neurodivergent

American  

[noor-oh-di-vur-juhnt, dahy-, nyoor-] / ˌnʊər oʊ dɪˈvɜr dʒənt, daɪ-, ˌnjʊər- /

adjective

1. relating to or showing atypical neurological behavior and development, as in autism spectrum disorder or dyslexia. ND

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noun

1. a neurodivergent person.

Other Word Forms

• neurodivergence
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of neurodivergent

First recorded in 2000–05; neuro- ( def. ) + divergent ( def. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

neurodivergent

I think she would be called neurodivergent but I don’t really like that term.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 2, 2026

“You Can See Everything” repeatedly inches right up to the line of suggesting Fielder or Holmes are neurodivergent in some way without overtly saying it.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 1, 2026

Many neurodivergent people experience little or no impairment related to their autism and may neither need nor want additional support.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 28, 2026

“Listen to your body” is lovely advice until you are neurodivergent, burned out, staring into the refrigerator at 8:17 p.m. or otherwise unable to locate your body’s supposedly innate wisdom about dinner.

From Salon ● Sep. 15, 2026

"But I really appreciate her telling us because I think it's really nice to see neurodivergent people in academia because it isn't a thing we see or hear very much."

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

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