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What's Up Docs?
What's Up Docs?

How can we better understand neurodiversity?

September 29, 2026 • 28m

Summary

⏱️ 7 min read

Overview

Twin doctors Chris and Zand explore neurodiversity, moving beyond traditional medical models to understand how all human brains differ. With neuroscientist Professor Duncan Astle, they discuss the distinction between neurodiversity as a fact and neurodivergence as individual difference, the role of diagnosis versus support needs, and how society can better accommodate cognitive diversity rather than pathologizing difference.

Introduction to Neurodiversity and Personal Perspectives

The hosts introduce neurodiversity as a constantly discussed but controversial topic surrounded by myths. They reference the podcast 'I'm ADHD, No, You're Not' featuring Paul Whitehouse and neuroscientist Dr. Minna Konk-Bayer, which beautifully demonstrates how the same traits can be viewed either as successful characteristics or as a disorder. This sets up the central tension in discussing neurodiversity: acknowledging both strengths and struggles without necessarily accepting a disorder label.

  • Neurodiversity is constantly in the news, social media, and surrounded by controversy and myths
  • The podcast 'I'm ADHD, No, You're Not' models discussing neurodiversity with Paul Whitehouse believing he doesn't have ADHD despite being very successful, while his neuroscientist wife believes he does
  • Dr. Zand relates to this tension, recognizing he struggles with things but feels calling it a disorder does disservice to people who really struggle
" I maybe like Paul, I did feel that to say I have a disorder, I think does a disservice to people who really struggle with certain things. At the same time, I do recognize I also do really struggle with lots of things. "

Defining Neurodiversity versus Neurodivergence

Professor Duncan Astle clarifies crucial terminology: neurodiversity is a fact about all humanity - we collectively process the world differently. Within that diversity, individuals are either neurotypical (processing largely in line with societal norms) or neurodivergent (processing differently from statistical norms). This reframing moves away from the idea of a 'right way of being' toward recognizing multiple valid ways humans think and interact with the world.

  • Neurodiversity is a collective description - everyone in a room is collectively neurodiverse
  • Neurotypical individuals process the world largely in line with societal norms
  • Neurodivergent individuals experience processing the world differently from the statistical norm and majority
  • Multiple dimensions exist for difference including communication, executive functions, attention, and social processes
" We don't make the sort of default assumption that we all basically process the world in exactly the same way unless there's quote unquote something wrong with you. And so I think this sort of reframing of difference, that actually we're all different from each other. And that's a healthy thing. "

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