Oftentimes we hear of neurodiversity being identified as a “spectrum” or an “umbrella”; for me as a multiply Neurodivergent person, those categorizations have never felt like they were close to representing the beautiful and vivid complexity of neurodiversity. For me, each neurodivergence felt like its own universe of experiences.

For example within the ADHD/VAST universe (I’m a VASTer, have depression, and trauma), there are so many galaxies within that universe such as sensory processing, executive functioning, etc., and at any point in time, the stars of those galaxies are “colliding” because those galaxies are being activated at the same time. And not to make it feel even more expansive, the number of experiences of how one’s neurodivergence influences the Neurodivergent’s day or is impacted by society is infinite! For example, I could be out at dinner with some friends and while we are out at dinner our food arrives. Within the ADHD/VAST universe, the communication galaxy is colliding with my executive functioning galaxy, my coordination galaxy, and my sensory processing pattern galaxy, all of which are being activated at the same because I am trying to decide how I want to eat, smelling what I eat, the actual feeling of eating, trying to converse with my friends, trying to balance the food on my utensils, etc. In this tiny sliver of time, countless galaxies and stars are activated, illustrating the ever-expanding complexity of my ADHD/VAST universe. Do note that, just like other disabilities, neurodivergence can come with its challenges secondary to society being disabling or the neurodivergence itself being disabling. We can also recognize strengths do exist when it comes to be Neurodivergent. They are not mutually exclusive, and every Neurodivergent person has the right to view their neurodivergence in any way that resonates with them. Everyone is on their own journey regarding their disability identity, and this is beautiful and okay. Disability identity is complex! Neurodivergent occupations and ways of living are not simply Autistic play styles or differences in sensory processing, neurodivergent occupations include hearing voices, differences in communication and how you want to participate socially, differences in memory and learning, executive functioning, differences in how you experience time, how one focuses, emotional expression, motor skills, and even how you eat!

Some information about the Neurodiversity Multiverse:

- The design was inspired by my love for space, dark watercolor, and fantasy video games

- I included neurotypicality because, just as Sonny, the Lived Experience Informed Educator has shared, neurotypicality counts as neurodiversity. Neurodiversity is every single brain pattern/experience, and that includes neurodivergence and neurotypicality, just like how being heterosexual/straight is within the sexual orientation spectrum or cis-gender exists within the gender universe. Just like the title of their book (highly recommend checking it out), we’re all neurodiverse (but not everyone is Neurodivergent)

- Arrows -> meant to represent the multiverse is forever expanding

- Acquired neurodivergence - Neurodivergence isn’t just congenital; it can become acquired during life secondary to life events, society, etc. Many Neurodivergent advocates believe acquired neurodivergencies are not within the Neurodiversity umbrella, and I disagree. Let’s not gatekeep our community.

-Please know this illustration is not meant to cover every single neurodivergence, and I did include “Neurodivergence X” as a placeholder for the future new Neurodivergent universes we discover.

- The Neurodiversity Multiverse doesn’t necessarily align with the social model of disability that Mike Oliver initially conceptualized, which views impairment and disability as completely separate, and oppression is the primary source of disability. The Neurodiversity Multiverse aligns with neurodiversity frameworks, disability justice principles as created by Sins Invalid, and the cultural model of disability, recognizing impairment and disability are intricately intertwined and disability could be attributed to more factors than oppression. You can remove all of the societal barriers, and my neurodivergencies can still be disabling. Let me know if you want to talk more about this!

- This illustration will be one of many featured in the first neurodiversity-focused occupational therapy book, out March 2026!

- I asked and checked with individuals and resources created by the communities within each neurodivergence to ensure I am utilizing the most updated term to describe that disability. If I am using an incorrect term, please email me and let me know and I will absolutely update the illustration.

Abbreviations:

SPD = sensory processing differences, not disorder, because someone’s sensory experiences are valid forms of human diversity, and as the remarkable Winnie Dunn has shared, sensory processing patterns are a reflection of who we are and are not a pathology that needs fixing (of course unless the Neurodivergent individual themselves requests to attempt this)
BPD = bipolar disorder
FASD = fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
ADHD/VAST = attention deficit hyperactive disorder / variable attention stimulus trait. VAST is a much more affirming alternative to ADHD (I mean, half of the name is super pathologizing [deficit, disorder], and VAST really honors this neurodivergence in a way that recognizes being a VASTer in an ableist world can have challenges, but also strengths. I’m a VASTer; happy to talk about this more in-depth if you are ever interested!
TBI = traumatic brain injury
PDA = pervasive drive for autonomy
IDD = intellectual and developmental disabilities

If you are Neurodivergent, I sincerely hope this illustration brings you some amount of joy and resonates with you. Thank you for taking the time to read this post, and being cool anti-ableist humans

PS: Major props to The Autistic OT for helping me with the name!