neurodivergent

American  

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

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

Etymology

Origin of neurodivergent

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

Example Sentences

"It allows neurodivergent people to unmask and be themselves," Ursie says.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

Many families contacted BBC Your Voice to express their frustration and to say that it would stop them from taking their neurodivergent children to the Merlin theme parks they loved.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

The visual gags that are part of Jake’s physical travails not only elicit chuckles but add a neurodivergent undertone to the story.

From Salon • Dec. 19, 2025

“Let It Out,” a stand-up show hosted at the Laugh Factory, aimed to demonstrate that making comedy shows inclusive for neurodivergent people could be easy.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2025

"If you are simply written off because you're neurodivergent or disabled, then it can trap you in a cycle of worklessness and dependency for decades," Starmer will argue.

From Barron's • Dec. 1, 2025