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
About 1 in 5 children in the United States are estimated to be neurodivergent, with a range of learning and thinking differences, according to the nonprofit Understood.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Extraordinary Attorney Woo tackles hot-button issues in South Korea and beyond, including neurodivergent defendants navigating the criminal justice system, discrimination against those with disabilities, and the tricky political waters that come with defending a North Korean defector.
—Sara Netzley, EW.com, 13 July 2025
Gallup’s recent research on neurodivergent employees adds to the picture.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
The fundraiser benefiting neurodivergent adults in North County will include a Grape Stomp competition, dinner and live entertainment by D’Vine Path students.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025
Skarsgård says the creators didn’t set out to make the character overtly neurodivergent in the series.
—Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Algorithms can't distinguish among resilient veterans shifting into civilian roles, neurodivergent applicants who find traditional interviews daunting or creative personalities who pursue unconventional projects.
—Sherri Reese, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Keep in mind any challenges that neurodivergent kids might face, like ADHD or dyslexia, that will require not just extra support at home, but perhaps also intervention from the educators at your child’s school.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 30 June 2025
Its large-language model neurodiversity coach provides real-time support for neurodivergent managers and employees.
—Alan Schwarz, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
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Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Extraordinary Attorney Woo tackles hot-button issues in South Korea and beyond, including neurodivergent defendants navigating the criminal justice system, discrimination against those with disabilities, and the tricky political waters that come with defending a North Korean defector.
—Sara Netzley, EW.com, 13 July 2025
Gallup’s recent research on neurodivergent employees adds to the picture.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
The fundraiser benefiting neurodivergent adults in North County will include a Grape Stomp competition, dinner and live entertainment by D’Vine Path students.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025
Skarsgård says the creators didn’t set out to make the character overtly neurodivergent in the series.
—Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Algorithms can't distinguish among resilient veterans shifting into civilian roles, neurodivergent applicants who find traditional interviews daunting or creative personalities who pursue unconventional projects.
—Sherri Reese, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Keep in mind any challenges that neurodivergent kids might face, like ADHD or dyslexia, that will require not just extra support at home, but perhaps also intervention from the educators at your child’s school.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 30 June 2025
Its large-language model neurodiversity coach provides real-time support for neurodivergent managers and employees.
—Alan Schwarz, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Neurodivergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurodivergent. Accessed 20 Jul. 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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