There is often a communication barrier between neurotypical and neurodivergent people. Struggling with understanding social cues and expectations, neurodivergent behavior is often perceived as rude by neurotypical people (Lange, 2022). For example, a person with ADHD interrupting others in conversation may be taken as disrespectful and uncaring, while the person with ADHD is actually very passionate about the discussion and cannot control their impulsivity.

When conversing with others, regardless of whether they are neurodivergent, it is essential to use a direct and unambiguous communication style. This entails avoiding implied messages and euphemisms, which can easily lead to misunderstandings. 

In a professional setting, a clear communication style requires concise verbal and written instructions for tasks, as well as breaking tasks down into smaller steps.

When scheduling, it is important to communicate any changes of plans in advance, providing a reason for the change. Neurodivergent people often feel intense anxiety when faced with sudden changes of plans, and providing advance notice can help negate this (Baumer & Freuh, 2021).

Every person has a different experience when it comes to cognitive function, and asking questions is key to understanding what the person needs to feel welcomed. 

While one person may have difficulty with time management and need reminders about a task or event, another may excel at time management but struggle with interpreting verbal instructions. As individuals, neurodiverse people have different support needs and ways of coping with these needs; getting curious about a person's needs by asking polite, non-intrusive questions helps one understand how to best interact with them.

Language is also an important factor when talking to or about someone. For example, many autistic individuals prefer to be called "autistic" rather than a "person with autism" because they feel their autism is part of their identity rather than an affliction (Baumer & Freuh, 2021).

Understanding what a person needs to succeed and what language they prefer is crucial when setting realistic social expectations and respecting them as a person. This is quintessential to neurodiversity, as it exhibits how the entirety of the individual must be recognized and accepted. 

A quickly developing social and professional topic, there is an abundance of information about neurodiversity and neurodivergence making its way into mainstream circles. As more research is done and neurodivergent voices are given a platform, it becomes increasingly important to stay informed on inclusive language and neurodiverse experiences (Baumer & Freuh, 2021). 

For example, as language changes, many professionals and autistic people reject the diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome. The diagnosis is no longer included in the latest edition of the DSM-5 due to the implication that Asperger's is a milder presentation of autism and is easier to live with. The diagnosis has also been criticized in neurodivergent circles for being the namesake of Hans Asperger, pediatrician under the Nazi regime (The Spectrum, 2019). 

A way to stay informed in daily life is to practice active listening when discussing neurodiversity. Listening to the experiences of neurodivergent people without imposing judgment on their struggles is crucial to understanding how cognitive function impacts people's experiences in diverse ways.

Another way to stay informed is to familiarize oneself with resources focused on neurodiversity such as those listed on Neurosoup's resources page.

In social situations, neurodivergence can cause significant challenges. The explicit and implicit biases that neurotypical adults frequently hold against neurodivergent individuals greatly contribute to these challenges. Many neurotypical people read neurodivergent communication styles as rude, and unfairly expect conformity to neurotypical behavioral and social patterns (Lange, 2022).

Being open and understanding of neurodiverse struggles is essential when interacting with all people. Staying informed of inclusive language and different levels of support needs help all people feel included in the campus environment. 

For example, staying informed of ableist language and avoiding microaggressions in casual conversations helps all people feel at ease regardless of any minority group they may identify with.