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

With the right toolkit, neurodivergent individuals can navigate daily life while flexing their unique mental advantages. —K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 13 Apr. 2026

Intake can be particularly difficult for neurodivergent people because of congested waiting rooms, traffic, uncomfortable clinical environments and strict schedules. —Lucy Jones april 11, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026

Access should not depend on geography A primary roadblock in neurodivergent healthcare is geography. —Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026

Trail added a new program last year: The Social Connection, an inclusive hub for neurodivergent participants who have felt excluded and isolated from many community activities. —Sharon Chin, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026

The Emmy-winning series began streaming in the U.S. in 2022, following neurodivergent adults who were looking for love — many for the first time. —Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2026

The autism and neurodivergent community deserves safety, dignity, and understanding, and today, the state of Georgia agreed. —Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026

One-fifth of sales organizations within Fortune 500 companies are expected to actively recruit neurodivergent talent to improve business performance by 2027, according to a Gartner study. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Mar. 2026

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 hyperactivity disorder, 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