Are you neurodivergent? A 20-question self-assessment test

Taking a neurodivergent test can help you see if your brain works a little differently from most people. Neurodivergence means your brain processes information in ways that aren’t typical. It’s not a medical term but is often used to describe conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and dyslexia. 

This test won’t give you a diagnosis — it’s meant to help you notice patterns in how you think, feel, or relate to the world. It can give you useful ideas about whether you might be neurodivergent and if you want to look into getting support or a formal evaluation.

What is neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence means having a brain that thinks or learns in ways that are different from what’s typical. There’s a wide range of signs that might mean your brain works differently. This is called neurodivergence.

Everyone is unique, but here are some signs that might mean you’re neurodivergent:

• You get overwhelmed in social situations.

• You take things literally and miss jokes or sarcasm.

• Sounds, lights, smells, or textures easily bother you.

• You focus deeply on specific interests or hobbies.

• It’s hard to focus on things you don’t care about.

• You need a routine to feel calm — or you struggle to keep one.

• You lose track of time or get distracted easily.

• You have trouble explaining your thoughts or feelings.

• You’re highly creative or good at solving problems.

Since neurodivergence isn’t a medical term or diagnosis, we don’t fully know what causes it. But some related conditions, like ADHD, have been linked to things like family history, brain injuries, or factors around birth.

There’s no “normal” brain. Neurodivergent people just think and feel in different ways — and that’s part of what makes them strong.

Neurodivergence self-assessment test

You might be here because you’re curious about how your brain works or if you relate to certain ways of thinking and feeling. These questions are designed to help you learn more about yourself and notice possible signs of neurodivergence. This test isn’t a replacement for a clinical evaluation or a formal diagnosis.

Remember, neurodivergence isn’t a medical or mental health diagnosis — it’s a term used to describe people with certain neurodevelopmental differences. If you answer “yes” to many of these questions, it might be helpful to seek out extra support.*

1. Do you often find social situations confusing or overwhelming?

2. Do you have intense interests in specific topics that others might find unusual or obsessive?

3. Do you find it hard or uncomfortable to make or maintain eye contact during conversations?

4. Do you prefer routines and get upset when your routine is disrupted?

5. Are you very sensitive to certain types of light, sounds, or textures?

6. Do you often miss social cues or find it hard to interpret body language and facial expressions?

7. Do you find it challenging to make friends or maintain friendships?

8. Do you engage in repetitive behaviors or have specific rituals you feel compelled to perform?

9. Are you often told that you take things too literally or have difficulty understanding sarcasm?

10. Do you find it difficult to manage or understand your own emotions?

11. Do you often feel exhausted or anxious after social interactions?

12. Do you find it difficult to focus on topics that are not of interest to you?

13. Do you experience prolonged periods of intense focus on topics/activities that are of interest to you?

14. Do you experience intense fascination with patterns, numbers, or categorizing information?

15. Do you find abrupt changes in plans or unexpected events particularly distressing?

16. Have you always felt different from others or like you don’t fit in?

17. Do you have a strong sense of justice and fairness and become particularly upset when these are violated?

18. Do you often speak at length about your interests without realizing that other people in the conversation are no longer interested?

19. Are transitions particularly challenging for you (like transitioning out of the shower or going between home and work)?

20. Did it feel like you needed to work harder than your peers in school to get the same grades?

*Quiz content written by Lolly Coleman, MS, LMFT.

Interpreting your quiz results

If you think about it, almost anyone could answer “yes” to at least one of these questions at some point in their lives. For example, you might know what it’s like to feel exhausted after a long or difficult day of socializing. Or perhaps you have a hobby you love that dominates much of your time. These factors alone don’t necessarily indicate that you are neurodivergent.

But if you answered “yes” to many of the questions and you’re having a hard time in certain important areas of your life (like your job or relationships), it might be helpful to talk to a mental health professional. Different people experience neurodivergence differently, and there are many different types and levels of support that can help you.

Next steps after the quiz

If you took the quiz and you think you might be neurodivergent, you’re probably wondering what to do next. Keep in mind that not all neurodivergent people need the same type and level of support. In fact, some may require very little or none at all.

But if your results give you cause for concern and you’re having a hard time in some important areas, know that you’re not alone and help is available. A mental health professional can help you set goals, learn new coping skills, and identify the accommodations that could be helpful for you.

How is neurodivergence diagnosed?

Neurodivergence is not a recognized mental health or developmental condition. And it’s not an impairment that requires treatment. Rather, it’s a term that people use to acknowledge and celebrate the fact that our brains work in different ways. Many people find comfort in using the term “neurodivergent” to describe a part of their experience. But it’s up to you whether you want to identify as neurodivergent.

Sometimes, these differences can create challenges, depending on the individual and their environment. In those cases, it might be helpful to talk to a therapist about your experience. While they can not officially diagnose you as neurodivergent, they may be able to diagnose you with a specific condition like autism, ADHD, or dyslexia. And they can help you identify patterns that might mean you could benefit from some added support.

Find care with Rula

When you need support to navigate neurodiversity, know that help is just a few clicks away. At Rula, we collaborate with an extensive network of therapists. So you can meet with someone from the comfort of your home as soon as tomorrow.

To start the process, check out our therapist matching program to find an in-network provider who specializes in your area(s) of concern. And remember, whether you need help setting up your first appointment or with any other concerns, our team is here to offer support and guidance throughout your experience.