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
The potential death of DEI will exacerbate the erasure of neurodivergent people.
—Maya Richard-Craven, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
The superpower narrative suggested that neurodivergent people were magical work fairies who could do difficult tasks faster than anyone else.
—Nancy Doyle, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
The Accountant 2 also stars Daniel Pineda, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, and several young neurodivergent performers who were cast from Los Angeles area programs.
—Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2025
The roughly 100-square-foot room, located in Concourse A, was designed by medical professionals and neurodivergent individuals.
—Kim Bojórquez, Axios, 6 Mar. 2025
Some neurodivergent people might experience rejection aversion even more acutely.
—Jillian Anthony, Vox, 5 Mar. 2025
Carleton adds sensory challenges are often present with children who are neurodivergent and tactile-sensitive.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 20 Feb. 2025
Hiring Practices: Traditional interviews that emphasize rapid responses and social interaction disadvantage neurodivergent candidates.
—Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
The format, which has been a success internationally, sees famous faces come up against a group of interviewers who are autistic, neurodivergent and/or learning disabled.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025
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Maya Richard-Craven, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
The superpower narrative suggested that neurodivergent people were magical work fairies who could do difficult tasks faster than anyone else.
—Nancy Doyle, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
The Accountant 2 also stars Daniel Pineda, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, and several young neurodivergent performers who were cast from Los Angeles area programs.
—Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2025
The roughly 100-square-foot room, located in Concourse A, was designed by medical professionals and neurodivergent individuals.
—Kim Bojórquez, Axios, 6 Mar. 2025
Some neurodivergent people might experience rejection aversion even more acutely.
—Jillian Anthony, Vox, 5 Mar. 2025
Carleton adds sensory challenges are often present with children who are neurodivergent and tactile-sensitive.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 20 Feb. 2025
Hiring Practices: Traditional interviews that emphasize rapid responses and social interaction disadvantage neurodivergent candidates.
—Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
The format, which has been a success internationally, sees famous faces come up against a group of interviewers who are autistic, neurodivergent and/or learning disabled.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Neurodivergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurodivergent. Accessed 3 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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