10 Signs You Might Be a Bit Neurodivergent

You Tend to Hyperfixate on Things

Have you ever found yourself completely obsessed with a hobby or a topic for a while—like knitting 15 scarves in one week or watching 20+ videos about the Titanic—only to lose interest just as quickly? That’s hyperfixation for you. It’s when you get intensely focused on a specific task or interest for an extended period, and this is quite common in neurodivergent people, particularly those with ADHD or autism. It’s more than just a fleeting passion; it’s like a short-term but all-consuming hobby romance. The great thing about hyperfixations is that they tend to leave you with a new skill or a ton of knowledge about a specific topic that you can use in everyday life.

You Get Overwhelmed by Loud Noises

If you’ve ever felt genuinely irritated or distressed by everyday sounds—like the buzz of fluorescent lights or the hum of a coffee grinder—you’re not alone. Many neurodivergent people have heightened sensory sensitivities, meaning their brains pick up on things others might easily ignore. So, if you’ve ever wanted to throw your phone across the room because the sound of someone chewing is driving you up the wall, you might relate.

You Need Time to Recharge After Socializing

Some people thrive off socializing, but it’s a battery-draining activity for others. If you often feel like you need alone time to recover after a group hang, this behavior aligns with those who experience sensory overload or social fatigue, which is common among people with autism or social anxiety. Being social can be exhausting, and needing to retreat afterward doesn’t make you antisocial; it’s just how your brain processes things. And, hey, our social batteries aren’t infinite! We all know what it’s like when it runs out and the only thing that can recharge it is precious “me time.”

You Struggle to Maintain Eye Contact

For many neurodivergent people, maintaining eye contact during a conversation can feel uncomfortable or unnatural. If you’ve ever found yourself looking at someone’s forehead or avoiding their gaze altogether while they’re speaking to you, you’re not alone. It’s not that you’re being rude or feeling shy, is that you can focus a lot better when you’re not making eye contact and it makes you feel more comfortable.

You Stim or Fidget When You’re Stressed or Overstimulated

Do you tap your foot, twirl your hair, or constantly fidget with objects? Or maybe you even have fidget toys you regularly use? These little movements, also known as stimming, help many neurodivergent people cope with stress, anxiety, or overstimulation. For example, if you unconsciously tap a pen during meetings, you might be stimming to stay focused or soothe yourself. Stimming and fidgeting can look different for everyone, but it’s essentially any repetitive action that brings you comfort

You Tend to Zone Out During Conversations

Ever find yourself mid-conversation, suddenly realizing you’ve drifted off into your thoughts? Neurodivergent people, especially those with ADHD, are more likely to experience zoning out, even during important conversations. It’s not intentional, and it doesn’t mean you’re not interested. Your brain just works a little differently, and it wanders. Don’t be embarrassed to apologize or ask the other person to be a little patient if you wander off in your head.

You Find it Had to Follow Verbal Instructions

If you’ve ever had to ask someone to repeat instructions—or better yet, write them down—it could be because your brain processes information differently. Many neurodivergent people, like those with dyslexia or ADHD, find it easier to follow written or visual instructions rather than verbal ones. It doesn’t mean you weren’t paying attention, it means it’s easier for your brain to grasp things in a specific format.

Your Routine Is Everything to You

Do you feel uneasy when plans change unexpectedly? Or maybe you thrive off having a set routine, down to what you eat for breakfast every day. A strong need for structure and routine is common among neurodivergent people, especially those with autism. Change can feel disruptive or even distressing, so sticking to a familiar schedule provides predictability and comfort. Everyone can probably agree with that, but not everyone needs to follow a routine to a T.

You’re Hyper-Organized... or the Complete Opposite

Organization might be your superpower—or it could feel like an impossibility. Neurodivergent people often fall into two extremes: hyper-organized, with everything neatly categorized and color-coded, or extremely disorganized, with a workspace that looks like chaos. Either way, it reflects how your brain processes information and manages the world around you. If you’re in the latter camp, you might feel like you know exactly where everything is... even if no one else can figure it out.

You’re Over- or Under-Sensitive to Textures

Ever had a shirt that you just couldn’t wear because it felt all wrong on your skin? Or foods that are a hard 'no' because of their texture (I’m looking at you, bone marrow). Many neurodivergent people have a heightened sensitivity to certain fabrics, foods, or even weather. If you’re someone who’s very particular about the feel of things, this might resonate with you!

Recognizing these things in yourself doesn’t necessarily mean you have X, Y, or Z condition, but it could mean you’re a little neurodivergent. Everyone’s brain works differently and it’s quite normal to fall somewhere on the spectrum of neurodiversity. If you resonate with these signs and want to dive deeper into understanding your brain, there’s no harm in seeking more information or talking to a professional.