Phonetic Pronunciation: nyoor-oh-duh-VURR-juhnt

Definition:

Neurodivergence recognizes natural differences in how brains develop and function, emphasizing acceptance, understanding, accommodations, and individual strengths.

History:

The term neurodiversity first appeared in print in a 1998 Atlantic article by Australian social scientist Judy Singer, in reference to autism. In 2000, neurodiversity activist Kassiane Asasumasu coined neurodivergent to describe people whose neurological development differed from the norm.

Current Usage:

“Neurodivergent” describes people whose brains develop and process information differently from what is considered typical (“neurotypical”). Neurodivergence is a natural part of human diversity, recognizing that there is no single “normal” way for the brain to function. While neurodivergent people may face challenges in our neurotypical society, they also bring unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences.

Unlike mental illness, which involves psychological distress or psychiatric conditions that can develop or fluctuate over time, neurodivergence refers to lifelong differences in neurological development, such as autism or ADHD. Support focuses on understanding individual needs, adapting environments, and developing strategies that help people thrive rather than “curing” their differences.

Examples:

A situational example is: An office worker with ADHD struggles to focus in an open-plan office because background chatter and fluorescent lights cause sensory overload and make it harder to manage executive functioning. Noise-canceling headphones, working from home, or other accommodations help them work more effectively.

Sentence example: "As a neurodivergent professional who focuses best in high-stimulus environments, she thrives in event management, where there is constant interaction and no two days are the same."

Perspective:

1. Neurodivergence generally refers to differences in neurological development and functioning from what is considered typical. Examples include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and nonverbal communication.

2. Neurodivergence encompasses a range of neurological differences, including dysgraphia, dyscalculia, aphasia, stuttering, sensory and processing differences, executive functioning difficulties, and challenges with recognizing or communicating social cues and expressions. Some people embrace “neurodivergent” as an affirming identity, while others prefer person-first (e.g., “a person with ADHD”) or identity-first (e.g., “an autistic person”) language. Use the terminology preferred by the individual.

Did You Know?

Roughly 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent, which is roughly 1.6 billion people worldwide. Additionally, despite the stigma, teams in the workplace including neurodivergent professionals can be up to 30% more productive than those without.

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Sources: 

(1) Deloitte Research Shows the Data Benefits of Neuroinclusion in the Workplace — Welcome Brain Consulting 

(2) What Is Neurodiversity? | The ND Alliance 

(3) What Is Neurodiversity and Why Does It Matter? 

(4) https://www.atypikoo.com/en/mag/psychiatric-disorders-vs-neurodevelopmental-conditions 

(5) Neurodivergent - Mental Health Commission of Canada 

(6) The Term Neurodiversity Is Good, But Not Good Enough | Psychology Today

Resources

Neurodiverse-Friendly Spaces: A Standard for Inclusion | Behavioral Innovations

Neurodiversity – the key that unlocked my world | Elisabeth Wiklander | TEDxGöteborg

Embracing the Strength of Neurodiversity by Jumana Nsour