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

Many things mark Kenneth as different, including a halting manner of speaking that sometimes seems like neurodiversity and other times like post-traumatic shock.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Dr Adrian James, medical director for mental health and neurodiversity at NHS England, said: "Living with undiagnosed OCD can have a significant impact on people's lives, but there is support available through the NHS."

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

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

Each of them reflected on how the new government’s philosophy toward neurodiversity intersects with their own lived experiences.

From Salon • Mar. 2, 2025