Neurodivergent/new-row-dye-VER-jent/

Neurodivergent describes brains that diverge from societal norms—not medical defects but neurological diversity. Created by the autistic community, it reframes difference as variation, not pathology.

What it includes:

• Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia
• Tourette syndrome, OCD, some mental health conditions
• Acquired neurodivergence (brain injury, PTSD)
• Multiple overlapping neurotypes (AuDHD, etc.)

What it means:

• Different information processing
• Alternative sensory experiences
• Varied social communication styles
• Distinct executive functioning patterns
• Unique strengths alongside challenges

The term shifts focus from individual deficit to societal barriers. A neurodivergent person isn't disabled by their brain but by environments that only accommodate one neurotype.

Everyday Life Examples

The meeting struggle: Jordan's ADHD brain generates brilliant connections between ideas but loses track during linear presentations. They're not "not paying attention"—they're processing differently. With meeting notes and freedom to doodle, they contribute insights others miss.

The sensory experience: Maya's autistic nervous system processes fluorescent lights as painful static. She's not "being difficult" about lighting—her brain literally receives different sensory data. With natural light or lamps, she excels.

The learning difference: David's dyslexic brain sees patterns in data others miss but struggles with written instructions. He's not "slow"—he's processing through different channels. With visual guides, he outperforms colleagues.

Practical Strategies

Self-advocacy:

• "My brain works best when..." instead of apologizing
• Request specific accommodations, not permission to be different
• Document what helps you thrive
• Connect with neurodivergent communities
• Remember: you're not broken

Environment design:

• Sensory-friendly spaces (lighting, sound, texture)
• Multiple communication channels
• Flexible work/school arrangements
• Clear, explicit expectations
• Choice and autonomy

For allies:

• Assume competence, accommodate difference
• Ask "What would help?" not "What's wrong?"
• Normalize accommodations for everyone
• Challenge neurotypical-as-default thinking

Quick Tips

• Today: Identify one thing that would make your environment more brain-friendly
• This week: Connect with neurodivergent community online or locally
• This month: Implement one accommodation without apology
• Long-term: Build life around your brain, not against it

The term emerged from autistic self-advocates who rejected pathological frameworks. Judy Singer coined "neurodiversity" in 1998; "neurodivergent" followed as individual identifier.

Key principles:

• Nothing about us without us
• Difference not deficit
• Social model of disability
• Neurological plurality as human right
• Identity-first language (usually)

The neurodivergent community fights for acceptance, not awareness—we don't need cure but accommodation.

Do / Don't

Do's

• Respect individual language preferences
• Presume competence
• Make spaces accessible by default
• Listen to neurodivergent voices
• Question "normal" assumptions

Don'ts

• Don't say "everyone's a little neurodivergent"
• Don't use as trendy label for quirks
• Don't speak over neurodivergent people
• Don't require diagnosis for acceptance
• Don't conflate with mental illness

For Families and Caregivers

Your neurodivergent family member isn't:

• Broken needing fixing
• Choosing to be difficult
• Failed version of neurotypical
• Less capable, just different

Support means:

• Accepting their neurotype completely
• Accommodating without shame
• Advocating in hostile spaces
• Celebrating neurodivergent identity
• Following their lead on language/needs

For Schools and Workplaces

Educators: Create neuroinclusive classrooms:

• Multiple ways to learn and demonstrate knowledge
• Sensory accommodations normalized
• Flexible deadlines and formats
• Celebrate cognitive diversity
• Stop punishing neurodivergent traits

Employers: Build neuroinclusive workplaces:

• Flexible hours and remote options
• Clear, direct communication
• Sensory-friendly spaces
• Skills-based not social hiring
• Accommodate without pathologizing

Intersectionality & Variation

• Race: BIPOC face additional barriers to recognition and support
• Gender: Women/trans people often diagnosed late or missed
• Class: Poverty limits access to accommodations
• Culture: Different cultures frame neurodivergence differently
• Age: Late-discovered neurodivergence brings unique challenges

Related Terms

• Neurotypical - Brains aligning with societal norms
• Neurodiversity - The concept that neurological differences are natural
• Neurominority - Neurodivergent people as minoritized group
• Neuroaffirming - Practices that respect neurological differences
• Allistic - Non-autistic, whether neurotypical or otherwise neurodivergent