How it impacts children For many neurodivergent children, development can feel uneven, and their strengths often coexist with challenges. A child might be able to build highly complex Lego structures or draw intricate designs, but is easily overwhelmed by writing a simple story or responding to a social cue. Another may have a remarkable memory for details but struggle to follow multistep directions. Some children are highly sensitive to sounds or textures, while others seek extra movement or pressure to stay calm. Social situations can also be confusing if a child misses facial expressions, body language, or unspoken rules. Parents often describe these experiences as puzzling or even frustrating. Having worked with families, one mother recalls her daughter excelling in advanced math but dreading group projects. The mother described her daughter as someone who wanted friends desperately but was unsure about how to join in or match the interests of her peers. At home, the child often paced in circles after school and needed time to decompress from the noise and stimulation she experienced during the school day. What is neurodivergence? Neurodivergence refers to natural differences in how brains develop and function. The idea grew out of the neurodiversity movement in the 1990s, which challenged the assumption that there is a single “normal” way for the brain to operate. Neurodiversity emphasizes that human minds vary widely in how they process information, learn, and interact. These differences can be valuable and do not automatically mean something is “wrong.” Children who are neurodivergent may have conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other learning differences, such as dyslexia and dysgraphia. Some have sensory processing differences, tic disorders, or mental health conditions that affect learning and social functioning. Others may not have a diagnosis but still experience traits such as heightened sensitivity to noise and touch in their surroundings. Recognizing neurodivergence helps parents and teachers shift from asking “Why isn’t my child more like others?” to “What does my child need to thrive?” 128 HAWAII PARENT November/December 2025 Moments of struggle can highlight the need for patience, support, and individualized approaches.
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