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

Hiring Practices: Traditional interviews that emphasize rapid responses and social interaction disadvantage neurodivergent candidates. —Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

The format, which has been a success internationally, sees famous faces come up against a group of interviewers who are autistic, neurodivergent and/or learning disabled. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025

The fund focuses on addressing the underrepresentation of people of color and deaf, disabled or neurodivergent individuals. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 27 Feb. 2025

Autism—a neurological and developmental disorder that impacts communication, learning, and behavior—is being discussed (on podcasts or via neurodivergent influencers or hashtags) and diagnosed more than ever before. —Cassie Shortsleeve, SELF, 19 Feb. 2025

Despite an uptick in later-life ADHD and autism diagnoses, the myth that neurodivergent conditions disappear in adulthood prevails. —New Atlas, 6 Dec. 2024

Research from Harvard Business Review shows that neurodivergent employees when supported appropriately, can be 30% more productive than their neurotypical peers. —Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

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

Word History

Etymology

neuro- + divergent

First Known Use

2002, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neurodivergent

• convergent
• detergent
• divergent
• emergent
• insurgent
• resurgent
• serjeant
• urgent

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