neurodiversity

American  

[noor-oh-di-vur-si-tee, -dahy-, nyoor-] / ˌnʊər oʊ dɪˈvɜr sɪ ti, -daɪ-, ˌnyʊər- /

noun

1. the variation and differences in neurological structure and function that exist among human beings, especially when viewed as being normal and natural rather than pathological.

   recognizing autism as an example of neurodiversity.

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Other Word Forms

• neurodiverse adjective

Etymology

Origin of neurodiversity

First recorded in 1995–2000; neuro- + diversity ( def. )

Explanation

The normal variation in the way peoples' brains function is called neurodiversity. It's our neurodiversity that makes us unique in the way we think, learn, and communicate. Neurodiversity comes from the Greek neura, or "nerve," and the Latin diversus, "turned different ways." Human nervous systems, which include our brains, work in a wide variety of different ways. Many methods of perceiving and communicating that were once considered disorders are now seen as part of these normal differences. People with autism or ADHD, for example, are recognized as part of the range of human neurodiversity.

Example Sentences

Prevention strategies that take neurodiversity into account could go a long way toward reducing the number of young lives lost too soon.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025

One family might celebrate the neurodiversity of their child, while another may severely struggle with the lifelong disability of someone who remains nonverbal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 24, 2025

It said Visit Wales could support in educating the sector to understand neurodiversity and share relevant information or training on request.

From BBC • Aug. 28, 2025

For every story of excellence in neurodiversity there are those that play into unflattering stereotypes — such as attorneys for alleged quadruple murderer Bryan Kohberger considering introducing his autism into his defense.

From Salon • Mar. 2, 2025

In Scotland, more adults are seeking an autism diagnosis later in life because of better awareness of neurodiversity, according to the National Autistic Society Scotland.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2025