Why Neurotypical Strategies Don’t Work for the Neurodivergent Population
Not everything that works for one person will work for another; this is especially true for neurodivergent individuals.
If you’ve been trying to follow advice or self-help strategies for years with little success, you’re not alone. Many people find themselves stuck in cycles of frustration, thinking, "Why can’t I just get it together?" Often, the missing piece to this puzzle lies in understanding neurodivergence and the need for unique strategies tailored to diverse ways of thinking.
This blog will explore why neurotypical strategies often fall short for neurodivergent individuals and how creating personalised approaches can make a world of difference. Whether you’re newly discovering your neurodivergence or looking to support someone who is, this post will give you valuable insights and practical steps forward.
What Is Neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence refers to variations in brain function and cognition that differ from what society considers “typical.” This includes conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Tourette’s syndrome, Intelectual Disability (ID) and many more. These conditions influence how individuals process information, interact with the world, and manage their day-to-day lives.
Neurodivergent individuals often experience challenges in areas like organisation, focus, emotional regulation, and sensory processing. Recognising these differences is the first step toward understanding why generic advice doesn’t always work.
Why Neurotypical Strategies Are Ineffective
Many widespread strategies and systems are designed with neurotypical people in mind—individuals whose brain functions align with societal norms. Below, we’ll explore why neurotypical approaches often fail for the neurodivergent population.
1. One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Most self-help advice assumes that everyone’s brain operates the same way. Think about the common time-management tip, "Just use a planner." For someone with ADHD, whose brain might struggle with executive functioning (the skill set that helps with planning and organisation), this advice can feel impossible to follow.
Similarly, neurodivergent individuals often face challenges that don’t align with the "effort equals success" mindset. For example:
Autistic individuals may struggle with strategies requiring prioritisation without detailed structures.
People with ADHD might find it hard to stick with rigid systems due to fluctuating dopamine levels that affect motivation and focus.
What’s needed instead are flexible, adaptive solutions based on individual needs.
2. Overwhelming Sensory Input
Neurotypical strategies rarely account for sensory processing differences. For someone who feels overstimulated in loud or busy environments, the advice to "work from your favourite café" might backfire. The noise, crowds, and unpredictability can be paralysing rather than inspiring.
For neurodivergent individuals, sensory needs play a huge role in determining what strategies will succeed.
3. Assumptions About Motivation
A common misconception is that individuals who don’t follow strategies are simply unmotivated. Neurotypical systems often rely on intrinsic motivation or willpower to succeed. However, neurodivergent brains often function differently.
For instance:
Individuals with ADHD may rely on external accountability because their brains struggle to create internal motivation.
Autistic individuals may thrive with internal motivation driven by their passions but struggle when external demands don’t align with their current interests.
Finding New Strategies That Work
Once someone discovers they’re neurodivergent, they can start to break free from the frustration of trying to "force fit" themselves into neurotypical expectations. Here are some approaches that work better for neurodivergent individuals.
1. Tailor Strategies to Strengths and Challenges
Instead of fighting against natural tendencies, start by recognising individual strengths and challenges. For example:
If you’re prone to hyperfocus (a common ADHD trait), use that to your advantage. Set up a quiet environment and schedule tasks that align with your current interests.
If sensory sensitivities are an issue, invest in noise-cancelling headphones or other tools that create a more manageable environment.
2. Chunk Tasks Into Smaller Steps
For many neurodivergent people, large, vague tasks feel completely overwhelming. Instead of "Clean the house," try breaking it into specific, manageable steps like:
Spend 5 minutes tidying the living room.
Empty the dishwasher.
Dust the coffee table.
This helps reduce the mental load and creates a sense of accomplishment as each small action is completed.
3. Leverage Technology
Apps and tools can be game-changers for neurodivergent individuals. Here are some examples:
ADHD-friendly tools that allow you to create prioritised task lists.
For sensory regulation, apps like Headspace offer mindfulness exercises tailored to different needs.
Calendar reminders with notifications can help manage time and deadlines more effectively.
4. Build in Positive Reinforcement
Neurodivergent individuals often respond well to rewards or external motivators. Celebrate small achievements with things you genuinely enjoy—whether it’s a walk outside, your favourite snack, or dedicated downtime for a hobby.
5. Seek Support From Community
Connecting with others who share similar experiences can be incredibly validating. Whether this is through online forums, local meetups, or working with a neurodivergent-informed psychologist, shared tips and encouragement can make a lasting difference.
6. Be Kind to Yourself
Understanding neurodivergence involves recognising that "success" might look different for everyone. It’s okay to tread your own path and redefine productivity, relationships, and life goals in ways that suit your unique perspective.
Moving Forward with Compassion and Exploration
For neurodivergent individuals, the road to self-understanding can be both freeing and challenging. It’s okay to unlearn advice that never worked and replace it with strategies that feel authentic. Personalisation, flexibility, and kindness are the keys to building an approach that aligns with your needs and aspirations.
If you’ve spent years feeling like you’re swimming against the tide, consider this your encouragement to explore strategies that reflect your unique brain. Compassion for yourself is just as important as any system or tool you choose to adopt.
Whether you’re neurodivergent or neurotypical, remember that true progress comes when we move beyond "one-size-fits-all" expectations and celebrate diversity in thinking, processing, and living.