Autism, Spectrum and Neurodivergence. Same? Different?

Understanding Brain Differences: Autism, NVLD, Dyspraxia, OCD, and ADHD

Everyone’s brain is unique and special, but sometimes people’s brains work in ways that make school, friendships, or everyday tasks harder. Understanding these differences can help us be kind and helpful. In this post, we’ll talk about five brain-based challenges: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NVLD), Dyspraxia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Let’s dive in!

What Makes Each Condition Different?

Here are the main differences between these challenges:

• ASD (Autism):  Kids with autism may have difficulty talking with others or understanding how people feel. They also might have powerful interests or do the same thing repeatedly (like lining up toys).
• NVLD:  Kids with NVLD are great at talking but might struggle with reading maps, playing sports, or understanding facial expressions.
• Dyspraxia:  This makes it tricky to do things like tie shoes, write neatly, or catch a ball. It’s all about how the brain plans and moves the body.
• OCD:  Kids with OCD have thoughts that won’t go away (like worrying about germs) and feel like they have to do certain things over and over (like washing hands).
• ADHD:  This makes it hard to focus, sit still, or wait your turn. Sometimes, kids with ADHD feel like their brains are going super fast!

Social Skills

• ASD:  Making friends can be tricky because it’s hard to understand social rules.
• NVLD:  Kids might not notice body language, like when someone is upset or happy.
• Dyspraxia:  It can feel awkward to join games or activities because of clumsiness.
• OCD:  Worries or routines can get in the way of hanging out with friends.
• ADHD:  Impatience or blurting things out might bother friends.

Communication

• ASD:  Words might come late, or it might be hard to understand jokes or sarcasm.
• NVLD:  Talking is easy, but understanding gestures or tone of voice is a challenge.
• Dyspraxia:  Talking is usually fine, but organizing ideas can be challenging.
• OCD:  Kids might talk about their worries or ask the same questions.
• ADHD:  They might interrupt or forget what they want to say.

Moving Your Body (Motor Skills)

• ASD:  Sometimes, kids do repetitive movements like flapping their hands.
• NVLD:  Clumsiness can make sports or handwriting hard.
• Dyspraxia:  It’s extra hard to do things like tying laces or balancing on one foot.
• OCD:  Some movements, like tapping, might be part of a routine.
• ADHD:  Fidgeting or moving a lot can happen.

Senses and Feelings

Some kids experience the world differently:

• ASD:  Lights, sounds, or textures might feel too strong (or not strong enough!).
• NVLD:  Most senses are typical, but some kids feel slightly off in new places.
• Dyspraxia:  Textures, like scratchy clothes, might feel uncomfortable.
• OCD:  Certain sights, smells, or touches might trigger worries.
• ADHD:  Loud noises or lots of action can feel overwhelming.

Strong Feelings and Thinking Patterns

Feelings

• ASD:  Meltdowns or shutdowns happen when things feel too big or confusing.
• NVLD:  Anxiety can happen when things don’t make sense.
• Dyspraxia:  Frustration comes from struggling with everyday tasks.
• OCD:  Worries make kids feel like they have to act on them.
• ADHD:  Big emotions come fast and can be hard to control.

Thinking

• ASD:  Deep focus on one favorite topic is common.
• NVLD:  Great memory but trouble with abstract ideas (like math).
• Dyspraxia:  Planning steps for tasks is challenging.
• OCD:  The same thought gets stuck in a loop.
• ADHD:  Thoughts can feel super speedy or jumpy.

Strengths are Continuations of Our Weaknesses

Every brain difference comes with strengths:

• ASD:  Amazing attention to detail and deep knowledge about favorite topics.
• NVLD:  Awesome at talking and remembering facts.
• Dyspraxia:  Super creative and determined.
• OCD:  Great at noticing details and being organized.
• ADHD:  Full of energy, ideas, and creativity.

What People Might Confuse It With

Because some challenges look alike, people might mix them up:

• ASD:  Sometimes mistaken for ADHD or sensory issues.
• NVLD:  People might think it’s autism or anxiety.
• Dyspraxia:  Often mistaken for clumsiness or laziness.
• OCD:  Looks like anxiety or perfectionism.
• ADHD: This can seem like autism or oppositional behavior.

How to Help

Different challenges need different kinds of help:

• ASD:  Therapies like speech or social skills training and occupational therapy.
• NVLD:  Learning social skills and using tools for visual tasks.
• Dyspraxia:  Occupational and physical therapy to make movements easier.
• OCD:  Talking to a therapist to expose to test the fear and prevent obsessions/compulsions and learning constructive ways to handle worries.
• ADHD:  Coaching for staying organized, therapy, and sometimes medication.

Here is the same information but stated more formally.

Would like to reach out and learn more? Connect here drj@jeltova.com

Part of this blog entry was created using AI OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com