A New Study is Investigating the Link Between Neurodivergence and “Anomalous Communication”

The University of Virginia and its Division of Perceptual Science (DOPS) are conducting research that delves deeper into how our brains process information in relation to anomalous experiences.

DOPS is designing and executing what it describes as the first study examining unusual or atypical forms of communication and perception, sometimes referred to as “anomalous communication” or, more traditionally, telepathy. The goal of the study is to better understand the experiences of people who perceive or communicate in ways that may not fit conventional models.

The term neurodivergence has become increasingly common in recent years, as more people recognize that their ways of learning or processing information may differ from mainstream social expectations. Many researchers emphasize that there is no single “correct” way for the brain to function or interpret information.

Neurodivergence is often described as a spectrum that includes conditions such as dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and autism, among other learning differences. Harvard Medical School describes neurodivergence as a framework for understanding “how people experience and interact with the world around them” in a variety of ways.

The Neurodiversity Movement 

The neurodiversity movement began in the 1990s as an effort to increase awareness and acceptance of people with neurological differences. With the rise of social media, many neurodivergent individuals have found communities online where they can share experiences and connect with others. The autism community is one example of how online platforms helped individuals organize advocacy groups and challenge social stigma.

Harvard Medical School notes that while neurodivergence advocacy is partly a social justice movement, research into neurological differences remains critical for helping clinicians and specialists better understand and address neurological conditions and disabilities.

How to Participate in the DOPS Study 

Eligible participants in the DOPS study include both adults and minors with parental or guardian permission, who have personally experienced or are closely familiar with forms of communication or awareness that appear unusual, advanced, or difficult to explain using conventional frameworks. This may include individuals who have had experiences that feel intuitive, telepathic, or otherwise extraordinary.

The study is not limited to neurodivergent individuals and welcomes participants from all backgrounds. In addition to people who report these experiences directly, parents, caregivers, close family members, friends, or therapists who have observed such experiences firsthand may also participate as informants. DOPS says it is important not only to hear from experiencers themselves, but also to gather perspectives from those around them.

Neurodivergent Spectrum

Although neurodivergence is often used as a single umbrella term, it encompasses a wide range of conditions and experiences. Autism and dyslexia, for example, can manifest in very different ways, and individuals may experience multiple forms of neurodivergence simultaneously. It is not uncommon for individuals diagnosed with autism to also have ADHD.

Some academic and medical institutions, including the National Library of Medicine, have expanded the concept of neurodiversity to include conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. Critics argue that this broader classification can become confusing, since these conditions are traditionally categorized as mental disorders rather than forms of neurodivergence.

“From time to time, academics, scientists, and doctors update their terminology to support cultural shifts. There’s been a cultural shift toward recognizing the unique nature of each human being and another cultural shift toward avoiding labels that can feel stigmatizing to people,” said neuroscientist Julia Mossbridge, Ph.D., in an email to The Debrief.

“I believe this is why the National Library of Medicine is making the shift to place all of these diagnoses under the umbrella of neurodiversity. However, to my mind it doesn’t fix the problem—and may actually exacerbate it,” Mossbridge, who is not affiliated with the University of Virginia and its research, added.

Mossbridge went on to explain that when these classifications are considered together, they may imply that the pain and suffering experienced by individuals with these diagnoses could be entirely alleviated if society recognized their differences and valued them—something that, realistically, may take a considerable amount of time to achieve.

“Many people under this umbrella can benefit from treatment and support—and can only benefit from treatment and support if these conditions are treated as actual medical issues that will be covered by insurance,” Mossbridge added.

Mossbridge says that over the past year, she has been working with an ASHA-certified speech and language pathologist who works almost exclusively with non-speaking autistic people. When asked about potential connections between neurodivergence and anomalous experiences, Mossbridge said she believes the new classification framework raises complicated questions.

For instance, she notes instances where psychotic episodes experienced by individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder have appeared to convey information related to “future events (precognition) or the thoughts of others (telepathy).”

“In other words, these episodes are largely unpleasant for the experiencers, but they can contain psychic information,” Mossbridge suggested.

However, Mossbridge also emphasized her concerns about potential misattribution of neurodivergence, as well as some circumstances where the potential for people’s insights derived from unique forms of communication may be sought without their full consent. Mossbridge told The Debrief that it is “unethical to reclassify people as ‘neurodivergent’ and not needing treatment to support the process of using their insights without paying them or without them consenting to that usage of their minds.”

“To the extent that is happening, it needs to stop and be addressed,” Mossbridge said.

What Does Participation Entail? 

Participation in the University of Virginia study can take several forms, including online interviews conducted through University of Virginia ITS-approved videoconferencing platforms and the completion of a brief questionnaire about participants’ experiences and communication styles.

The study is designed to be flexible and voluntary. Some participants may choose to take part in in-person interviews, but these are not required. Recording of interviews is optional, and participants may take part in the study without consenting to be recorded.

All collected data will be handled according to strict confidentiality standards and in compliance with the University of Virginia’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements.

Participants interested in signing up can contact Marina Weiler, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences at the University of Virginia, via email at zzs2jq@uvahealth.org.