neurotypical

adjective

neu·​ro·​typ·​i·​cal ˌnu̇r-ō-ˈti-pi-kəl 

ˌnyu̇r-

: not affected with 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 typical neurological development

neurotypical students

With developmental disorders, there is an added layer of confusion because people often appear neurotypical; they function well in some situations and not in others.

—Sallie Tisdale

compare neurodivergent

neurotypical noun

plural neurotypicals

They spoke about the differences in communication between autistic people and neurotypicals, and how that can impact lives.

—Katie Farthing

Examples of neurotypical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Alzheimer’s disease is far more common in people with Down syndrome than in the neurotypical population. —Ciara McCarthy 3, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 June 2026

Meanwhile, Ashley would listen to other parents constantly fret over the speed at which their neurotypical children were developing. —Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026

Autistic people of all ages are significantly more likely than their neurotypical peers to be diagnosed with mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety. —Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026

All of the substances are just a cope trying to feel neurotypical while being in public, but obviously that isn’t a real solution. —Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

neuro- + typical

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neurotypical

• prototypical
• atypical
• untypical
• stereotypical
• typical

Medical Definition

neurotypical

adjective

neu·​ro·​typ·​i·​cal ˌn(y)u̇r-(ˌ)ȯ-ˈti-pi-kəl 

: not affected with 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 typical neurological development

Routine disruption appeared to be among the biggest stressors of the children with autism, compared to neurotypical peers. It is possible that this stress led to other challenges during the pandemic. … While the greatest stressor in the neurotypical group was isolation from friends, it was much less of a stressor for children with autism.

—Helen M. Genova et al., Frontiers in Education

compare neurodivergent

neurotypical noun

Individuals with autism may have different emotional responses than neurotypicals to the same situations, making it harder for neurotypicals to identify the antecedent of various reactions among individuals with autism.

—Sarah Hansen, Hussman Institute for Autism