence with suspicion, isolation, or outright cruelty. The 20th century saw particularly harsh treatments, from institutionalization to forced sterilization under eugenics programs. Even today, many neurodivergent individuals struggle to access support due to lingering biases.
Understanding this history is crucial—it shows that neurodivergence has always existed, but its perception has been shaped by cultural narratives rather than objective truths.
Misdiagnosis and Intersectionality in Neurodivergence
While 1 in 4 people may be neurodivergent, not all have equal access to diagnosis or support. Women, people of color, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are significantly more likely to be misdiagnosed or overlooked entirely.
Women and Misdiagnosis
Because traditional diagnostic criteria were based on male presentations, many autistic and ADHD women are misdiagnosed with:
Anxiety disorders (especially social anxiety)
Depression (due to burnout from lifelong masking)
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) (due to emotional dysregulation)
Bipolar disorder (mistaking fluctuating energy levels for manic episodes)
Eating disorders (when sensory issues around food go unrecognized)
This has led to generations of #ActuallyAutistic women discovering their diagnoses only in adulthood, often after a lifetime of feeling “wrong” without understanding why.
Race, Class, and Neurodivergence
The racial and class disparities in diagnosis are stark:
Black and Hispanic children are less likely to be diagnosed with autism than their white counterparts, even when exhibiting the same behaviors.
Low-income individuals may not have access to specialists who can provide an accurate diagnosis.
Cultural expectations often lead to neurodivergent traits being seen as “bad behavior” rather than as neurological differences.
This means that neurodivergence is not just about the brain—it’s about how society interprets and responds to neurological diversity.
The Role of Technology in Neurodivergent Visibility
In recent years, social media and digital spaces have allowed neurodivergent people to find each other, challenge misconceptions, and advocate for systemic change.
The #ActuallyAutistic movement has helped shift the conversation from cure-based narratives to self-advocacy and acceptance.
The rise of self-diagnosis as a valid first step has given many individuals access to understanding and community before seeking formal medical recognition.
Neurodivergent creators are challenging stereotypes and educating millions on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Technology has also changed accessibility:
Text-based communication (rather than phone calls) benefits those with auditory processing issues.
Flexible, remote work environments have allowed many neurodivergent individuals to thrive.
Assistive technologies, from speech-to-text software to sensory-friendly apps, are making daily life more navigable.
Final Thoughts: A Philosophical and Sociological Perspective
Philosophically, neurodivergence forces us to redefine intelligence and normalcy. The Enlightenment’s focus on logic and rationality shaped modern institutions—but who decided that linear thinking, eye contact, or standardized learning methods were superior? If intelligence is about creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability, then neurodivergence is an asset, not a flaw.
Sociologically, if 1 in 4 people are struggling to function in a system, the problem isn’t the people—it’s the system. Schools, workplaces, and healthcare models must adapt, moving away from rigid expectations and toward true inclusivity.
Recognizing and accommodating neurodivergence isn’t just about individual rights—it’s about designing a world that truly values the full range of human cognition.
Neurodivergence is not an anomaly—it’s part of what makes us human. And it’s time the world started acting like it.
Here is the link to the transcript of the conversation with ChatGPT.
The Auld Skald's Fudgel 