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

Class participant Hanford, who identifies as a neurodivergent non-goth, experiences Goth Yoga LA as much more regulating than a mainstream yoga class.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

Kennedy received criticism from at least one Republican, Blake Moore of Utah, who said he had a neurodivergent son and was "underwhelmed" with the Trump administration's autism research efforts.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

It also includes casual mention of his diagnosis as neurodivergent.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 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