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
When a mysterious illness befalls the king, Prince Tristan is lured into a dangerous quest, while his younger brother William — neurodivergent and non-verbal — uncovers the plot at home.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 11 May 2026
There are certainly CEOs who are introverts or neurodivergent tinkerers who would rather chat with a robot than a room full of employees.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 7 May 2026
In partnership with the Chaka Khan Foundation, College Park has begun installing playground communication boards to help neurodivergent or nonverbal children communicate more easily at the park.
—Nakell Williams, CBS News, 7 May 2026
Panelists discussed the history of casting neurotypical actors in neurodivergent roles, and the misconception that this is easier than working with autistic actors.
—Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 5 May 2026
In more than 25 cities in 15 countries, Shukla has led the creation of models where neurodivergent professionals can thrive and companies can leverage their talents for cross-company business performance.
—Alan Schwarz, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Class participant Hanford, who identifies as a neurodivergent non-goth, experiences Goth Yoga LA as much more regulating than a mainstream yoga class.
—Rebecca Leib, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2026
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Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 11 May 2026
There are certainly CEOs who are introverts or neurodivergent tinkerers who would rather chat with a robot than a room full of employees.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 7 May 2026
In partnership with the Chaka Khan Foundation, College Park has begun installing playground communication boards to help neurodivergent or nonverbal children communicate more easily at the park.
—Nakell Williams, CBS News, 7 May 2026
Panelists discussed the history of casting neurotypical actors in neurodivergent roles, and the misconception that this is easier than working with autistic actors.
—Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 5 May 2026
In more than 25 cities in 15 countries, Shukla has led the creation of models where neurodivergent professionals can thrive and companies can leverage their talents for cross-company business performance.
—Alan Schwarz, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Class participant Hanford, who identifies as a neurodivergent non-goth, experiences Goth Yoga LA as much more regulating than a mainstream yoga class.
—Rebecca Leib, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Neurodivergent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurodivergent. Accessed 25 May. 2026.
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 hyperactivity disorder, 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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