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

Recognize the strengths of your neurodivergent colleagues. —Maggie McGrath, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

More than 350 works on paper by more than 60 outsiders, cartoonists, graffiti masters, illustrators, and others not usually accepted into the canon of high art, from Jim Nutt to Martin Ramirez to neurodivergent genius Nicole Appel. —Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024

But Baldoni said things have shifted in his mindset since receiving his ADHD and neurodivergent diagnosis. —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024

For example, Day said many neurodivergent travelers may struggle with imprecise information, making interruptions like flight delays especially stressful. —Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 1 Dec. 2024

Many neurodivergent people report wrist and elbow pain as a common side effect of sleeping in this position. —Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2024

People who identify as neurodivergent have brains that develop or process information differently than others. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 18 Oct. 2024

In the decades following 1988’s disability drama Rain Man, Hollywood’s representation of people on the spectrum has somewhat moved the needle in the neurodivergent experience with popular shows such as The Good Doctor, Love on the Spectrum and Atypical. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2024

However, not all neurodivergent people have a formal mental health diagnosis. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2024

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