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

Friedman believes there are many benefits to hiring neurodivergent talent. —Maya Richard-Craven, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

Her brilliant, but neurodivergent mother, once the love of Glenn’s life, has mysteriously disappeared, leaving only a bag full of artwork about her childhood hero, Captain Tsunami, and cryptic instructions to bring it all to Glenn if anything should ever happen. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 22 May 2025

The previous episode, Washington, saw Fielder take a test for autism, grapple with his mixed feelings about possibly being neurodivergent, and prepare to give a speech in Washington, DC, to sell Congress members on his methods of preventing future aviation disasters. —Griff Griffin, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025

The series, which follows a handful of recurring neurodivergent cast members navigating dating and relationships, has been a hugely popular hit for Netflix, with season three debuting in the streamer’s top ten back in April. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 May 2025

Such hyper-focus on historical events like the Titanic is common among neurodivergent and neurotypical children alike, Dr. Sorensen said. —Janet Manley, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025

Research has consistently shown that natural environments are good for the mental health of adults and positively impact neurodivergent children. —USA Today, 16 May 2025

Is someone neurodivergent or have accessibility needs? —Kathryn Romeyn, AFAR Media, 12 May 2025

As a parent of a neurodivergent child, Sieben advocates especially for other children and people with disabilities to experience the calming nature of horses. —Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 10 May 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