When you’ve spent your life making your way through a world that doesn’t always accommodate you, you naturally become more understanding of the little things other people struggle with.
Neurodivergent people — whether they’re autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, or experience the world differently in other ways — often have a deep sense of empathy for things that might not even cross other people’s minds. They know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or just out of sync, so when they see those struggles in other people, they tend to meet them with patience rather than frustration. Here are some things they’re often more sympathetic about.
1. When someone needs extra time to process things
Not everyone can respond instantly, whether it’s in a conversation, a decision, or an emotional situation. Some people need a few extra beats to process what’s being said before they can fully engage. Neurodivergent people get this because they’ve been in that position themselves.
They won’t rush someone to answer, jump in to fill silences, or assume that a delay means disinterest. Instead, they let things breathe. Whether it’s waiting for a reply to a text or giving someone space to gather their thoughts, they know that not everyone works at the same speed, and that’s okay.
2. When words don’t come out smoothly
Some people talk in circles, lose track of what they were saying, or struggle to find the right words at all. It doesn’t mean they don’t have something valuable to say; it just means their brain isn’t cooperating in the moment. Neurodivergent people understand this all too well.
They don’t judge people for pausing mid-sentence, repeating themselves, or going off on tangents. They’ll wait, listen, and let the conversation unfold in its own way because they know how frustrating it is when your brain and mouth aren’t on the same page.
3. When someone is overwhelmed by their environment
Loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, scratchy fabrics — things that seem small to one person can feel unbearable to another. Neurodivergent people, especially those with sensory sensitivities, know that discomfort isn’t something you can just ‘push through.’
They won’t roll their eyes when someone wears sunglasses indoors, needs to step outside for a break, or avoids certain textures. They get that everyone’s brain reacts differently to the world around them, and if something feels overwhelming, that feeling is real.
4. When decision-making feels impossible
For some people, picking what to eat or choosing between two options is easy; for others, even the smallest decisions feel overwhelming. Neurodivergent people, especially those with ADHD, know what it’s like to stare at a menu for way too long or get stuck in analysis paralysis.
Instead of getting frustrated with indecisiveness, they’re more likely to offer help, whether that’s narrowing down the choices, flipping a coin, or just giving someone time to think. They know that decision fatigue is real and that sometimes, too many options are just as stressful as too few.
5. When someone needs alone time to recharge
Social exhaustion is real, and neurodivergent people often understand it better than most. Whether someone cancels plans, leaves early, or just needs a few days of silence, they don’t take it personally. They know that needing space isn’t the same as not caring. If anything, they respect it more because they know what it’s like to push through social burnout and regret it later.
6. When someone forgets things, even important ones
Birthdays, appointments, deadlines — some people try their best to remember things, but their brain just doesn’t hold onto the information. Neurodivergent people, especially those with ADHD, totally get this.
They won’t assume forgetfulness means someone doesn’t care. They know that memory works differently for everyone, and sometimes even the most important things slip through the cracks. Instead of guilt-tripping, they’ll offer reminders, understanding that forgetfulness isn’t a sign of laziness.
7. When eye contact isn’t happening
Some people find eye contact natural, while others find it exhausting, uncomfortable, or even impossible. Neurodivergent people know that looking away doesn’t mean someone isn’t paying attention.
They don’t expect forced eye contact or assume a lack of it means disinterest. They understand that people engage in different ways — through listening, fidgeting, or focusing on something else entirely. It’s not about where their eyes are; it’s about how they’re showing up.
8. When someone accidentally interrupts
Not all interruptions come from rudeness. Sometimes, it’s excitement. Sometimes, it’s impulsivity. Sometimes, it’s just struggling to find the right moment to jump into a conversation. Neurodivergent people, especially those with ADHD or autism, know that social timing can be tricky.
They don’t take it personally when someone jumps in too soon or struggles to hold back their thoughts. They know that conversation isn’t always perfectly structured and that sometimes, words just need to come out before they disappear.
9. When vague instructions don’t make sense
“Just wing it.” “Figure it out.” “Do whatever works best for you.” These phrases might sound flexible, but for some people, they’re completely unhelpful. Neurodivergent people know what it’s like to need clear, step-by-step guidance.
They understand why someone might need extra details or ask what seems like ‘obvious’ questions. They don’t see it as a lack of intelligence, just a different way of processing information.
10. When someone stims or self-soothes
Fidgeting, tapping, rocking, playing with objects — some people move constantly, not out of distraction but because it helps them focus or regulate emotions. Neurodivergent people get that stimming isn’t a bad habit; it’s a natural way of coping. They don’t tell people to stop fidgeting or sit still. They know that movement can be a form of self-expression, comfort, or even concentration, and they let people do what they need to do.
11. When emotions don’t look the way you’d expect
Some people express emotions in big, loud ways; others go completely quiet. Neurodivergent people understand that emotional regulation isn’t one-size-fits-all.
They don’t expect people to react in any one typical way. Whether someone laughs when they’re nervous, shuts down when they’re overwhelmed, or struggles to name their feelings at all, they know that emotions are complicated and that there’s no wrong way to process them.
12. When someone thinks in an unconventional way
Not everyone’s brain follows a neat, step-by-step process. Some people think in spirals, patterns, or leaps that don’t make sense to other people — until they do. Neurodivergent people often see value in different ways of thinking. They don’t dismiss unconventional ideas just because they’re unexpected. Instead, they’re more likely to listen, engage, and see where the thought process leads.
13. When someone doesn’t fit the mould
Neurodivergent people know what it’s like to feel like they don’t quite fit in. Because of that, they’re usually the first to accept people as they are, without expecting them to change. They know that people thrive when they’re allowed to be themselves. They don’t expect everyone to conform to social norms; they just want people to be comfortable in their own skin.
14. When someone just needs a little extra understanding
At the heart of it, neurodivergent people know how much it means when someone is patient, kind, and willing to meet them where they are. Because they’ve needed that understanding themselves, they’re more likely to offer it to other people.
It’s not about treating people differently; it’s about recognising that everyone has their own way of navigating life. And sometimes, the best thing you can do is give people space to be exactly who they are.
