neurodivergent means having an atypical neurological configuration. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 87 out of 100.
Why this word is great
NEURODIVERGENT — [Adjective] Having an atypical neurological configuration, such as autism or ADHD, that diverges from dominant societal standards. From neuro- (pertaining to the nervous system or brain) + divergent (differing or deviating). Coined by neurodiversity activist Kassiane Asasumasu in 2000. Unlike "neurotypical" (which denotes the unmarked, dominant cognitive norm) or "mentally ill" (which pathologizes treatable distress), neurodivergent is a non-pathologizing identity—a claim to a different, but equally valid, operating system. It is the sensory cacophony of fluorescent lights, the blissful hyperfocus that maps constellations in spreadsheet cells, and the social script learned through dedicated study rather than instinct: a testament to the irreducible plurality of human experience, and a quiet argument against the tyranny of the normal.
adj
- Having an atypical neurological configuration.“Interpreting text can be frustrating for anyone online, but is particularly so for users who are neurodivergent — a wide category that can refer to people with a range of neurological differences including autism spectrum disorder and dyslexia.”
noun
- One who is neurodivergent.“A second input stream, like closed captions, gives neurodivergents at work a better understanding of the context.”