neurodivergent

adjective

neu·​ro·​di·​ver·​gent ˌnu̇r-ō-də-ˈvər-jənt 

ˌnyu̇r-

: having or relating to a disorder or condition (such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, or obsessive-compulsive disorder) that impacts the way the brain processes information : exhibiting or characteristic of variations in typical neurological development

Traveling can be stressful even under the best of circumstances. For neurodivergent travelers, schedule changes, new sights and sounds, airport delays, and unfamiliar foods can pose additional challenges.

—Jamie Davis Smith

It's also crucial when working with neurodivergent professionals to view management as an avenue for coaching. Too often, companies fire neurodivergent youth for not performing in the same way as neurotypical employees. Businesses must provide frequent, comprehensive reviews to better communicate what they need from an employee and to allow the employee to better understand how they can improve within their role.

—Brandon Cardet-Hernandez and Kevin McGrath

compare neurotypical

neurodivergent noun

plural neurodivergents

Some neurodivergents have difficulty interpreting nonverbal cues during interactions, such as subtle cues in sarcasm or flirtation …

—Maria Febiana Christanti et al.

Examples of neurodivergent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The feature-length documentary, Sensory Overload, explores the needs of the neurodivergent and sensory sensitive communities, and aims to raise awareness of the need for more sensory inclusive spaces. —Harry Spitzer, Vox, 31 Jan. 2025

Valparaiso University music therapy students will lead activities with members of the neurodivergent, autistic, and disabled communities in Northwest Indiana. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025

The brain of a neurodivergent person is wired for passions and novelty, which trigger the motivation to start and stay engaged with that interesting task, Nordmeyer said. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 27 Jan. 2025

The Role of Technology in Transforming Care Technology is proving to be a game-changer in improving healthcare for neurodivergent individuals. —Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Hart’s comedy follows a neurodivergent shop assistant’s first crush and treasure hunt, while Okyere-Fosu’s drama centers on a mother processing loss through gardening. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 Jan. 2025

Mann recalls speaking at a Booz Allen event attended by neurodivergent high school students. —Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Research indicates that neurodivergent people — those who have a neurodevelopmental difference like autism or ADHD — can also have dyslexia. —Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Jan. 2025

Also, establish relationships with organizations supporting neurodivergent individuals to expand your candidate pool. —Leo Cunningham, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

neuro- + divergent

First Known Use

2002, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

neurodivergent

adjective

neu·​ro·​di·​ver·​gent -də-ˈvər-jənt, -dī- 

: having or relating to a disorder or condition (such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivitydisorder, dyslexia, or obsessive-compulsive disorder) that impacts the way the brain processes information : exhibiting or characteristic of variations in typical neurological development

Neurodivergent individuals often have particular communication needs and preferences, heightened sensory sensitivity, and challenges with executive functioning. … These aspects of neurodivergent experience fundamentally impact the way neurodivergent individuals communicate and interact with others and perform professional work.

—Maitraye Das et al., Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interactions

compare neurotypical

neurodivergent noun

Some neurodivergents have difficulty interpreting nonverbal cues during interactions, such as subtle cues in sarcasm or flirtation. … While text-based communication can provide inclusive space, it can be overwhelming for neurodivergents due to the lack of nonverbal cues …

—Maria Febiana Christanti et al., International Journal of Social Science Research & Review