neurodiverse

adjective

neu·​ro·​di·​verse ˌnu̇r-ō-dī-ˈvərs 

-də-ˈvərs,

-ˈdī-ˌvərs,

ˌnyu̇r-

: having or relating to brain function that is not neurotypical

… a way to help neurodiverse individuals adapt to a conventional environment.

—Thomas Armstrong

Those [loud] decibel levels can be pretty overwhelming for children who have autism or other neurodiverse conditions.

—Mike Gorrell

Note: The term neurodiverse is related to the concept of neurodiversity, which proposes that variation in brain functioning within the human population is normal and that brain functioning that is not neurotypical should not be stigmatized.

Examples of neurodiverse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In other words, humans, as a group, are neurodiverse. —Ludmila Praslova, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024

Also part of the longlist are two features featuring neurodiverse characters and creators. —Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Oct. 2024

Weber works with the YWCA and Easterseals Redwood, an organization dedicated to expanding educational, employment and healthcare opportunities for veterans, children, and the neurodiverse and disabled communities. —Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2024

Whitmire also suggests reading storybooks with neurodiverse characters as an entrypoint to conversation. —Taylor Grothe, Parents, 7 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

neuro- + diverse, after neurodiversity

First Known Use

2002, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

neurodiverse

adjective

neu·​ro·​di·​verse -dī-ˈvərs, -də- 

: having or relating to brain function that is not neurotypical

At the heart of many conversations about accessibility is a normative idea that improving access to people, places, and spaces through technology will enhance the quality of life by allowing independence and autonomy for people with disabilities, neurodiverse people, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions.

—Ellen Simpson et al., Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction

A neurodiverse classroom is a classroom where students with all sorts of labels … come together as equals to form a new kind of classroom, one that represents that there is no such thing as a normal student and where each and every child is identified as a unique learner.

—Thomas Armstrong, Neurodiversity

Note: The term neurodiverse is related to the concept of neurodiversity, which proposes that variation in brain functioning within the human population is normal and that brain functioning that is not neurotypical should not be stigmatized.