← Back to Glossary
AUTISM GLOSSARY
Neurodivergent
DEFINITION
Neurodivergent describes a person whose neurological development differs from what is considered typical. The term includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, OCD, Tourette syndrome, and other neurological variations.
WHY IT MATTERS
Neurodivergent is an identity term adopted by many people who experience the world differently. It situates neurological differences within human diversity rather than medical pathology.
COMMON MISCONCEPTION
Neurodivergent is not a diagnosis. It is an identity and community term. Not everyone who qualifies medically identifies with it — and that is valid too.