neurodiverse
Wired differently, naturally
Neurodiverse describes people whose brains function differently from what's considered typical—including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or similar conditions.
The term reframes these differences as natural variation rather than deficits: Our company actively recruits neurodiverse candidates.
A neurodiverse group contains people with varied neurological profiles.
The related noun is neurodiversity.
Neurodevelopmental processing difference
- ADHDNeurodevelopmental focus impairment
- dyslexiaDifficulty processing written language
- dyspraxiaImpaired movement coordination disorder
- dyscalculiaImpaired numerical cognition
Tourette's · synesthesia · hyperlexia · dysgraphia · misophonia · aphantasia · hyperfocus · executive dysfunction
Shelter or housing provided
- accessibilityEase of approach
- universal designCreating spaces usable by all
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- awarenessState of perceiving reality
equity · belonging · support · understanding · empathy · allyship · advocacy · workplace inclusion
Non-standard brain function
- self-identificationClaiming an identity label
- prideSatisfaction from one's achievements
- self-advocacyPromoting one's own interests
- intersectionalityInterconnected identity-based discrimination study
coming out · unmasking · disclosure · lived experience · community · representation · visibility · authenticity
Uninterrupted, gradual sequence
- variabilityTendency to change
- rangeExtent of variation
- differencesWays things aren't alike
- diversityState of varied elements
heterogeneity · presentation · traits · overlap · co-occurrence · comorbidity · masking · camouflaging
Intense prolonged single-task concentration
- pattern recognitionIdentifying regularities in inputs
- systems thinkingAnalyzing interconnected wholes
- divergent thinkingProducing varied ideas freely
- lateral thinkingIndirect problem-solving approach
sensory sensitivity · detail-oriented · visual thinking · special interests · time blindness · intense focus · cognitive flexibility · processing speed
autism
Neurodevelopmental processing difference
- ADHDNeurodevelopmental focus impairment
- dyslexiaDifficulty processing written language
- dyspraxiaImpaired movement coordination disorder
dyscalculia · Tourette's · synesthesia · hyperlexia · dysgraphia · misophonia · aphantasia · hyperfocus · executive dysfunction · twice-exceptional
accommodation
Shelter or housing provided
- accessibilityEase of approach
- universal designCreating spaces usable by all
- acceptanceConsent to receive
awareness · equity · belonging · support · understanding · empathy · allyship · advocacy · workplace inclusion · educational support
neuroatypical
Non-standard brain function
- self-identificationClaiming an identity label
- prideSatisfaction from one's achievements
- self-advocacyPromoting one's own interests
intersectionality · coming out · unmasking · disclosure · lived experience · community · representation · visibility · authenticity · belonging
continuum
Uninterrupted, gradual sequence
- variabilityTendency to change
- rangeExtent of variation
- differencesWays things aren't alike
diversity · heterogeneity · presentation · traits · overlap · co-occurrence · comorbidity · masking · camouflaging · individual differences
hyperfocus
Intense prolonged single-task concentration
- pattern recognitionIdentifying regularities in inputs
- systems thinkingAnalyzing interconnected wholes
- divergent thinkingProducing varied ideas freely
lateral thinking · sensory sensitivity · detail-oriented · visual thinking · special interests · time blindness · intense focus · cognitive flexibility · processing speed · working memory
neurodiverseneurotypical
Standard cognitive wiring
typical · normal · conventional · standard · mainstream
neurodiversedisordered
Lacking systematic arrangement
abnormal · deficient · pathological · impaired · dysfunctional
neurodiverseneurotypical
Standard cognitive wiring
homogeneous · uniform · conformist · monocultural · standardized