What It Means
Neurodivergent describes a person whose brain develops or works differently from what's considered typical, bringing its own mix of strengths and challenges. Cleveland Clinic treats it as a nonmedical term, and no clinical body gives it an official definition, so it isn't a diagnosis. People most often use it about autismAutism spectrumAutism spectrum disorder: a developmental disability affecting social communication and interaction, with restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. See more, ADHDADHD in kidsAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children: ongoing trouble paying attention, sitting still or controlling impulses, beyond what's usual for their age. See more and learning disabilities such as dyslexiaDyslexiaA learning disability that makes reading words accurately and smoothly hard, mostly because linking letters to sounds is hard; schools call it a specific learning disability. See more.
Try It: Flip the Words That Travel With Neurodivergent
Open each card. These words get used together, and they mean different things.
Neurodivergent
Describes one person whose brain develops or works differently from what's considered typical. A nonmedical word, per Cleveland Clinic.
Neurotypical
Describes a person whose brain develops and works in the ways considered typical.
Neurodiversity
The idea that there's no single right way of thinking, learning or behaving, as Harvard Health puts it. Describes a whole population, not one person.
Diagnosis
A clinical finding, like autism or ADHD, made by a qualified professional after an evaluation. Neurodivergent isn't one.
How Parents Say It
- "Our whole family is a bit neurodivergent."
- "His teacher is great with neurodivergent kids."
- "She's neurodivergent, so loud rooms wear her out fast."
The Breakdown
The words, side by side
| Word | Describes | Medical diagnosis? |
|---|---|---|
| Neurodivergent | One person whose brain works differently | No |
| Neurotypical | One person whose brain works in typical ways | No |
| Neurodiversity | The natural variety of brains across all people | No |
| Autism, ADHD, dyslexia | Specific conditions | Yes, made by a qualified professional |
Through childhood. Differences in attention, communication, learning or senses can show up at different ages, some in the toddler yearsToddlerA child from 1 to 3 years old, the stage CDC's parenting guidance places between infancy and the preschool years. See more and some after a child starts school. Services such as early interventionEarly interventionServices under IDEA Part C for babies and toddlers from birth to age 3 who have a developmental delay or disability, and for their families. See more or special education depend on an evaluation: through the state's early intervention program before age 3, and through the public schoolPublic schoolA school run by publicly elected or appointed officials and paid for mainly with public money, including district, charter and magnet schools. See more after that.
When to talk to someone. If you're wondering about your child's development, attention or learning, start with the pediatrician. For a child in school, you can also ask the school in writing for an evaluation. Describe what you see day to day, including what your child is good at, since Cleveland Clinic frames neurodivergence as strengths as well as challenges.
Where It Comes From
The broader word neurodiversity is credited to Australian sociologist Judy Singer, who introduced it in the late 1990s during the autism rights movement, according to Harvard Health and Britannica. Singer used it to argue for the equal inclusion of people with neurological differences.
Good to Know
Because there's no official definition, people use the word differently, and some include conditions others don't. School supports and therapy services are decided by a formal evaluation or diagnosis, so describing a child as neurodivergent won't start them on its own. Talk with your child's doctor or the school about what an evaluation would look at.
FAQ
What does neurodivergent mean?
It describes a person whose brain develops or works differently from what's considered typical. Cleveland Clinic calls it a nonmedical term, and it's most often used for autism, ADHD and learning disabilities.
Is neurodivergent a diagnosis?
No. There's no official clinical definition. Autism, ADHD and dyslexia are diagnoses; neurodivergent is a descriptive word people use about themselves or others.
Who came up with the term neurodiversity?
Australian sociologist Judy Singer is credited with the word neurodiversity in the late 1990s, according to Harvard Health and Britannica. It came out of the autism rights movement of that time.
Do It in Buhata
Notes and Calendar
Keep notes on your child's strengths and struggles in Notes (Premium) in Buhata, and put the pediatrician or school meeting on the Calendar so you bring them along.
Open BuhataRelated Terms and Categories
- Autism spectrum
Autism spectrum disorder: a developmental disability affecting social communication and interaction, with restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests.
- ADHD in kids
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children: ongoing trouble paying attention, sitting still or controlling impulses, beyond what's usual for their age.
- Dyslexia
A learning disability that makes reading words accurately and smoothly hard, mostly because linking letters to sounds is hard; schools call it a specific learning disability.
- Sensory processing
How the brain takes in and responds to what a child hears, sees, touches, tastes and smells.
- IEP
An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is the written plan a public school makes for a child who qualifies for special education under IDEA.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic, "Neurodivergent: What It Is, Symptoms & Types"; Harvard Health Publishing, "What is neurodiversity?"; Britannica, "Neurodiversity"; Cambridge Dictionary, "neurodivergent"
- my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23154-neurodivergent
- www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-neurodiversity-202111232645
- www.britannica.com/topic/neurodiversity
- dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/neurodivergent
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