neurodiversity

American  

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

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

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Etymology

Origin of neurodiversity

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

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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

See Examples For:

neurodiversity

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

Somerset Council plans to create more than 250 new high-needs places within mainstream schools over the next three years, including specialist units with smaller class sizes and staff trained in neurodiversity and emotional regulation.

From BBC ● Feb. 20, 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

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

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