neurodivergent
NYOO-roh-dy-VER-juhnt
/ˌnjʊə.rəʊ.daɪˈvɜː.dʒənt/
Having brain function or neurological development that differs from what is considered typical.
Emphasizes neurological variation as a natural form of human diversity rather than a disease or deficit.
The story behind the word. Coined in the late 1990s by sociologist Judy Singer and expanded by neurodiversity advocates, 'neurodivergent' combines the Greek root for nerve with the Latin roots for turning away from a central course. It was specifically created to shift societal focus away from medical pathology toward human cognitive variance.
Word relationships
- neurologically diverse: 'Neurologically diverse' describes a group with varied brain functions, whereas 'neurodivergent' applies to an individual whose profile differs from the norm.
- neurotypical: 'Neurotypical' describes individuals whose neurological development and cognitive functioning align with dominant societal expectations.
Commonly confused with
- neurodiverse: 'Neurodiverse' applies to groups or populations with mixed neurological types, while 'neurodivergent' describes an individual whose brain operates differently from the norm.
Word family
- neurodivergence (noun): The state of having a brain that functions differently from societal norms.
Collocations
- neurodivergent students
- neurodivergent adults
- neurodivergent profiles
- support neurodivergent learners
Example sentences
- "Creating flexible classroom environments helps neurodivergent students thrive alongside their neurotypical peers." Educational Psychology
Memory hook
Think of NEURO (brain) DIVERGING (turning onto a unique path) from the standard highway. A brain that diverges into its own unique operating system.
When not to use
Do not use as a generic synonym for medical illness or to describe non-neurological physical disabilities.
Fun facts
- The term was popularized largely through online self-advocacy communities in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
- Conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia are commonly described under the neurodivergent umbrella.
Related words
Explore more words
divergent, Neuroscience, hyperfocus, developmental, neural, unconventional
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