The quick-moving, high-stress practice of emergency medicine means health care professionals need to be prepared for anything. Among emergency physicians’ diverse patient populations, neurodivergent individuals represent a unique group with distinct challenges and requirements. Neurodivergence is an umbrella term that refers to a variety of neurological differences (not deficits), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia, among others.²

These conditions are prevalent and frequently misunderstood, leading to gaps in care and communication.

Why is this important to emergency physicians? First, research suggests a higher number of emergency department visits among individuals with ASD. About 30 percent of children with ASD need treatment in an emergency department, and this number increases to nearly 70 percent for those aged 15–18.⁷ Second, diagnosed adults have twice the number of emergency department encounters compared to those without these diagnoses.⁷ Thus, understanding neurodivergence is crucial for emergency physicians, who often serve as the first point of contact for these patients when they are in crisis. Knowing how to recognize and respond appropriately can significantly impact the quality of care provided, ensuring that all patients receive compassionate and effective care.

But what exactly are neurodivergence and neurodiversity? Neurodivergence refers to the unique way in which an individual’s brain processes and responds to certain information, differing from the typical or average brain.⁹ Neurodiversity refers to the diversity in human brain functioning and encompasses a range of neurological differences that affect how individuals think, learn, and interact with the world.⁹ As Stowers points out in his article debunking neurodiversity myths: Consider that some individuals are auditory learners, while others prefer visual methods.¹² Each person has their unique approach to learning and understanding, and we adapt and use techniques that suit us best. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that people perceive the world in diverse ways too and that their thinking, learning processes, and traits don’t conform to a one-size-fits-all model.¹² The term “neurodiversity” represents a shift from viewing these conditions as “deficits” or “abnormalities” to recognizing them as human thinking and behavior variations.⁹ Here are some of the key conditions that are considered neurodivergent and that emergency physicians are likely to encounter:

1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Although the definition of autism has changed over time, in general, it refers to a group of complex developmental brain disorders.^3,4 The spectrum nature of autism means that symptoms and their severity can vary widely among individuals. Some people with ASD may have exceptional abilities in specific areas, such as math or art; others may need considerable support in daily living tasks.^2,3,4,6
2. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by more severe patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity than are typically observed in individuals at a similar developmental level. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with organizing tasks, following instructions, or remaining still for extended periods, leading to difficulties in various settings, including the fast-paced environment of an emergency department.¹
3. Dyslexia: Dyslexia is a specific learning condition that primarily affects reading and language processing. People with dyslexia often struggle with phonological processing, spelling, and quick verbal responses; however, many of them have strong problem-solving skills and creative thinking abilities.¹⁴
4. A variety of others: Dyscalculia, dys praxia, sensory processing disorder, and Tourette’s are some of the other diagnoses that belong under the neurodiversity umbrella.⁶

According to a 2022 survey of 1,000 people across multiple organizations, 91 percent of respondents do not know how common neurodivergent conditions are.¹³ In fact, many people are working alongside or interacting with neurodivergent individuals regularly and may not know it.¹³ According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in 35 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD. ADHD affects around seven million children aged three to 17 years, and dyslexia impacts approximately 15–20 percent of the population.^3,14 These statistics highlight the importance of emergency physicians being prepared to encounter and support neurodivergent individuals.