Reviewed by the Ridge RTC Clinical Team 

Have you ever wondered why certain everyday situations feel overwhelming, confusing, or just different for you compared to others? For countless young adults, these experiences point to something called neurodivergence. 

Getting to know your neurodivergent traits can be life-changing. It’s like finally getting the manual to your own brain. Suddenly, years of struggles make sense, your unique strengths have a name, and you realize there are tools and communities out there that actually get it. Below, we’ll outline some of the most common signs and symptoms of being neurodivergent. These aren’t meant to diagnose you (only a qualified professional can do that), but they can help you notice patterns in your own experiences. 

Table of Contents: 

• What is Neurodivergence?
• Key Neurodivergent Symptoms in Young Adults
• How Can Young Adults Identify Neurodivergence in Themselves?
• Neurodivergence and Mental Health
• Getting a Professional Evaluation
• Take the Next Step

What is Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence, a nonmedical term, refers to natural variations in brain function that influence how individuals think, learn, process information, and interact with the world. It is not a deficit but a different neurological wiring encompassing diverse conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and others.

Many young adults, especially women and people who’ve learned to mask their traits, go decades without realizing they’re neurodivergent. But understanding this about yourself can bring tremendous clarity and relief.

Key Neurodivergent Symptoms in Young Adults

Recognizing the known symptoms and signs of neurodivergence in young adults is the first step. These signs typically show up consistently across various environments like home, work, or social settings. We’ll look at cognitive and organizational patterns, sensory experiences, social interactions, emotional responses, attention and focus patterns, and physical coordination.

1. Executive Function Challenges

Executive functions include planning, organization, task initiation, prioritizing, time management, and working memory.

Symptoms include:

• Chronic lateness or difficulty meeting deadlines
• Trouble prioritizing or breaking down tasks
• Frequent procrastination and feeling overwhelmed by routine responsibilities
• Difficulty managing multi-step projects

2. Atypical Sensory Processing

Neurodivergent young adults may experience heightened or diminished sensitivity to sensory inputs.

Symptoms include:

• Overwhelmed by fluorescent lights, loud noises, or scratchy clothing
• Preference for sunglasses indoors or noise-canceling headphones
• Seeking intense sensory stimuli like loud music or spicy food
• Sensory overload in crowded or busy environments

3. Social Communication Patterns

Distinct communication styles may include:

• Difficulty interpreting nonverbal social cues
• Preference for clear, direct communication rather than subtle hints
• Challenges with eye contact or conversational flow
• Use of social masking to fit in, which can be mentally exhausting

These differences do not indicate social disinterest but an alternate way of social processing.

4. Emotional Intensity and Regulation

Many neurodivergent people experience emotions intensely, such as:

• Rapid mood swings and difficulty recovering from emotional setbacks
• Rejection sensitive dysphoria (intense emotional pain from perceived criticism or rejection)
• Feeling easily overwhelmed by competing demands

5. Hyperfocus and Special Interests

The ability to become deeply absorbed in activities or topics, sometimes resulting in:

• Hours-long intense concentration, sometimes neglecting basic needs
• Extensive knowledge or expertise in specific subjects
• Challenges switching between tasks or ending focus periods

How Can Young Adults Identify Neurodivergence in Themselves?

Start by observing consistent patterns in different life settings:

• Note where you face challenges or thrive
• Use online screening tools as a starting point, but visit or speak with a professional for an accurate diagnosis
• Reflect on learning styles, energy levels, social interactions, and sensory preferences

Neurodivergence and Mental Health

It’s also extremely common for neurodivergent people to have co-occurring mental health conditions. Anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and eating challenges frequently appear alongside conditions like ADHD, autism, or dyslexia. These aren’t separate, unrelated issues; they often develop together and influence each other in complex ways.

The connection makes sense when you consider the daily reality of being neurodivergent. Years of sensory overload, social misunderstandings, and trying to function in environments designed for different brains can naturally lead to anxiety or depression. Sleep problems often stem from sensory sensitivities or racing thoughts, while eating disorders may develop from sensory issues with food textures or rigid thinking patterns.

These co-occurring conditions interact directly with your neurodivergent traits. Your ADHD might make anxiety symptoms more intense, or your autistic need for routine might worsen when depression disrupts your energy levels. An evaluation looks at how these conditions work together in your specific situation, leading to support strategies that address the whole picture rather than treating each condition in isolation.

Getting a Professional Evaluation

An evaluation with a specialist experienced in neurodivergence typically involves discussing your life history, completing cognitive assessments, and screening for related conditions. The purpose is to get a clear and accurate picture of how your brain works, so you can identify strategies, accommodations, and therapy approaches that are a good fit for you.

Take the Next Step

If you recognized aspects of yourself in this article, consider reaching out to a professional who understands young adult neurodivergence. An accurate understanding of your neurodivergent profile can be the foundation for finding strategies and supports that truly work for you. There are resources, communities, and specialists who can help you, whether you’re looking for clarity, practical advice, or just a place to connect with others.

This article was reviewed by The Ridge RTC’s team of board-certified psychiatrists, licensed clinical professionals, and adolescent mental health specialists to guarantee accuracy and clinical relevance. Learn more about our team’s expertise on the Team page.