neurodiverse

adjective

neu·​ro·​di·​verse ˌnu̇r-ō-dī-ˈvərs How to pronounce neurodiverse (audio)
-də-ˈvərs,
-ˈdī-ˌvərs,
ˌnyu̇r-
: having, relating to, or constituting a type of brain functioning that is not neurotypical
… a way to help neurodiverse individuals adapt to a conventional environment.Thomas Armstrong
Those [loud] decibel levels can be pretty overwhelming for children who have autism or other neurodiverse conditions.Mike Gorrell

Note: The term neurodiverse is related to the concept of neurodiversity, which proposes that variation in brain functioning within the human population is normal and that brain functioning that is not neurotypical should not be stigmatized.

Examples of neurodiverse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Emmy-winning reality series Love on the Spectrum centers on the realities of dating for neurodiverse people from a vast selection of backgrounds. Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2024 And while places without a certification can be fantastic, a certification assures families that the location is especially well-equipped to meet the needs of neurodiverse guests. Jamie Davis Smith, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2023 More often than not, this actually hurts innovation by diminishing the potential for developing a neurodiverse environment in the workplace. Jennifer "jay" Palumbo, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The retailer said these changes were an attempt to be more inclusive of customers and employees with sensory disabilities, including neurodiverse individuals. Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 17 Feb. 2024 For this year’s prints, The Times partnered with Creativity Explored, a nonprofit in San Francisco that supports a neurodiverse community of artists with developmental disabilities. Laura Newberry, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2023 Affinity groups exist for families of African American, Chinese, Hispanic and Latino, Indian American, Muslim, and neurodiverse students. Jackie Valley, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Dec. 2023 At a high level, what Hermans does—in essence, preaching calmness—is not only beneficial to parents (or anyone else, really) but can be especially helpful towards neurodiverse people. Steven Aquino, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2023 Animation studio for the series’ animation, and a production team of neurodiverse and neurotypical writers, advisers and voice talent. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'neurodiverse.' 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- + diverse, after neurodiversity

First Known Use

2002, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neurodiverse was in 2002

Dictionary Entries Near neurodiverse

Cite this Entry

“Neurodiverse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurodiverse. Accessed 9 May. 2024.

Medical Definition

neurodiverse

adjective
neu·​ro·​di·​verse -dī-ˈvərs, -də- How to pronounce neurodiverse (audio)
: having or relating to brain function that is not neurotypical
At the heart of many conversations about accessibility is a normative idea that improving access to people, places, and spaces through technology will enhance the quality of life by allowing independence and autonomy for people with disabilities, neurodiverse people, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions.Ellen Simpson et al., Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction
A neurodiverse classroom is a classroom where students with all sorts of labels … come together as equals to form a new kind of classroom, one that represents that there is no such thing as a normal student and where each and every child is identified as a unique learner.Thomas Armstrong, Neurodiversity

Note: The term neurodiverse is related to the concept of neurodiversity, which proposes that variation in brain functioning within the human population is normal and that brain functioning that is not neurotypical should not be stigmatized.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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