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 Australia, Netflix is launching Lumina, a program providing neurodiverse individuals with pathways into the visual effects industry through partnership with Bus Stop Films. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025

Chance Theater also offer sensory-friendly performances so neurodiverse patrons and their families can experience the magic of live theater. —Amy Bentley, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025

With a flexible approach to recruitment that isn’t bottlenecked by outdated degree and interview criteria, neurodiverse candidates have more opportunities to be included. —David Rai, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Along with her two nieces, Bern has two young nephews who are neurodiverse. —Caoimhe O'Neill, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

neuro- + diverse, after neurodiversity

First Known Use

2002, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neurodiverse

• monodisperse
• adverse
• averse
• coerce
• disburse
• disperse
• diverse
• immerse
• inverse
• obverse
• perverse
• rehearse

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.