Over the last few years, thanks to more conversations and awareness of inclusion and diversity, you may have noticed the word ‘Neurodiversity’, ‘Neurodiverse’, ‘Neurodivergent’ and ‘Neurotypical’ being used a lot more. This is great! But as often happens with new terminiology, sometimes it can be incorrectly used (even with the best intentions!).
So if you’re wondering what the definitions of these words are and when to use them, here’s my little guide:
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is all about how everyone’s brains are unique! Neurodiversity is the concept that the differences between different people’s brains is a natural variation.
What does Neurodivergent mean?
Neurodivergent is used as a word to describe a person. A person can be Neurodivergent (abbreviated to ‘ND’) if their brain works in a different way to what is considered the ‘norm’ by society. People who are Neurodivergent, for example, might be autistic, they might have ADHD, they might have dyslexia etc.
Neurotypical
Neurotypical is also a word to describe a person. Neurotypical is the opposite to Neurodivergent. A person can be Neurotypical (abbreviated to NT) if their brain works in a way that is ‘typical’ according to societal norms.
Neurodiverse
Neurodiverse is a word to describe a group of people who (because of neurodiversity!) will have brains that work in different ways to each other. In this group there will be people who are Neurodivergent and people who are Neurotypical.
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2 responses to “What does Neurodiversity, Neurodiverse, Neurodivergent and Neurotypical mean? – The importance of correct terminology.”
Thank you so much, glad it’s helpful.
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