Curiosity and Neurodivergence: The Superpower of an Open Mind
Curiosity is a force that compels us to explore, question, and create. It is the quiet whisper that asks "what if?" and the relentless drive that pushes humanity toward discovery. But curiosity is more than just an impulse—it is a way of thinking, of seeing the world in infinite possibilities. Interestingly, curiosity shares deep roots with neurodivergence, the term used to describe cognitive differences such as ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. These minds are wired for exploration, constantly seeking new connections and patterns. In this way, curiosity and neurodivergence are not just linked; they are one and the same—a superpower that can lead to an extraordinary life of knowledge, creativity, and transformation. I’m very neurodivergent, I bet you can tell since my blog is all over the place. What if life was really supposed to be us following our curiosities?
The Superpower of Curiosity
To be curious is to be fearless in the pursuit of knowledge. It is what propels scientists to unravel the mysteries of the universe, artists to break creative boundaries, and entrepreneurs to reimagine industries. Leonardo da Vinci, one of history's greatest minds, famously wrote in his notebooks, "Learning never exhausts the mind." His relentless curiosity led to innovations in anatomy, engineering, and art—his mind leaping effortlessly across disciplines.
Curiosity grants the ability to see beyond what is obvious. It encourages a playful approach to life, one that values exploration over rigid correctness. Research supports this: a study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science found that curiosity enhances learning and memory by activating the brain’s reward system (Gruber, Gelman, & Ranganath, 2014). The more we follow our questions, the more we strengthen our ability to absorb and retain knowledge.
However, society often treats curiosity with caution, sometimes even fear. Schools prioritize standardized answers over open-ended questions. Workplaces value efficiency over exploration. People hesitate to follow their curiosities because it feels impractical or uncertain. But what if uncertainty is exactly where genius thrives?
Curiosity or Neurodivergence? Why Not Both?
Many traits associated with neurodivergence—hyperfocus, pattern recognition, non-linear thinking—are also hallmarks of deep curiosity. People with ADHD, for instance, often have an insatiable drive to pursue new ideas, jumping from one interest to another with enthusiasm. In the last month alone, I think I have visited Micheals for six different craft ideas and the things I want to try. While this is sometimes framed as a deficit, it can also be seen as an incredible strength. As Dr. Edward Hallowell, a leading ADHD expert, notes, "ADHD is not a disorder of attention, but a disorder of attention regulation. It is an interest-driven nervous system." (Hallowell & Ratey, 2011). My son who is also like me has always said i can focus on the things I like, the other things not so much, I have always understood this plight.
Autistic individuals, too, often have an intense focus on specific topics, leading to profound expertise in their areas of interest. Temple Grandin, a renowned scientist and advocate, credits her autism for her deep understanding of animal behavior: “The world needs different kinds of minds to work together.” (Grandin, 2006).
When we recognize that curiosity and neurodivergence are deeply intertwined, we can begin to see that curiosity is not just a trait—it’s a neurological advantage. The challenge is not in possessing curiosity but in creating systems that allow it to flourish.
Running Tiny Experiments: A System for Following Curiosity
One way to embrace curiosity is to treat it as a series of small experiments. Rather than feeling pressure to master a new subject or turn every interest into a career, we can allow ourselves to explore in low-risk, playful ways.
James Clear, in Atomic Habits, suggests that "experimentation is the antidote to failure." (Clear, 2018). Instead of fearing the unknown, we can view curiosity as a process of trial and discovery. I was scrolling TikTok and this lady said “Fail Fast” and it allowed me grace to try new things. This approach transforms curiosity from an abstract desire into an actionable practice.
How to Document Curiosity as Tiny Experiments
Keep a Curiosity Notebook – Write down every question that sparks your interest, no matter how small or strange. Over time, patterns will emerge.
Set a 30-Minute Curiosity Window – Dedicate a short, daily session to researching, exploring, or creating based on your curiosity.
Create a “Failure = Discovery” Mindset – Instead of seeing dead ends as failures, document what you learned from each curiosity experiment.
Share Your Curiosity – Start a blog, a TikTok series, or a journal where you track and reflect on your discoveries.
Curiosity Challenges – Set micro-goals like “learn one new fact a day” or “ask a stranger an interesting question.”
The Delight of Curiosity: How It Shapes Everyday Life and Changes the World
Curiosity turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. The same city streets you’ve walked a hundred times can reveal hidden histories if you ask the right questions. Cooking dinner becomes a scientific experiment when you wonder why certain flavors work together. Like this book that I bought when I was following a food pairing curiosity The Flavor Thesaurus. Even boredom becomes a portal to new ideas when you let your mind wander.
History is filled with individuals whose curiosity changed the world. Marie Curie’s relentless questioning led to the discovery of radioactivity. Steve Jobs’ fascination with calligraphy shaped the design of the first Mac. Curiosity does not just enrich life; it rewrites the future.
Conclusion: Embrace the Superpower
Curiosity is not a passive trait—it is an active force that drives change, fuels creativity, and deepens understanding. For neurodivergent minds, this drive is even more pronounced, offering a unique way of seeing and shaping the world. By treating curiosity as a series of experiments, we give ourselves permission to explore without fear. And in doing so, we unlock the superpower that has always been within us.
So, the next time a question tugs at your mind, follow it. Let it lead you to new places, new knowledge, and new ways of thinking. The world is waiting to be discovered.
Sources:
Gruber, M. J., Gelman, B. D., & Ranganath, C. (2014). States of curiosity modulate hippocampus-dependent learning via the dopaminergic circuit. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 9(5), 494-507.
Hallowell, E. M., & Ratey, J. J. (2011). Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder. Anchor Books.
Grandin, T. (2006). Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism. Vintage.
Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. Avery.
Da Vinci, L. (Notebooks). Various Writings and Sketches.