Neurodivergent is a word that describes all brains that think, learn and communicate differently to what is typical or make up the majority of people. See Neurodivergence for the noun counterpart.
Neurodivergent is a descriptor, but it’s also an identity for people with all different types of atypical brains, regardless of whether they were born neurodivergent or have acquired differences, have a formal diagnosis or self-identify as neurodivergent.
A brief history
Kassiane Asasumasu is an autistic activist who fights for autism awareness and acceptance. She coined several terms around neurodiversity, including the word neurodivergent.
She wanted the term neurodivergent to be inclusive of all atypical brains; it’s not just people with neurodevelopmental conditions like autism, ADHD and dyslexia. This meant that more neurodivergent people could advocate for themselves and find communities of people like them.
Neurodivergent communities are all unique and culturally-rich. We have a long history of oppression, but we also have a long history of excellence in activism, academics, art and much more.
Example in a sentence
“My university has great accommodations for neurodivergent people, and you don’t even have to be formally diagnosed to ask for them.”