neurodivergent
adjective
neu·ro·di·ver·gent
ˌnu̇r-ō-də-ˈvər-jənt 
ˌnyu̇r-
: having or relating to a disorder or condition (such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, or obsessive-compulsive disorder) that impacts the way the brain processes information : exhibiting or characteristic of variations in typical neurological development
Traveling can be stressful even under the best of circumstances. For neurodivergent travelers, schedule changes, new sights and sounds, airport delays, and unfamiliar foods can pose additional challenges.—
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie Davis SmithIt's also crucial when working with neurodivergent professionals to view management as an avenue for coaching. Too often, companies fire neurodivergent youth for not performing in the same way as neurotypical employees. Businesses must provide frequent, comprehensive reviews to better communicate what they need from an employee and to allow the employee to better understand how they can improve within their role.—Brandon Cardet-Hernandez and Kevin McGrath
compare neurotypical
Brandon Cardet-Hernandez and Kevin McGrath
neurodivergent
noun
plural neurodivergents
Some neurodivergents have difficulty interpreting nonverbal cues during interactions, such as subtle cues in sarcasm or flirtation …
—Maria Febiana Christanti et al.
Maria Febiana Christanti et al.
Examples of neurodivergent in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As her mother battles an uncertain cancer diagnosis, neurodivergent 22-year-old Margarita discovers a source of strength in an unexpected place: the sport of hobbyhorsing.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
As her mother battles an uncertain cancer diagnosis, neurodivergent 22-year-old Margarita discovers a source of strength in an
unexpected place: the sport of hobbyhorsing.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025
Around one in seven people in the UK are thought to be neurodivergent.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2025
There is a wide range of symptoms along the neurodivergent spectrum since being neurodivergent can involve many different conditions.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025
This is the second partnership between the museum and San Diego nonprofit The Art of Autism and is intended to foster understanding and support for the autism and broader neurodivergent communities.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
Local company Scale Naturally is providing neurodiversity training to hotels, the tourism board, and the Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association to help staff understand and accommodate neurodivergent guests.
—Lisa Kadane, AFAR Media, 1 Apr. 2025
Pham argued that designing care systems with neurodivergent individuals in mind would ultimately benefit everyone.
—Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Laurie Kern, who has two neurodivergent daughters in Cajon Valley Union School District, said that often public schools are the only schools with the infrastructure and community to support some students with disabilities.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
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Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
As her mother battles an uncertain cancer diagnosis, neurodivergent 22-year-old Margarita discovers a source of strength in an
unexpected place: the sport of hobbyhorsing.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025
Around one in seven people in the UK are thought to be neurodivergent.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 Apr. 2025
There is a wide range of symptoms along the neurodivergent spectrum since being neurodivergent can involve many different conditions.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Apr. 2025
This is the second partnership between the museum and San Diego nonprofit The Art of Autism and is intended to foster understanding and support for the autism and broader neurodivergent communities.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
Local company Scale Naturally is providing neurodiversity training to hotels, the tourism board, and the Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association to help staff understand and accommodate neurodivergent guests.
—Lisa Kadane, AFAR Media, 1 Apr. 2025
Pham argued that designing care systems with neurodivergent individuals in mind would ultimately benefit everyone.
—Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Laurie Kern, who has two neurodivergent daughters in Cajon Valley Union School District, said that often public schools are the only schools with the infrastructure and community to support some students with disabilities.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Neurodivergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurodivergent. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
neurodivergent
adjective
neu·ro·di·ver·gent
-də-ˈvər-jənt, -dī-
: having or relating to a disorder or condition (such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivitydisorder, dyslexia, or obsessive-compulsive disorder) that impacts the way the brain processes information : exhibiting or characteristic of variations in typical neurological development
Neurodivergent individuals often have particular communication needs and preferences, heightened sensory sensitivity, and challenges with executive functioning. … These aspects of neurodivergent experience fundamentally impact the way neurodivergent individuals communicate and interact with others and perform professional work.—Maitraye Das et al., Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interactions
compare neurotypical
Maitraye Das et al., Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interactions
neurodivergent
noun
Some neurodivergents have difficulty interpreting nonverbal cues during interactions, such as subtle cues in sarcasm or flirtation. … While text-based communication can provide inclusive space, it can be overwhelming for neurodivergents due to the lack of nonverbal cues …
—Maria Febiana Christanti et al., International Journal of Social Science Research & Review
Maria Febiana Christanti et al., International Journal of Social Science Research & Review
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