neurotypical

adjective

neu·​ro·​typ·​i·​cal ˌnu̇r-ō-ˈti-pi-kəl How to pronounce neurotypical (audio)
ˌnyu̇r-
: not affected with 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 typical neurological development
neurotypical students
With developmental disorders, there is an added layer of confusion because people often appear neurotypical; they function well in some situations and not in others.Sallie Tisdale
compare neurodivergent
neurotypical noun
plural neurotypicals
They spoke about the differences in communication between autistic people and neurotypicals, and how that can impact lives. Katie Farthing

Examples of neurotypical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Previously, neurotypical was the term that defined what type of development was considered the norm. Sherri Gordon, Health, 17 Sep. 2024 Many autistic individuals experience retaliation or mistreatment after disclosing their autistic identity or behaving in ways that deviate from neurotypical norms. Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 This show was playing out before a crowd full of autistic adults and other neurodivergent people, many joined by their neurotypical family and friends. Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2024 Their diverse cognitive styles can lead to unique solutions that neurotypical peers might overlook. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for neurotypical 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neurotypical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

neuro- + typical

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neurotypical was in 1994

Dictionary Entries Near neurotypical

Cite this Entry

“Neurotypical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurotypical. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

neurotypical

adjective
neu·​ro·​typ·​i·​cal ˌn(y)u̇r-(ˌ)ȯ-ˈti-pi-kəl How to pronounce neurotypical (audio)
: not affected with 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 typical neurological development
Routine disruption appeared to be among the biggest stressors of the children with autism, compared to neurotypical peers. It is possible that this stress led to other challenges during the pandemic. … While the greatest stressor in the neurotypical group was isolation from friends, it was much less of a stressor for children with autism.Helen M. Genova et al., Frontiers in Education
compare neurodivergent
neurotypical noun
Individuals with autism may have different emotional responses than neurotypicals to the same situations, making it harder for neurotypicals to identify the antecedent of various reactions among individuals with autism. Sarah Hansen, Hussman Institute for Autism
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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