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

It was branded as a sensitive and well-intentioned portrayal of a neurodivergent person’s experience of love, friendship, family and the challenges of teenage life. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025

The Assembly, in which a group of inquisitive interviewers who are autistic, neurodivergent and/or learning disabled grill celebrities, will return for a seven-episode run. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 18 July 2025

Conspicuously absent from the list, however, was Taylor Dearden’s breakout performance as Dr. Mel King, a sensitive and apparently neurodivergent young resident who cares for an autistic sister. —Judy Berman, Time, 15 July 2025

And the company has a mission to grow the initiative to ensure even more individuals with autism and other neurodivergent traits are welcomed into its operations. —Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025

About 1 in 5 children in the United States are estimated to be neurodivergent, with a range of learning and thinking differences, according to the nonprofit Understood. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025

Extraordinary Attorney Woo tackles hot-button issues in South Korea and beyond, including neurodivergent defendants navigating the criminal justice system, discrimination against those with disabilities, and the tricky political waters that come with defending a North Korean defector. —Sara Netzley, EW.com, 13 July 2025

Gallup’s recent research on neurodivergent employees adds to the picture. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

The fundraiser benefiting neurodivergent adults in North County will include a Grape Stomp competition, dinner and live entertainment by D’Vine Path students. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 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